Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Havanese Versus Scottish Terrier: Introduction
- Havanese versus Scottish Terrier: Overview
- Havanese versus Scottish Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Havanese and the Scottish Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Havanese and the Scottish Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Havanese versus Scottish Terrier
- Lifespan of Havanese versus Scottish Terrier
- Temperament of the Havanese Versus the Scottish Terrier
- Price of Havanese versus Price of Scottish Terrier
- Adopting the Havanese versus Adopting the Scottish Terrier
- The Popularity of Havanese versus Popularity of Scottish Terrier
- Health Problems of Havanese versus Health Problems of Scottish Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Havanese versus Scottish Terrier
- Do Havaneses shed more than Scottish Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Havanese or the Scottish Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Havanese or the Scottish Terrier?
- Does the Havanese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Scottish Terrier?
- Do Havaneses Bark and Howl? What about Scottish Terriers?
- Can Havaneses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Havanese vs. Scottish Terrier
- Can Havaneses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Havanese or the Scottish Terrier?
- Are Havaneses good family dogs? What about Scottish Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Havaneses and Scottish Terriers?
- Is the Havanese Easier to Train than the Scottish Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Havanese
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Scottish Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Havanese versus Scottish Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Havanese Versus Scottish Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Havanese 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 Havanese 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 Havanese and the Scottish Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Havanese 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 Havanese 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 Havanese 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 Havanese or the Scottish Terrier.
Havanese versus Scottish Terrier: Overview
Both the Havanese and the Scottish Terrier are similar in size. The Havanese and the Scottish Terrier are both small-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Havanese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
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.
Havanese versus Scottish Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Havanese 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 Havanese and the Scottish Terrier
| Factor | Havanese | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 7 to 13 pounds | 18 to 22 pounds |
| Height | 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder | Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $2180 | $1750 |
| Price Range | $1700 – $2750 | $1398 – $2000 |
| Temperament Score | 81.8 percent | 65.7 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 23 | 57 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Havanese 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 Havanese is 91 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Scottish Terrier is 77 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Havanese is a better pet than the Scottish Terrier. So, you should get the Havanese!
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 Havanese 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 Havanese and the Scottish Terrier
Below is a list of where the Havanese and the Scottish Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Havanese and the Scottish Terrier
The Havanese and the Scottish Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Havanese and the Scottish Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Havanese versus Scottish Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Havanese and the Scottish Terrier.
Havaneses weigh 7 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Havaneses are 8 to 11 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 Havanese versus Scottish Terrier
The lifespan of Havaneses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Havaneses 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.
Havaneses live longer than Scottish Terriers.
Temperament of the Havanese Versus the Scottish Terrier
The Havanese has a better temperament than the Scottish Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Havanese is 81.8 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 81.8 percent, the Havanese has a below-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 Havanese and the Scottish Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 11 Havaneses and 35 Scottish Terriers.
Price of Havanese versus Price of Scottish Terrier
The average price of the Havanese puppy is $2180. The price of the Havanese typically ranges from $1700 – $2750. However, the price of a Havanese can be as low as $600 and as high as $4550. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 647 Havanese 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 Havanese is more expensive than the Scottish Terrier.
| Havanese | Scottish Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2180 | $1750 |
| Price Range | $1700 to $2750 | $1398 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Havanese and Scottish Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Havanese puppies or how many Scottish Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Havaneses. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Scottish Terriers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Havanese 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.
Adopting the Havanese versus Adopting the Scottish Terrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Havaneses 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 Havanese named Brooklyn that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Havaneses like Brooklyn on pefinder.com.
Also, like Havaneses, Scottish Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Maxx is a Male Scottish Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Scottish Terriers like Maxx that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Zaki is the name of another Havanese (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Ace is an adorable Male Scottish Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Havaneses and Scottish Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Havanese 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 Havanese and the Scottish Terrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Havanese is more popular with dog owners than the Scottish Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Havanese is 23 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Scottish Terrier is 57 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Havanese
Popularity of Scottish Terrier
| Year | Havanese Popularity Rank | Scottish Terrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 25 | 55 |
| 2014 | 25 | 59 |
| 2015 | 24 | 58 |
| 2016 | 23 | 58 |
| 2017 | 23 | 58 |
| 2018 | 24 | 57 |
| 2019 | 22 | 56 |
| 2020 | 24 | 57 |
Health Problems of Havanese 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 Havanese 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 Havanese is prone to more genetic health problems than the Scottish Terrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Havanese than for the Scottish Terrier.
