Scottish TerrierVSYorkshire Terrier

The Scottish Terrier is known for being independent, confident, spirited, while the Yorkshire Terrier is typically described as spirited, bold, affectionate. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

The Yorkshire Terrier tends to be more playful, scoring 4/5 versus the Scottish Terrier's 3/5. Expect the Yorkshire Terrier to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

Noise-wise, the Yorkshire Terrier is more vocal with a barking level of 5/5, while the Scottish Terrier is quieter at 3/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Scottish Terrier may be the better choice.

The Scottish Terrier is a small breed standing 25–28 cm (10–11 in) tall and weighing 8–10 kg (18–22 lbs). In comparison, the Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed at 18–23 cm (7–9 in) and 2–3 kg (4–7 lbs).

The Scottish Terrier is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.

The Scottish Terrier has a wiry coat available in black, wheaten, brindle, while the Yorkshire Terrier sports a long coat in blue and tan, black and gold. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Scottish Terrier has moderate energy (3/5) with moderate exercise needs (3/5). The Yorkshire Terrier has moderate energy (3/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

The Scottish Terrier requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Yorkshire Terrier is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

For apartment dwellers, the Yorkshire Terrier is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 5/5, compared to the Scottish Terrier's 4/5. The Scottish Terrier generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

When it comes to shedding, the Scottish Terrier drops more fur with a shedding level of 2/5, while the Yorkshire Terrier is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Yorkshire Terrier will be easier to live with.

Grooming-wise, the Yorkshire Terrier needs more upkeep (5/5) than the Scottish Terrier (4/5). The Yorkshire Terrier's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $300 for the Scottish Terrier and $500 for the Yorkshire Terrier. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Scottish Terrier has a lifespan of 12–15 years, while the Yorkshire Terrier lives 13–16 years. The Yorkshire Terrier generally has a longer lifespan.

Both breeds score 3/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Scottish Terrier include scottie cramp, von Willebrand's disease, bladder cancer, craniomandibular osteopathy. The Yorkshire Terrier is prone to patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, tracheal collapse, dental disease. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the Scottish Terrier and $450 for the Yorkshire Terrier. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Training comes more naturally with the Yorkshire Terrier, which scores 3/5 for trainability. The Scottish Terrier's score of 2/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 4/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

Both the Scottish Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier score 4/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in instinctive intelligence. Each breed is naturally talented at the tasks they were originally bred for.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

For families with children, the Scottish Terrier is the stronger choice, scoring 3/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Yorkshire Terrier's 2/5. The Scottish Terrier's independent nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

The Yorkshire Terrier is more welcoming to strangers (3/5), while the Scottish Terrier tends to be more reserved (2/5). If you frequently have guests, the Yorkshire Terrier's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Scottish Terrier ranges from $1,000–$2,500, while a Yorkshire Terrier typically costs $800–$3,000. The Yorkshire Terrier is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,220 for the Scottish Terrier and $1,250 for the Yorkshire Terrier. The Yorkshire Terrier costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $35 for the Scottish Terrier and $25 for the Yorkshire Terrier. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.