DogMatchUp

Chinook vs Scottish Terrier

Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

Chinook
Medium

Chinook

Working Group

Scottish Terrier
Toy

Scottish Terrier

Terrier Group

Quick Comparison

Size

Chinook Medium
Scottish Terrier Toy

Lifespan

Chinook 12-15 years
Scottish Terrier 12-12 years

Exercise Needs

Chinook 4/5
Scottish Terrier 3/5

Grooming Needs

Chinook 3/5
Scottish Terrier 4/5

Breed Overview

Chinook Overview

Majestic and powerful, the Chinook showcases a tawny coat with distinctive dark markings. Their athletic build combines strength with agility, featuring a deep chest and well-muscled frame. Distinguished by their gentle expression and intelligent eyes, these dogs carry themselves with dignity while maintaining an approachable demeanor that reflects their friendly nature.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Smart, Patient, Devoted

Scottish Terrier Overview

Scottish Terriers showcase a distinctive silhouette with their short legs, compact body, and characteristic beard and eyebrows. Their wiry double coat comes in black, wheaten, or brindle. Standing proudly with an alert expression and dignified bearing, these sturdy terriers possess a bold, confident personality wrapped in a small but muscular frame.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-12 years
Size: Toy
Temperament: Confident, Independent, Spirited

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Chinooks are more energetic than Scottish Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Chinooks require less grooming attention compared to Scottish Terriers.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chinooks tend to be more reserved with strangers than Scottish Terriers.
  • Trainability: Scottish Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Scottish Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Scottish Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Chinooks typically prefer homes with more space.

Detailed Comparison

Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chinook and Scottish Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Chinook Scottish Terrier
Size Medium Toy
Life Expectancy 12-15 years 12-12 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Working Group Terrier Group

Physical Characteristics

Feature Chinook Scottish Terrier
Height
22-26 inches
56-66 cm
10-10 inches
25-25 cm
Weight
50-90 lbs
23-41 kg
18-22 lbs
8-10 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Seasonal Occasional

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Chinook Scottish Terrier
Temperament Smart, Patient, Devoted Confident, Independent, Spirited
Energy Level
4/5
3/5
Intelligence
1/5
2/5

Compatibility

Feature Chinook Scottish Terrier
Good with Children
5/5
3/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
2/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
3/5

Temperament & Personality

Chinook Temperament

Smart Patient Devoted

The Chinook is known for being smart, patient, devoted, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Scottish Terrier Temperament

Confident Independent Spirited

The Scottish Terrier is characterized by being confident, independent, spirited, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.

Temperament Comparison

When comparing the Chinook and Scottish Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Chinook
3/5
Scottish Terrier
3/5

Good with Children

Chinook
5/5
Scottish Terrier
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Chinook

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 5/5

Scottish Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Chinook

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 5/5

Scottish Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 2/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Chinook

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Scottish Terrier

Low High

Rating: 3/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Chinook

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

Scottish Terrier

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Chinook

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Scottish Terrier

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Care & Maintenance

Chinook Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

4/5

Chinooks require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.

Grooming Requirements

3/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Chinooks require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.

Scottish Terrier Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Scottish Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.

Grooming Requirements

4/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Scottish Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.

Health & Lifespan

Chinook Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-15 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Cryptorchidism
  • Seizures
  • Bloat

Scottish Terrier Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-12 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Craniomandibular Osteopathy
  • von Willebrand's Disease
  • Scottie Cramp
  • Cerebellar Abiotrophy
  • Patellar Luxation

Pros & Cons

Chinook

Pros

  • Excellent working companion
  • Good with families
  • Highly trainable
  • Athletic and versatile

Cons

  • Requires significant exercise
  • Seasonal shedding
  • Not suited for apartments
  • May be reserved with strangers

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

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the Chinook and Scottish Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.