4 health tests are recommended for Havanese while 3 tests are recommended for the Scottish Terrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Havaneses and in Scottish Terriers.
Havanese Health Problems
Havaneses are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Havanese 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 Havanese puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Havanese 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 Havaneses for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Havaneses 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 Havaneses 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 Havanese Breed is Dentition Database problems.
This is because the Havanese ranks 3 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 371 Havaneses, 106 of them had Dentition Database problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Havaneses, and how common these diseases are in Havaneses 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 Havanese and in Scottish Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Havanese and the Scottish Terrier:
| Disease | Havanese Rank | Scottish Terrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Dentition Database problems | 3 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Baer Hearing Test problems | 18 out of 21 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 20 out of 115 dog breeds | 54 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 38 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 55 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 59 out of 145 dog breeds | 30 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 70 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 111 out of 182 dog breeds | 79 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 123 out of 198 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Craniomandibular Osteopathy problems | Not Common | 2 out of 2 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: Havanese versus Scottish Terrier
Havaneses do not like to be left alone.
Scottish Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Havaneses shed more than Scottish Terriers?
Havaneses do not shed a lot. They are good 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 Havanese or the Scottish Terrier
Havaneses do have a very low tendency to drool.
Scottish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Havanese or the Scottish Terrier?
Havaneses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Scottish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Havanese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Scottish Terrier?
Havaneses 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 Havaneses Bark and Howl? What about Scottish Terriers?
Havaneses 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 Havaneses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Havaneses can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Scottish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Havanese vs. Scottish Terrier
Havaneses 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 Havaneses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Havaneses 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 Havanese or the Scottish Terrier?
Havaneses get along very well with other dogs.
Scottish Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Havaneses good family dogs? What about Scottish Terriers?
Havaneses 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 Havaneses and Scottish Terriers?
Havaneses get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Scottish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Havanese Easier to Train than the Scottish Terrier?
Havaneses are very easy to train.
Scottish Terriers are not easy to train.
Is the Havanese Better for Apartment Owners than the Scottish Terrier?
Havaneses adapt very well to apartment living.
Scottish Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Havanese or the Scottish Terrier?
Havaneses are very good for new dog owners.
Scottish Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Havanese
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Havanese 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 Havanese:
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 Havanese and how the Scottish Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Havanese and of the Scottish Terrier to other breeds:
Havanese Versus Other Dog Breeds
Havanese versus Chinese Shar-Pei Havanese versus Black and Tan Coonhound Havanese versus Cesky Terrier Havanese versus Icelandic Sheepdog Havanese versus Patterdale Terrier Havanese versus Ibizan Hound Havanese versus Labrador Retriever Havanese versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Havanese versus Pomchi Havanese versus Beagle Havanese versus Alaskan Malamute Havanese versus Spinone Italiano Havanese versus Akbash Havanese versus Bedlington Terrier Havanese versus Lhasapoo Havanese versus Welsh Terrier Havanese versus Cane Corso Havanese versus Sloughi Havanese versus Boxerdoodle Havanese versus Pekingese Havanese versus Lowchen Havanese versus Boykin Spaniel Havanese versus Hovawart Havanese versus Finnish Spitz Havanese versus Field Spaniel
Scottish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Scottish Terrier versus Bull Terrier Scottish Terrier versus Aussiedoodle Scottish Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Scottish Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher Scottish Terrier versus Border Terrier Scottish Terrier versus Morkie Scottish Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund Scottish Terrier versus Newfoundland Scottish Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog Scottish Terrier versus Affenpinscher Scottish Terrier versus Miniature Poodle Scottish Terrier versus Affenhuahua Scottish Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute Scottish Terrier versus Afghan Hound Scottish Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund Scottish Terrier versus Boerboel Scottish Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog Scottish Terrier versus Cane Corso Scottish Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund Scottish Terrier versus Dalmatian Scottish Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog Scottish Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Scottish Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli Scottish Terrier versus Japanese Chin Scottish Terrier versus Australian Terrier
Conclusion: Havanese 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 Havanese and the Scottish Terrier better suits you and your family.