Scottish Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

Scottish Terrier

Size
19–22 lbs, 10–11 in
Lifespan
12 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
No
Independent Confident Spirited Dignified

Yorkshire Terrier

Size
4–7 lbs, 7–8 in
Lifespan
11–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
Yes
Bold Confident Spirited Affectionate

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.

About the Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the mid-19th century in the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire by working-class weavers who bred small terriers to catch rats in textile mills and coal mines. Despite their current status as a glamorous toy breed, these feisty dogs retain every bit of their terrier courage in a tiny 7-pound, 7-to-8-inch frame. Their signature floor-length, silky coat is steel blue on the body and rich golden tan on the head and legs — a single-layer coat that grows continuously and is remarkably similar to human hair in texture.

Temperament & Personality

Yorkshire Terriers are bold, confident, and fiercely loyal — they carry themselves with a self-importance that far exceeds their diminutive stature, never hesitating to challenge dogs ten times their size. They are deeply attached to their owners and can be wonderful companions for adults and older children, though their small size and feisty temperament make them a poor fit for rough play with toddlers. Yorkies are intelligent, curious, and entertaining, bringing big-dog energy and attitude to the smallest package in the terrier world.

Pros

  • Minimal shedding — silky coat is more similar to hair than fur
  • Tiny size ideal for apartments, travel, and urban living
  • Bold watchdog temperament — always alert to unusual activity
  • Long lifespan of 11 to 15 years with proper care

Cons

  • Fragile — easily injured by falls, being sat on, or rough handling
  • Long coat demands daily brushing or regular professional grooming
  • Prone to tracheal collapse, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, and dental disease
  • Can be difficult to housetrain and may develop snappish behavior if overindulged

Yorkshire Terriers prove that the best things truly come in small packages — find your Yorkie on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Scottish Terrier and a Yorkshire Terrier?
The Scottish Terrier is 19–22 lbs, 10–11 in sized while the Yorkshire Terrier is 4–7 lbs, 7–8 in sized. They differ in size (19–22 lbs, 10–11 in vs 4–7 lbs, 7–8 in), lifespan (12 years vs 11–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Scottish Terrier or Yorkshire Terrier?
Scottish Terrier is not typically good with kids. Yorkshire Terrier is not typically good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Scottish Terrier or Yorkshire Terrier?
The Scottish Terrier has a lifespan of 12 years while the Yorkshire Terrier has a lifespan of 11–15 years.

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