Breed Comparison: American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Scottish Terrier

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American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Scottish Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and for the Scottish Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Scottish Terrier.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Scottish Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Scottish Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Scottish Terrier is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier are Terrier Dogs. This means both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Scottish Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier to the Scottish Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Scottish Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 11 to 13 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 18 to 22 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1140 $1750
Price Range $400 – $1200 $1398 – $2000
Temperament Score 87.4 percent 65.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • OFA
  • Patellar Luxation
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Scottish Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Scottish Terrier is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Scottish Terrier is a better pet than the American Pit Bull Terrier. So, you should get the Scottish Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Scottish Terrier

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier

    Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier are most different:

  • American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Scottish Terriers get along well with other dogs.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train. However, Scottish Terriers are not easy to train.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Scottish Terriers require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Scottish Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier.

    American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Scottish Terriers weigh 18 to 22 pounds when fully grown. Scottish Terriers are Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Scottish Terrier

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Scottish Terriers is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Scottish Terriers is 12.0 years.

    American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Scottish Terriers.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Scottish Terrier

    Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Scottish Terrier

    The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Scottish Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent while the temperament score for the Scottish Terrier is 65.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 65.7 percent, the Scottish Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 35 Scottish Terriers.

    Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Scottish Terrier

    The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of a American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Scottish Terrier puppy is $1750. The price of the Scottish Terrier typically ranges from $1398 – $2000. However, the price of the Scottish Terrier can be as low as $800 and as high as $3750. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 115 Scottish Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Scottish Terrier is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    American Pit Bull Terrier Scottish Terrier
    Average Price $1140 $1750
    Price Range $400 to $1200 $1398 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Pit Bull Terrier and Scottish Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies or how many Scottish Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Scottish Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Scottish Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy or the Scottish Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Scottish Terrier

    Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Scottish Terrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many American Pit Bull Terriers and many Scottish Terriers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male American Pit Bull Terrier named Odysseus that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable American Pit Bull Terriers like Odysseus on pefinder.com.

    Also, like American Pit Bull Terriers, Scottish Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Bob & Ray is a Male Scottish Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Scottish Terriers like Bob & Ray that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Giveon is the name of another American Pit Bull Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Mcarthur is an adorable Male Scottish Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    American Pit Bull Terriers and Scottish Terriers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more American Pit Bull Terriers and Scottish Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Scottish Terrier

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Scottish Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Scottish Terriers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Scottish Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Scottish Terrier

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Scottish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Scottish Terrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Scottish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Scottish Terrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Scottish Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Scottish Terriers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Scottish Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Scottish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Scottish Terrier

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Scottish Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Scottish Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Scottish Terrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Scottish Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Scottish Terriers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Scottish Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Scottish Terriers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Scottish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Scottish Terrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Scottish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Scottish Terrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Scottish Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Scottish Terrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Scottish Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Pit Bull Terrier:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier (76 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Scottish Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier.
  • American Water Spaniel (74 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Scottish Terrier vs American Water Spaniel.
  • German Shepherd Dog (77 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Scottish Terrier vs German Shepherd Dog.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Scottish Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Scottish Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Scottish Terrier:

  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Scottish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Puli (79 percent match with Scottish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Puli.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Scottish Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Scottish Terrier to other breeds:

    American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Black and Tan Coonhound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Basset Hound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     American Pit Bull Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier          American Pit Bull Terrier versus Borzoi     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Australian Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Border Collie     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Skye Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Australian Shepherd     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Mastiff     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Cane Corso     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Papipoo     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     American Pit Bull Terrier versus American Foxhound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus French Spaniel     

    Scottish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Scottish Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Scottish Terrier versus Beaglier     Scottish Terrier versus Kooikerhondje     Scottish Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Scottish Terrier versus Bullmastiff     Scottish Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel     Scottish Terrier versus Cavachon     Scottish Terrier versus Boxer     Scottish Terrier versus Irish Terrier     Scottish Terrier versus Beaglier     Scottish Terrier versus Pomapoo     Scottish Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier     Scottish Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier     Scottish Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound     Scottish Terrier versus King Shepherd     Scottish Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Scottish Terrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Scottish Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Scottish Terrier versus Maltipoo     Scottish Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Scottish Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff     Scottish Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Scottish Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Scottish Terrier versus American Bulldog     Scottish Terrier versus Boxerdoodle     

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Scottish Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Scottish Terrier better suits you and your family.