Australian Shepherd vs Scottish Terrier
Breed Compatibility
79% Compatible
Energy Level
Australian Shepherd: Energetic0.8
Scottish Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Australian Shepherd: Eager to Please1.0
Scottish Terrier: Independent0.4
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Australian Shepherd: Weekly Brushing0.4
Scottish Terrier: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Australian Shepherd5/5
Scottish Terrier3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Australian Shepherd3/5
Scottish Terrier2/5
Good with Strangers
Australian Shepherd3/5
Scottish Terrier3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Australian Shepherd
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
MDR1 Gene: Drug sensitivity issue
CEA: Hereditary eye condition
Epilepsy: Neurological disorder
Cataracts: Vision impairment risk
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development
Scottish Terrier
Craniomandibular Osteopathy: Jaw bone growth
von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting
Scottie Cramp: Movement disorder
Cerebellar Abiotrophy: Brain condition
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation
Thyroid Issues: Hormone imbalance
Pros & Cons Comparison
Australian Shepherd
Pros
Highly intelligent
Excellent work ethic
Versatile abilities
Strong protective instincts
Athletic and agile
Cons
High exercise needs
Intense herding instinct
Heavy shedding
Can be too energetic
Requires constant mental stimulation
Scottish Terrier
Pros
Loyal and protective
Low shedding
Good watchdog
Adaptable to various living spaces
Cons
Stubborn streak
High grooming needs
Can be territorial
Strong prey drive
Australian Shepherd Fun Fact
Australian Shepherds, despite their name, were actually developed in the western United States, not Australia!
Scottish Terrier Fun Fact
President Franklin D. Roosevelt's beloved Scottie, Fala, became one of the most famous presidential pets.
Heritage & Purpose
Australian Shepherd
Origin:
Developed in western United States during the 1800s, these dogs excelled in herding livestock across challenging terrain. Their versatile skills and keen intelligence made them invaluable to ranchers.
Scottish Terrier
Origin:
Developed in the Scottish Highlands during the 1700s, these tenacious terriers excelled at hunting badgers, foxes, and other burrowing prey in challenging terrain.
Special Considerations
Australian Shepherd
Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Requires extensive daily exercise and mental stimulation. Health testing for MDR1 gene mutation recommended.
Scottish Terrier
Regular professional grooming needed. Strong prey drive requires secure fencing. Early socialization important for balanced temperament.
Shedding
SeasonalShedding
OccasionalRelated Comparisons
Similar Size
Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren →Similar Size
Australian Shepherd vs Afghan Hound →