DogMatchUp

Miniature Bull Terrier 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.

Miniature Bull Terrier
Small

Miniature Bull Terrier

Terrier Group

Scottish Terrier
Toy

Scottish Terrier

Terrier Group

Quick Comparison

Size

Miniature Bull Terrier Small
Scottish Terrier Toy

Lifespan

Miniature Bull Terrier 11-13 years
Scottish Terrier 12-12 years

Exercise Needs

Miniature Bull Terrier 4/5
Scottish Terrier 3/5

Grooming Needs

Miniature Bull Terrier 2/5
Scottish Terrier 4/5

Breed Overview

Miniature Bull Terrier Overview

Miniature Bull Terriers possess a distinctive egg-shaped head and muscular build, packed into a compact frame. Their gleaming white coat and mischievous expression reflect their playful nature. Standing 10-14 inches tall, these sturdy terriers combine strength with agility, featuring erect ears, small triangular eyes, and a well-proportioned body that exemplifies power and grace.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Size: Small
Temperament: Upbeat, Mischievous, Comical

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: Miniature Bull Terriers are more energetic than Scottish Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Miniature Bull Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Scottish Terriers.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Miniature Bull Terriers 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 Miniature Bull Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.

Detailed Comparison

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

Basic Information

Feature Miniature Bull Terrier Scottish Terrier
Size Small Toy
Life Expectancy 11-13 years 12-12 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Terrier Group Terrier Group

Physical Characteristics

Feature Miniature Bull Terrier Scottish Terrier
Height
10-14 inches
25-36 cm
10-10 inches
25-25 cm
Weight
18-28 lbs
8-13 kg
18-22 lbs
8-10 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Occasional Occasional

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Miniature Bull Terrier Scottish Terrier
Temperament Upbeat, Mischievous, Comical Confident, Independent, Spirited
Energy Level
4/5
3/5
Intelligence
2/5
2/5

Compatibility

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

Temperament & Personality

Miniature Bull Terrier Temperament

Upbeat Mischievous Comical

The Miniature Bull Terrier is known for being upbeat, mischievous, comical, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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 Miniature Bull Terrier and Scottish Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Miniature Bull Terrier
3/5
Scottish Terrier
3/5

Good with Children

Miniature Bull Terrier
3/5
Scottish Terrier
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Miniature Bull Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

Scottish Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Miniature Bull Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

Scottish Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 2/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Miniature Bull Terrier

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Scottish Terrier

Low High

Rating: 3/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Miniature Bull Terrier

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

Scottish Terrier

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Miniature Bull Terrier

Low High

Rating: 2/5

Scottish Terrier

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Care & Maintenance

Miniature Bull Terrier Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

4/5

Miniature Bull Terriers 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

2/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Miniature Bull Terriers 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

Miniature Bull Terrier Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 11-13 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Heart Issues
  • Lens Luxation
  • Deafness
  • Kidney Disease
  • Joint Problems

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

Miniature Bull Terrier

Pros

  • Compact size
  • Playful personality
  • Low grooming needs
  • Good with families

Cons

  • Stubborn streak
  • High exercise needs
  • Can be vocal
  • Health issues

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 Miniature Bull Terrier and Scottish Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.