Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Harrier Versus Scottish Terrier: Introduction
- Harrier versus Scottish Terrier: Overview
- Harrier versus Scottish Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Scottish Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Scottish Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Scottish Terrier
- Lifespan of Harrier versus Scottish Terrier
- Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Scottish Terrier
- The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Scottish Terrier
- Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Scottish Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Scottish Terrier
- Do Harriers shed more than Scottish Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Scottish Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Scottish Terrier?
- Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Scottish Terrier?
- Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Scottish Terriers?
- Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Scottish Terrier
- Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Scottish Terrier?
- Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Scottish Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Scottish Terriers?
- Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Scottish Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Scottish Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Harrier versus Scottish Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Harrier Versus Scottish Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Scottish Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier or the Scottish Terrier.
Harrier versus Scottish Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Harrier and the Scottish Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Harrier is a medium-sized dog while the Scottish Terrier is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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.
Harrier versus Scottish Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Harrier 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 Harrier and the Scottish Terrier
| Factor | Harrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Height | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds | 18 to 22 pounds |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1398 – $2000 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1750 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 183 | 57 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Harrier 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 Harrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Scottish Terrier is 77 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Scottish Terrier. So, you should get the Harrier!
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 Harrier and the Scottish Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Scottish Terrier
Below is a list of where the Harrier and the Scottish Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Scottish Terrier
The Harrier and the Scottish Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Harrier and the Scottish Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Scottish Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Scottish Terrier.
Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 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 Harrier versus Scottish Terrier
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Scottish Terriers is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Scottish Terriers is 12.0 years.
Scottish Terriers live longer than Harriers.
Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Scottish Terrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Harriers 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 Harrier named Bailey that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Harriers like Bailey on pefinder.com.
Also, like Harriers, 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.
Pilot is the name of another Harrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Skyler – Final Update – Rip is an adorable Male Scottish Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Harriers and Scottish Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Scottish Terrier
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Harrier and the Scottish Terrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Scottish Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Scottish Terrier is 57 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Harrier
Popularity of Scottish Terrier
| Year | Harrier Popularity Rank | Scottish Terrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 173 | 55 |
| 2014 | 181 | 59 |
| 2015 | 183 | 58 |
| 2016 | 186 | 58 |
| 2017 | 183 | 58 |
| 2018 | 189 | 57 |
| 2019 | 186 | 56 |
| 2020 | 190 | 57 |
Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Scottish Terrier
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Harrier and the Scottish Terrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Scottish Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Scottish Terrier than for the Harrier.
2 health tests are recommended for Harrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Scottish Terrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Harriers and in Scottish Terriers.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers here.
Scottish Terrier Health Problems
Scottish Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Scottish Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Scottish Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Scottish Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Scottish Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Scottish Terriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Harriers and Scottish Terriers
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Scottish Terrier Breed is Craniomandibular Osteopathy problems.
This is because the Scottish Terrier ranks 2 out of 2 dog breeds for Craniomandibular Osteopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 244 Scottish Terriers, 0 of them had Craniomandibular Osteopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Scottish Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Scottish Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Harrier and in Scottish Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Harrier and the Scottish Terrier:
| Disease | Harrier Rank | Scottish Terrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 76 out of 198 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Craniomandibular Osteopathy problems | Not Common | 2 out of 2 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 30 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 54 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 79 out of 182 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Scottish Terrier
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Scottish Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Harriers shed more than Scottish Terriers?
Harriers shed moderately.
Scottish Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Scottish Terrier
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Scottish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Scottish Terrier?
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Scottish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Scottish Terrier?
Harriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Scottish Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Scottish Terriers?
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Scottish Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Scottish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Scottish Terrier
Harriers 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 Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Harriers 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 Harrier or the Scottish Terrier?
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Scottish Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Scottish Terriers?
Harriers 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 Harriers and Scottish Terriers?
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Scottish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Scottish Terrier?
Harriers are not easy to train.
Scottish Terriers are not easy to train.
Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Scottish Terrier?
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Scottish Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Harrier or the Scottish Terrier?
Harriers 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 Harrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier 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 Harrier:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Harrier and how the Scottish Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Scottish Terrier to other breeds:
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Standard Schnauzer Harrier versus Beagle Harrier versus Border Terrier Harrier versus Irish Wolfhound Harrier versus Stabyhoun Harrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier Harrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Harrier versus Belgian Malinois Harrier versus Bernedoodle Harrier versus Briard Harrier versus Kooikerhondje Harrier versus Shetland Sheepdog Harrier versus Carolina Dog Harrier versus Belgian Sheepdog Harrier versus Carolina Dog Harrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Harrier versus Ibizan Hound Harrier versus Irish Wolfhound Harrier versus Valley Bulldog Harrier versus Finnish Lapphund Harrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Harrier versus Korean Jindo Dog Harrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Harrier versus Hovawart Harrier versus Australian Kelpie
Scottish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Scottish Terrier versus Welsh Terrier Scottish Terrier versus Cesky Terrier Scottish Terrier versus Cockapoo Scottish Terrier versus Rottweiler Scottish Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier Scottish Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund Scottish Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier Scottish Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier Scottish Terrier versus Pyredoodle Scottish Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur Scottish Terrier versus Lhasa Apso Scottish Terrier versus Mastiff Scottish Terrier versus Collie Scottish Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund Scottish Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund Scottish Terrier versus Shiranian Scottish Terrier versus Mudi Scottish Terrier versus Kooikerhondje Scottish Terrier versus Peek A Poo Scottish Terrier versus Frenchton Scottish Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel Scottish Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier Scottish Terrier versus Bearded Collie Scottish Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel Scottish Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Conclusion: Harrier 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 Harrier and the Scottish Terrier better suits you and your family.