What is the difference between a Labrador Retriever and a Scottish Terrier?

The Labrador Retriever is 55–80 lbs, 21–25 in sized while the Scottish Terrier is 19–22 lbs, 10–11 in sized. They differ in size (55–80 lbs, 21–25 in vs 19–22 lbs, 10–11 in), lifespan (10–12 years vs 12 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, Labrador Retriever or Scottish Terrier?

Labrador Retriever is generally good with kids. Scottish Terrier is not typically good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Labrador Retriever or Scottish Terrier?

The Labrador Retriever has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Scottish Terrier has a lifespan of 12 years.

Labrador Retriever vs Scottish Terrier — Breed Comparison

About the Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever has been America's most popular dog breed for over three decades — and for good reason. Originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada, during the early 19th century to help fishermen haul nets and retrieve catch from the icy North Atlantic, the breed was refined in England into the versatile sporting dog we know today. Labs stand 21.5–24.5 inches tall and weigh 55–80 pounds, with a short, dense, water-resistant double coat in three recognized colors: black, yellow (ranging from fox-red to pale cream), and chocolate.

Temperament & Personality

Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited — they greet nearly every person, dog, and situation with unbridled enthusiasm and a wagging tail. They are exceptionally patient and gentle with children, making them one of the most trusted family dogs in the world. Labs are also remarkably intelligent and eager to please, which is why they dominate as guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and detection dogs across dozens of working disciplines.

Pros

Outstanding family dog — patient, gentle, and naturally good with children of all ages
Highly trainable and eager to please — consistently ranks among the most obedient breeds
Versatile and adaptable — equally at home on the couch, in the field, or in the water
Friendly and social temperament — gets along well with other dogs, cats, and strangers

Cons

Heavy shedding year-round with major seasonal blowouts — not suited for allergy sufferers
Prone to obesity — Labs are notoriously food-motivated and will eat anything not locked away
High energy in the first 2–3 years — requires substantial daily exercise to prevent destructive behavior
Susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, exercise-induced collapse, and progressive retinal atrophy

There's a reason the Lab is the world's favorite dog — discover adoptable Labrador Retrievers on Puplister today.

About the Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier — often called the "Scottie" — is one of Scotland's oldest terrier breeds, developed in the Aberdeen area during the 18th and 19th centuries to hunt foxes, badgers, and rats underground. These compact, powerful dogs stand about 10 inches tall and weigh 18 to 22 pounds, with a low center of gravity and surprisingly heavy bone for their size. Their harsh, wiry outer coat and soft, dense undercoat come in black, wheaten, or brindle, and the breed's distinctive profile — long head, erect ears, and bushy eyebrows — is among the most recognizable in dogdom.

Temperament & Personality

Scottish Terriers are independent, dignified, and fiercely loyal to their people — often described as having an "old soul" quality uncommon in the terrier group. They tend to bond most deeply with one or two people and can be reserved or aloof with strangers, making them natural watchdogs. Scotties can be assertive with other dogs, especially those of the same sex, and their strong prey drive means small animals are rarely safe in their presence.

Pros

Compact and sturdy — well-suited for apartment living with regular exercise
Low-shedding wiry coat when properly maintained through hand-stripping
Loyal, devoted companion with a dignified, independent character
Excellent watchdog — alert and naturally suspicious of strangers

Cons

Stubbornly independent — training requires patience and creative motivation
Prone to von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder), Scottie cramp, and bladder cancer
Can be aggressive toward other dogs, especially unfamiliar ones
Requires regular professional grooming or hand-stripping every 6 to 8 weeks

The Scottish Terrier's unwavering loyalty and distinctive charm are one of a kind — find your Scottie on Puplister.

Labrador Retriever vs Scottish Terrier