Breed Comparison: Komondor Versus Scottish Terrier

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Komondor Versus Scottish Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Komondor versus Scottish Terrier

Komondor versus Scottish Terrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Komondor belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Komondor versus Scottish Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Scottish Terrier

Factor Komondor Scottish Terrier
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 11 to 13 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Height 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 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
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 18 to 22 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $840 $1750
Price Range $550 – $800 $1398 – $2000
Temperament Score 90.0 percent 65.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA
  • Patellar Luxation
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 170 57

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Komondor 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 Komondor is 70 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 Komondor. 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 Komondor 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 Komondor and the Scottish Terrier

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

  • Komondors do not get along well with other dogs. However, Scottish Terriers get along well with other dogs.
  • Komondors are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Scottish Terriers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Komondors do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Scottish Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Komondors are very easy to train. However, Scottish Terriers are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Komondor and the Scottish Terrier

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

  • Both the Komondor and the Scottish Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Komondor and the Scottish Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Komondor and the Scottish Terrier require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Komondor and the Scottish Terrier have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Scottish Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Komondor and the Scottish Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Komondor and the Scottish Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Komondor and the Scottish Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Komondor and the Scottish Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Komondor and the Scottish Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Komondor and the Scottish Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Komondor versus Scottish Terrier

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

    Komondors weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Komondors are 25 to 27 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 Komondor versus Scottish Terrier

    The lifespan of Komondors is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Komondors 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 Komondors.

    Temperament of the Komondor Versus the Scottish Terrier

    The Komondor has a better temperament than the Scottish Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Komondor is 90.0 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 90.0 percent, the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Scottish Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 10 Komondors and 35 Scottish Terriers.

    Price of Komondor versus Price of Scottish Terrier

    The average price of the Komondor puppy is $840. The price of the Komondor typically ranges from $550 – $800. However, the price of a Komondor can be as low as $500 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 17 Komondor 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 Komondor.

    Komondor Scottish Terrier
    Average Price $840 $1750
    Price Range $550 to $800 $1398 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Komondors. 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 Komondor 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.

    The Popularity of Komondor 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 Komondor 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 Komondor. 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 Komondor is 170 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Scottish Terrier

    Popularity of Scottish Terrier

    Year Komondor Popularity Rank Scottish Terrier Popularity Rank
    2013 159 55
    2014 168 59
    2015 163 58
    2016 177 58
    2017 163 58
    2018 173 57
    2019 181 56
    2020 178 57

    Health Problems of Komondor 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 Komondor 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 the same number of genetic health problems as the Komondor.

    3 health tests are recommended for Komondor while 3 tests are recommended for the Scottish Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Komondors and in Scottish Terriers.

    Komondor Health Problems

    Komondors are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Komondor 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 Komondor puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Komondor 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 Komondors for:

  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Komondors 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:

  • OFA
  • Patellar Luxation
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Scottish Terriers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Komondors 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 Komondor Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Komondor ranks 19 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 54 Komondors, 1 of them had Eyes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Komondors, and how common these diseases are in Komondors relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 19 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 30 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 90 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • 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:

  • Craniomandibular Osteopathy problems: Rank 2 out of 2 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 30 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 54 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 79 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Komondor and in Scottish Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Komondor and the Scottish Terrier:

    Disease Komondor Rank Scottish Terrier Rank
    Eyes problems 19 out of 182 dog breeds 79 out of 182 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 30 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 90 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

    *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: Komondor versus Scottish Terrier

    Komondors do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Komondors shed more than Scottish Terriers?

    Komondors shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Komondor or the Scottish Terrier

    Komondors do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Scottish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Komondor or the Scottish Terrier?

    Komondors 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 Komondor Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Scottish Terrier?

    Komondors have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

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

    Do Komondors Bark and Howl? What about Scottish Terriers?

    Komondors 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 Komondors Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Komondors can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Scottish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Komondor vs. Scottish Terrier

    Komondors 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 Komondors Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Komondors 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 Komondor or the Scottish Terrier?

    Komondors do not get along well with other dogs.

    Scottish Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Komondors good family dogs? What about Scottish Terriers?

    Komondors 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 Komondors and Scottish Terriers?

    Komondors get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Komondor Easier to Train than the Scottish Terrier?

    Komondors are very easy to train.

    Scottish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Komondor Better for Apartment Owners than the Scottish Terrier?

    Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Scottish Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Komondors 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 Komondor

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

  • Belgian Tervuren (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Scottish Terrier vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Black Russian Terrier (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Scottish Terrier vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Giant Schnauzer (72 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Scottish Terrier vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • 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 Komondor vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Puli (79 percent match with Scottish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Puli.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Komondor Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Komondor versus Mastiff     Komondor versus Affenpinscher     Komondor versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Komondor versus Kishu Ken     Komondor versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Komondor versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Komondor versus Shetland Sheepdog     Komondor versus Portuguese Water Dog     Komondor versus Papipoo     Komondor versus Field Spaniel     Komondor versus Clumber Spaniel     Komondor versus Chi-Poo     Komondor versus Border Terrier     Komondor versus German Shepherd Dog     Komondor versus Shetland Sheepdog     Komondor versus Golden Retriever     Komondor versus Black Mouth Cur     Komondor versus Dutch Shepherd     Komondor versus Saluki     Komondor versus Patterdale Terrier     Komondor versus Goldendoodle     Komondor versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Komondor versus Belgian Malinois     Komondor versus Bolognese     Komondor versus Cocker Spaniel     

    Scottish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Scottish Terrier versus French Spaniel     Scottish Terrier versus Cockapoo     Scottish Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     Scottish Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     Scottish Terrier versus Golden Retriever     Scottish Terrier versus Boston Terrier     Scottish Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Scottish Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Scottish Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel     Scottish Terrier versus Pointer     Scottish Terrier versus Yorkipoo     Scottish Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer     Scottish Terrier versus Bull Terrier     Scottish Terrier versus American Bulldog     Scottish Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Scottish Terrier versus Bloodhound     Scottish Terrier versus Toy Poodle     Scottish Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     Scottish Terrier versus Belgian Malinois     Scottish Terrier versus Dalmatian     Scottish Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff     Scottish Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     Scottish Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     Scottish Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Scottish Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound     

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