Scottish Terrier Stud Dog Guide: Scotty Cramp, Von Willebrand's & Health Testing

The Scottish Terrier is one of the most distinctive terriers — independent, dignified, and intensely loyal. The breed carries several hereditary conditions that any serious breeder must test for before every litter.

The Scottish Terrier (Scottie) is a compact, sturdy terrier at 18–22 lbs with a characteristic long head, prick ears, and distinctive gait. They are intensely loyal to their family while reserved with strangers — a true terrier in temperament. But the breed has a documented genetic burden, and skipping health testing in Scotties is genuinely irresponsible.

Breed-Specific Conditions

Scottie Cramp

Scottie Cramp is a heritable movement disorder specific to Scottish Terriers. Affected dogs experience episodes of abnormal, exaggerated movement — arching of the back, overflexion of the limbs, and stumbling — triggered by excitement or exercise. It is caused by a serotonin pathway abnormality. It is not painful and does not shorten lifespan, but it is distressing to observe and is a quality-of-life issue.

DNA testing for Scottie Cramp is available. Clear studs are strongly preferred. Carrier × Clear breedings are acceptable if documented. Carrier × Carrier should be avoided.

Von Willebrand's Disease (vWD)

vWD Type III is the most severe form of vWD and occurs in Scottish Terriers. Affected dogs have essentially no functional von Willebrand factor and can experience life-threatening bleeds from routine surgery or trauma. DNA testing is required for every Scottie stud. vWD Type III is completely avoidable — never breed two Carriers together.

Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO)

CMO causes abnormal bone growth in the skull and jaw of young puppies, causing significant pain during growth. It is heritable and specific to terrier breeds including the Scottie. There is no DNA test currently, but selecting against lines with CMO history is important.

Bladder Cancer Risk

Scottish Terriers have one of the highest rates of transitional cell carcinoma (bladder cancer) of any breed — approximately 18–20 times the rate of mixed-breed dogs. There is currently no pre-breeding genetic test, but awareness of this risk is important for buyers and breeders. A dog from a line with multiple early cancer deaths should be used with caution.

Additional Health Testing

Eye Certification (CAER)

Annual CAER eye exam. PRA and lens luxation occur in the breed.

Patellar Evaluation

OFA patella evaluation is recommended for small breed studs.

Stud Fees for Scottish Terriers

Scottie stud fees typically range from $800 to $1,800:

• Health-tested male with Scottie Cramp Clear, vWD Clear, CAER: $800–$1,400
• AKC champion with full health documentation: $1,200–$1,800

Summary

A Scottish Terrier stud must be DNA tested for Scottie Cramp and Von Willebrand's Disease Type III — both are breed-specific and entirely avoidable. Annual CAER eye certification completes the essential panel. Ask about CMO history and cancer longevity in close relatives. Fees run $800–$1,400 for a well-tested male with documented Clear status on both primary genetic tests.