PuppyBase

Harrier 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

Harrier vs Scottish Terrier

You probably wouldn’t cross a Harrier with a Scottish Terrier unless you were deep in the weeds of breed research, trying to balance energy, space, and that elusive “personality fit.” But here you are, torn between a country sprinter and a city philosopher. Let’s cut through it. The Harrier is the dog that wants to run with you. literally and emotionally. Bred to hunt hare in packs, this 50-pound hound thrives on movement, companionship, and open space. If you’ve got kids, a yard, and weekend hikes planned, the Harrier’s your ally. But don’t expect perfect recall off-leash; once that nose hits a scent, you’re negotiating with evolution. They’re loud, yes. barking scores high for a reason. and you’ll hear them at dawn, calling the pack. Shedding’s moderate, but their energy isn’t. This dog needs a job or it’ll invent one, likely involving your garden. Then there’s the Scottie. Low to the ground but high in attitude, this 20-pound terrier is a self-contained unit. Independent, a bit suspicious of strangers, and famously stubborn, the Scottie bonds fiercely with one or two people and tolerates the rest. They’re quieter in space but bold in spirit, perfect for apartments or slower-paced lives. But if you’ve got toddlers underfoot or a rabbit in a hutch, step back. Their prey drive doesn’t announce itself with barking. it just strikes. Here’s the thing no chart tells you: the Harrier loves the world; the Scottie tolerates it. Pick the Harrier if your life moves and you want a dog who’s always down to join. Pick the Scottie if you want a loyal, compact companion who’ll judge your choices but never leave your side. And if you’re not ready for a terrier’s mind games or a hound’s endless wanderlust, neither will forgive you.

Harrier
Scottish Terrier
19–21 in
Height
9.5–10 in
45–60 lb
Weight
18–22 lb
12–15 yr
Lifespan
12–12 yr
$1.0–2.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#189
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.
Harrier Scottish Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Other Dogs
Harrier is better with other dogs (3-point difference)
Harrier
Good with Young Children
Harrier is better with kids (2-point difference)
Harrier
Coat Grooming
Harrier needs less grooming (2-point difference)
Harrier
Watchdog / Protective
Scottish Terrier is more protective (2-point difference)
Scottish
Shedding Level
Scottish Terrier sheds less (1-point difference)
Scottish
The verdict

Choose the Harrier if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters
  • Rural living
  • You value good with other dogsHarrier 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.
Harrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Harrier 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