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Scottish Terriers vs. Other Dog Breeds: Comparison Guide

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Scottish Terriers are a unique breed of dog that’s known for its distinctive appearance and personality.

But how does this breed compare to other dog breeds?

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover the major differences between Scottish Terriers vs. 10 other dog breeds in terms of size, temperament, exercise needs, and more!

Scottish Terrier Vs Airedale

Scottish Terriers and Airedales are both working dogs that were originally bred for hunting.

They both fall into the medium size category, with Scottish Terriers weighing an average of 19-22 pounds and Airedales weighing an average of 40-60 pounds.

They’re both from the terrier family, which is known for being tenacious and energetic.

In terms of temperament, Scottish Terriers and Airedales are both independent, loyal, and protective of their family.

However, Airedales are often more reserved around strangers than Scottish Terriers.

When directly comparing the two Airedales are generally more laid back than Scottish Terriers and they require less exercise.

Airedales are also less likely to bark excessively than Scottish Terriers.

Scottish Terriers are small and compact, with a thick coat of wire-haired fur that helps protect them from the Scottish weather. 

They’re also independent and stubborn, which can make them difficult to train.

Airedales, on the other hand, are large and muscular, with a harsh coat of wire-haired fur that repels water and dirt. 

They’re also very independent and sometimes stubborn but a little easier to train.

Both breeds require regular exercise, but Scottish Terriers are better suited to short walks, while Airedales need plenty of space to run around. 

Here is a quick guide to their major differences based on categories:

Size: Scottish Terriers are small and compact weighing between 19-22 pounds, while Airedales are large and muscular weighing between 40-60 pounds.

Coat: Scottish Terriers have a thick coat of wire-haired fur, while Airedales have a harsh coat of wire-haired fur.

Shedding: Scottish Terriers do not shed much, while Airedales shed a moderate amount.

Exercise: Scottish Terriers need regular exercise, but are better suited to short walks, while Airedales need plenty of space to run around.

Temperament: Both breeds have very similar temperaments. They’re loyal, intelligent, affectionate, but also stubborn at times. Both breeds being from the terrier family gives them a level of independence. 

Trainability: Scottish Terriers can be difficult to train, with Airedales usually being easier to train.

Scottish Terrier Vs Corgi

Corgis are a small breed of dog that originated in Wales. They’re known for their short legs and long body.

Scottish Terriers and Corgis share some physical similarities, such as their short legs.

However, Scottish Terriers are slightly smaller than Corgis, weighing an average of 19-22 pounds compared to the Corgi’s average weight of 22-28 pounds.

Both Scottish Terriers and Corgis have a double coat of fur that helps protect them from the cold weather.

Corgis are considered to be a herding breed, while Scottish Terriers are considered to be a working breed.

Corgis were originally bred to herd cattle, while Scottish Terriers were originally bred to hunt  vermin.

In terms of temperament, Scottish Terriers and Corgis are both independent, loyal, and protective of their family. However, Scottish Terriers can be more aggressive than Corgis.

Corgis also require less exercise than Scottish Terriers and are less likely to bark excessively.

Here is a quick guide to their major differences based on categories:

Size: Scottish Terriers are slightly smaller than Corgis, weighing an average of 19-22 pounds compared to the Corgi’s average weight of 22-28 pounds.

Coat: Both Scottish Terriers and Corgis have a double coat of fur.

Shedding: Scottish Terriers do not shed much, while Corgis shed a lot.

Exercise: Both Scottish Terriers and Corgis need regular exercise. They have relatively similar levels of energy with the Scottish Terrier being a bit more intense then a Corgi.

Temperament: Both are friendly, independent, loyal, and protective of their family. They’re both affectionate with family and kid friendly. Corgis are more friendly with strangers but less friendly with other dogs.

Trainability: Scottish Terriers can be difficult to train, while Corgis are relatively easy to train.

Scottish Terrier Vs Dachshund

Dachshunds are a small breed of dog that originated in Germany. They’re known for their short legs and long body.

Scottish Terriers and Dachshunds share some physical similarities, such as their short legs.

However, Scottish Terriers are slightly smaller than Dachshunds, weighing an average of 19-22 pounds compared to the Dachshund’s average weight of 16-32 pounds.

Both Scottish Terriers and wire-haired Dachshunds have a double coat of fur that helps protect them from the cold weather.

However, the long-hair and smooth-coated Dachshunds have a single coat.

