PuppyBase

Drever 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

Drever vs Scottish Terrier

You probably landed here because both the Drever and Scottish Terrier are compact, feisty-looking dogs with short legs and big personalities. They’re not obvious rivals, but they do pop up together when you’re hunting. literally or figuratively. for a sturdy, weatherproof breed with a nose for adventure and a stubborn streak. That’s where the similarity ends. The Drever is a Swedish hunting machine built for endurance. Think of it as the off-road truck of scenthounds. lean, loud, and laser-focused when a trail heats up. At 35 to 40 pounds, it’s nearly twice the size of the Scottie and built to cover rugged terrain in cold climates. It’s great with kids, eager to please, and thrives when it has a job, whether that’s trailing deer or acing a scent workshop. But don’t try keeping one in an apartment or a yard with a flimsy fence. This dog will bay, bolt, and outlast you on a hike. The Scottish Terrier, meanwhile, is a pocket-sized stoic with a beard and backbone. Bred to go after vermin in rocky dens, it’s independent to a fault. It’ll bond fiercely with you but won’t jump through hoops just to please. It’s quieter on space, fine in apartments, and sheds less. but it’s not always a fan of kids or other pets. And while it doesn’t need miles of trail, it does need mental sharpness; boredom turns a Scottie into a willful little anarchist. Here’s the real talk: if you want a dog that’s part of your outdoor life and won’t flinch at snow or a 10-mile trek, go Drever. If you want a bold, low-maintenance companion with old-soul energy and you live in the city, the Scottie fits. But know this. neither will obey just because you asked. With these breeds, you’re not choosing a follower. You’re adopting a partner who’ll negotiate every decision.

Drever
Scottish Terrier
12–15 in
Height
9.5–10 in
35–40 lb
Weight
18–22 lb
15–15 yr
Lifespan
12–12 yr
$1.0–2.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
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.
Drever Scottish Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Other Dogs
Drever is better with other dogs (3-point difference)
Drever
Good with Young Children
Drever is better with kids (2-point difference)
Drever
Coat Grooming
Drever needs less grooming (2-point difference)
Drever
Watchdog / Protective
Scottish Terrier is more protective (2-point difference)
Scottish
Trainability
Drever is easier to train (2-point difference)
Drever
The verdict

Choose the Drever if…

  • hunters
  • active families in cold climates
  • outdoor adventurers
  • You value good with other dogsDrever scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Scottish Terrier if…

  • Apartment living
  • Independent owners
  • Those wanting a distinctive, classic breed
  • You value coat groomingScottish Terrier scores higher here.
Drever Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Drever 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