PuppyBase

Chihuahua vs Scottish Terrier

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Chihuahua vs Scottish Terrier

People compare Chihuahuas and Scottish Terriers because they’re both small, big-personality dogs that fit in apartments and carry themselves like they run the place. But that’s where the similarity ends. One’s a pocket-sized firecracker with a diva attitude, the other a stout, bearded little tank with the soul of a highland warrior. If you want a dog that’s always with you, curled in your sweater or glaring at squirrels from the windowsill, the Chihuahua might be your match. They’re fiercely loyal to one or two people, but that 1 out of 5 kid-friendliness score? That’s real. They don’t just dislike toddlers. they’re often terrified of them. You’ll also be buying tiny raincoats. At 6 pounds and low to the ground, they hate cold and get chilly fast. Scottish Terriers are sturdier, mentally and physically. They were bred to work alone, digging after foxes in rugged terrain, and it shows. They’re independent thinkers, so training takes patience, but they bond deeply with their people. They’re more likely to tolerate older kids and have a slightly calmer energy, though they’ll still bark at the mailman like it’s their job. Here’s the truth the breed standards won’t tell you: both can be stubborn, but the Scottie’s stubbornness comes with a quiet dignity, while the Chihuahua’s is pure drama. If you want a tiny dog that’s more like a feisty companion with a long history of attitude, go Chihuahua. If you want a small dog with the heart of a hunter and the presence of a Scottish laird, pick the Scottie. Your lifestyle isn’t the deciding factor. it’s your tolerance for sass.

Chihuahua
Scottish Terrier
5–8 in
Height
9.5–10 in
3–6 lb
Weight
18–22 lb
14–16 yr
Lifespan
12–12 yr
$1.0–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#33
AKC popularity
#57

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Chihuahua Scottish Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
Scottish Terrier is better with kids (2-point difference)
Scottish
Coat Grooming
Chihuahua needs less grooming (2-point difference)
Chihuahua
Affectionate w/ Family
Scottish Terrier is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Scottish
Good with Other Dogs
Chihuahua is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
Chihuahua
Drooling Level
Chihuahua drools less (1-point difference)
Chihuahua
The verdict

Choose the Chihuahua if…

  • Apartment living
  • Singles and couples
  • Retirees
  • You value good with other dogsChihuahua scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Scottish Terrier if…

  • Apartment living
  • Independent owners
  • Those wanting a distinctive, classic breed
  • You value good with young childrenScottish Terrier scores higher here.
Chihuahua Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Chihuahua home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Scottish Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Scottish Terrier home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run