Dachshunds come in two varieties: standard and miniature. Scottish Terriers only come in one size.

In terms of temperament, Scottish Terriers and Dachshunds are both affectionate with family, kid-friendly, playful and loyal.

Dachshunds are a little less energetic, and tend to be more skittish with strangers than Scottish Terriers.

Dachshunds also require less exercise than Scottish Terriers.

Here is a quick guide to their major differences based on categories:

Size: Scottish Terriers are slightly smaller than Dachshunds, weighing an average of 19-22 pounds compared to the Dachshund’s average weight of 16-32 pounds.

Coat: Both Scottish Terriers and wire-haired Dachshunds have a double coat of fur. However, the long-haired and smooth coat Dachshunds have a single coat.

Shedding: Scottish Terriers do not shed much, while Dachshunds shed a moderate amount (depending what the Dachshunds coat is).

Exercise: Scottish Terriers need regular exercise, while Dachshunds only need moderate exercise.

Temperament: Both are intelligent, independent, loyal, and protective of their family. Dachshunds are less energetic, and tend to be more aloof with strangers.

Trainability: Scottish Terriers and Dachshunds can be difficult to train, but Dachshunds are slightly easier.

Scottish Terrier Vs French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are a small breed of domestic dog. They’re the result of a cross between English Bulldogs and French Terriers.

Scottish Terriers are slightly smaller than French Bulldogs, weighing an average of 19-22 pounds and 10 inches tall compared to the French Bulldog’s average weight of 16-28 pounds and height of 11-12 inches tall.

Scottish Terriers have a double coat that helps protect them from the cold weather. Whereas a Frenchie only has a single layer of fur.

The only exception is in the brindle Frenchie that can have a double coat.

For shedding the Scottish Terrier is a non-shedder and the French Bulldog sheds moderately.

In terms of temperament, Scottish Terriers and French Bulldogs both are affectionate with family, kid-friendly, and playful. French Bulldogs are less energetic, and tend to be more relaxed than Scottish Terriers.

Here is a quick guide to their major differences based on categories:

Size: Scottish Terriers are slightly smaller than French Bulldogs, weighing an average of 19-22 pounds and standing at about 

Coat: Scottish Terriers have a double coat, while French Bulldogs only have a single layer of fur (with the exception of the brindle Frenchie).

Shedding: Scottish Terriers do not shed much, while French Bulldogs shed moderately.

Exercise:  French Bulldogs do not need much exercise, while Scottish Terriers need regular exercise.

Temperament: Both are intelligent, independent, and loyal. Neither are aggressive unless improperly trained. The major difference in their temperaments is that French Bulldogs are less energetic and more relaxed than Scottish Terriers.

Trainability: Scottish Terriers can be difficult to train. French Bulldogs aren’t hard but not easy either.

Scottish Terrier Vs Jack Russell

They may be small, but these two breeds of dogs are full of personality.

The Scottish Terrier is a fearless and determined dog, originally bred for hunting vermin.

The Jack Russell Terrier is also a tenacious hunter, known for its high energy and endless enthusiasm.

But what are the key differences between these two popular breeds? Let’s take a closer look.

Scottish Terriers have a thick, wiry coat that’s typically black or gray in color.

They’re also relatively stocky, with short legs and a broad head.

In contrast, Jack Russells have a smooth coat that can be any color or combination of colors.

They’re also more slender than Scottish Terriers, with long legs and a narrow head.

When it comes to personality, both breeds are independent, stubborn, and determined.

However, Jack Russells are also known for being playful and friendly, while Scottish Terriers can be more aloof with strangers.

In terms of trainability, Jack Russells are easier to train than Scottish Terriers.

This is because they’re more food-motivated and less independent.

Finally, Jack Russells require more exercise than Scottish Terriers.

This is because they’re high energy dogs that need to burn off excess steam.

Here is a quick guide to their major differences based on categories:

Size: Scottish Terriers are stocky with short legs, while Jack Russells are slender with long legs.

Coat: Scottish Terriers have a thick, wiry coat, while Jack Russells have a smooth coat.

Shedding: Both have minimal shedding but the Jack Russell Terrier has a bit more.

Exercise:  Jack Russell Terriers require more exercise than Scottish Terriers.

Temperament: Both breeds are independent and stubborn, but Jack Russells are also known for being

Trainability: Jack Russells are easier to train than Scottish Terriers.

