Differences and Similarities between the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier.

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Dutch Shepherd Versus Scottish Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd or the Scottish Terrier.

Dutch Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier

Dutch Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Dutch Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Scottish Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs 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.

Dutch Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier

Factor Dutch Shepherd Scottish Terrier
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 13 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Height 21 to 25 inches Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 1/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 18 to 22 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1590 $1750
Price Range $900 – $2000 $1398 – $2000
Temperament Score 96.2 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Scottish Terrier is 77 out of 125.

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

    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 Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Dutch Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier are most different:

  • Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Scottish Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train. However, Scottish Terriers are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier

    The Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier.

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 inches 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 Dutch Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier

    The lifespan of Dutch Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Dutch Shepherds is 13.5 years.

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

    Dutch Shepherds live longer than Scottish Terriers.

    Dutch Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier

    Temperament of the Scottish Terrier Versus the Dutch Shepherd

    The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Scottish Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 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 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 26 Dutch Shepherds and 35 Scottish Terriers.

    Price of Dutch Shepherd versus Price of Scottish Terrier

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd.

    Dutch Shepherd Scottish Terrier
    Average Price $1590 $1750
    Price Range $900 to $2000 $1398 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. 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 Dutch Shepherd 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.

    Dutch Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier

    Adopting the Dutch Shepherd versus Adopting the Scottish Terrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherd named Doc that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Dutch Shepherds like Doc on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Dutch Shepherds, Scottish Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Scottie is a Male Scottish Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Scottish Terriers like Scottie that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Wilson is the name of another Dutch Shepherd (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Robbie And Mickey – Adoption Pending 11/19 is an adorable Male Scottish Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Dutch Shepherds and Scottish Terriers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Dutch Shepherds and Scottish Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Scottish Terriers?

    Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherd or the Scottish Terrier

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Scottish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Scottish Terrier?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Scottish Terrier?

    Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Scottish Terriers?

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Scottish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Scottish Terrier

    Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dutch Shepherd or the Scottish Terrier?

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Scottish Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Scottish Terriers?

    Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds and Scottish Terriers?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Scottish Terrier?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Scottish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Scottish Terrier?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Scottish Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dutch Shepherd or the Scottish Terrier?

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd:

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Scottish Terrier vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Scottish Terrier vs Japanese Spitz.
  • 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 Dutch Shepherd vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Puli (79 percent match with Scottish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Puli.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Peek A Poo     Dutch Shepherd versus Beaglier     Dutch Shepherd versus Weimaraner     Dutch Shepherd versus Shichon     Dutch Shepherd versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Dutch Shepherd versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Dutch Shepherd versus Valley Bulldog     Dutch Shepherd versus Plott     Dutch Shepherd versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Dutch Shepherd versus Catahoula Bulldog     Dutch Shepherd versus Barbet     Dutch Shepherd versus Beaglier     Dutch Shepherd versus Shiranian     Dutch Shepherd versus Schnoodle     Dutch Shepherd versus Mal Shi     Dutch Shepherd versus Affenpinscher     Dutch Shepherd versus Chihuahua     Dutch Shepherd versus Australian Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Peek A Poo     Dutch Shepherd versus Yorkshire Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Norfolk Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Korean Jindo Dog     Dutch Shepherd versus Shiloh Shepherd     Dutch Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer     Dutch Shepherd versus Lagotto Romagnolo     

    Scottish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Scottish Terrier versus Boerboel     Scottish Terrier versus Briard     Scottish Terrier versus Japanese Chin     Scottish Terrier versus Bordoodle     Scottish Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier     Scottish Terrier versus Golden Retriever     Scottish Terrier versus Pyredoodle     Scottish Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer     Scottish Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Scottish Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Scottish Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     Scottish Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer     Scottish Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Scottish Terrier versus Mudi     Scottish Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Scottish Terrier versus Peek A Poo     Scottish Terrier versus Yorkipoo     Scottish Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Scottish Terrier versus Goldendoodle     Scottish Terrier versus Pyredoodle     Scottish Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier     Scottish Terrier versus Affenpinscher     Scottish Terrier versus Mastiff     Scottish Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Scottish Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier     

    Conclusion: Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Scottish Terrier better suits you and your family.