Scottish Terrier Vs Schnauzer

If you’re trying to decide between a Scottish Terrier and a Schnauzer, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

Both of these breeds are loyal and energetic, but the Scottish Terrier is more independent while the Schnauzer is more people-oriented.

Both don’t shed much, but the Schnauzer requires regular grooming to keep its coat looking neat.

When it comes to training, the Scottish Terrier is intelligent but can be stubborn and hard to train.

The Schnauzer is also intelligent but much easier to train. 

In terms of energy the Scottish Terrier will need less exercise than the Schnauzer.

Here is a more summarized look at their key differences:

Size: The Scottish Terrier is slightly smaller than the Schnauzer, weighing an average of 19-22 pounds and standing at about  11-13 inches tall. The Schnauzer is larger, weighing an average of 35-45 pounds and standing at about 17-19 inches tall

Coat: Both breeds have a double coat that’s thick and wiry.

Shedding: Both breeds have minimal shedding but the Schnauzer requires regular grooming.

Exercise: The Scottish Terrier will need less exercise than the Schnauzer.

Temperament: The Scottish Terrier is more independent while the Schnauzer is more people-oriented. Both are loyal, playful, energetic, and affectionate to their family.

Trainability: The Scottish Terrier is intelligent but can be stubborn and hard to train. The Schnauzer is intelligent and easier to train.

Scottish Terrier Vs Westie

When it comes to choosing a furry friend, there are endless options to choose from. But if you’re looking for a loyal companion with plenty of personality, you might want to consider a Scottish Terrier or a Westie.

Both breeds are known for their high energy levels and playful dispositions. They’re also roughly the same size at 10 inches tall with a range of weights from 15-22 pounds.

Westies can be as small as 13 pounds so they’re technically the smaller breed.

Some differences are, Scottish Terriers tend to be more independent, while Westies are typically more people-oriented.

Westies also get along great with other dogs whereas the Scottish Terriers can be more standoffish if they don’t know the other dog.

Another difference is Scottish Terriers shed much less than Westies and are harder to train.

In terms of exercise, both require a similar amount of exercise and stimulation.

Here’s a quick overview of their key differences:

Size: Scottish Terriers weigh an average of 19-22 pounds and stand at about 11-13 inches tall. Westies weigh an average of 20-22 pounds and stand at about 12-14 inches tall.

Coat: Both have a double coat that require regular grooming

Shedding: Scottish Terriers shed less than Westies but not by much. Both are considered low shedders.

Exercise: Both require a similar amount of exercise and stimulation.

Temperament: Scottish Terriers tend to be more self-reliant, while Westies are more people-oriented. If the Scottish Terrier doesn’t know the other dog, it may be standoffish with them. Westies are very dog friendly. Both are playful, energetic, and loving with their family.

Trainability: Scottish Terriers are clever and stubborn making them difficult to teach. Westies are much easier to train.

Scottish Terrier Vs Yorkie

If you’re trying to decide whether a Scottish Terrier or a Yorkie is the right breed of dog for you, it’s important to understand the key differences between these two popular breeds.

Both Scottish Terriers and Yorkies are small dogs with big personalities, but they can differ significantly in terms of energy levels, shedding, and trainability.

In terms of size, Yorkies are 4-6 pounds and 9-9 inches tall compared to the Scottish Terrier’s 11-13 inches and 15-22 pounds.

Scottish Terriers are notoriously independent and stubborn, while Yorkies are much more easygoing and responsive to training.

In terms of Shedding, both breeds lose a moderate amount of hair, but Scottish Terriers are known to be less prone to problems like excessive shedding and dander buildup.

When it comes to energy levels, both tend to be quite high-energy with Yorkies slightly taking the edge.

Here’s a quick overview of their key differences:

Size: Yorkies are 4-6 pounds and 9-9 inches tall. Scottish Terriers are 15 to 22 pounds and  11 to 13 inches tall.

Coat: Scottish Terriers have a double coat that’s thick and wiry. The Yorkie has a single coat that’s long, silky, and perfectly straight.

Shedding: Yorkies and Scottish Terriers both lose a moderate amount of hair. Scottish

Exercise: Both require a similar amount of exercise and stimulation.

Temperament: Scottish Terriers tend to be more independent and stubborn, while Yorkies are much more easygoing and responsive to training. Yorkies are also known to be lap dogs.

Trainability: Scottish Terriers are clever and stubborn making them difficult to teach. Yorkies fall in the middle, being easier to train than a Scottish Terrier but not by much.

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