Breed comparison
Scottish Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier
Scotties and Westies are two of the most recognizable Scottish terriers — and they have meaningfully different temperaments and care needs.
Scottish Terrier
Full breed guide →
West Highland White Terrier
Full breed guide →Quick answer
Scotties and Westies are both Highland-bred terriers with similar silhouettes, but very different temperaments. Scotties are aloof, dignified, and selectively loyal — almost cat-like. Westies are more openly sociable and friendlier with strangers. The Scottie has elevated bladder-cancer risk; the Westie has elevated skin-allergy risk. Pick a Scottie for an independent companion in a quieter household; pick a Westie for a more social terrier in busier surroundings.
The Scottie and the Westie are both Highland-bred terriers and both share the silhouette that makes them instantly recognizable on greeting cards and tartans. They share ancestry but were separated as breeds in the early 1900s, and they've drifted apart in temperament since. The Scottie is more aloof and dignified; the Westie is more outgoing and sociable. Color aside, the personality difference is the real choice.
Snapshot comparison
Trait
Scottish Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Size
10 inches at the shoulder
10–11 inches at the shoulder
Weight
18–22 lbs
15–20 lbs
Lifespan
12–15 years
13–15 years
Energy
Moderate
Moderate
Grooming
High — weekly brushing + strip
Moderate to high — weekly brushing + strip/clip
Best for
Best with adults and respectful older children
Good with respectful older children
Temperament
Scottish Terrier
Dignified, independent, deeply loyal to one or two people. Aloof with strangers, polite without being friendly.
West Highland White Terrier
Confident, sociable, friendlier with strangers. Westies greet visitors more readily and are more outgoing in public.
The verdict: Scottie if you want a cat-like dog with selective loyalty; Westie if you want a more social terrier.
Exercise
Scottish Terrier
30–60 minutes daily. Scotties are moderate-energy dogs.
West Highland White Terrier
30–60 minutes daily. Similar needs.
The verdict: Essentially identical exercise requirements.
Grooming
Scottish Terrier
High. Wire double coat needs weekly brushing + hand-stripping or clipping every 8 weeks.
West Highland White Terrier
Higher. White coat shows every speck of dirt — more frequent baths, more beard cleaning, plus same strip/clip schedule.
The verdict: Westies are slightly higher-maintenance due to the white coat.
Training
Scottish Terrier
Stubborn — Scotties decide whether to comply. Short sessions, high-value rewards, never harsh.
West Highland White Terrier
Smart and stubborn — Westies push back. Similar approach needed.
The verdict: Both are independent. Westies are sometimes marginally easier; both require patience.
Health
Scottish Terrier
Scotty cramp (mostly cosmetic), von Willebrand's disease, Cushing's, bladder cancer (elevated rate), skin tumors.
West Highland White Terrier
Atopic dermatitis (very common), Westie lung disease, craniomandibular osteopathy, patellar luxation.
The verdict: Different profiles. Scotties have elevated cancer rates; Westies have higher rates of chronic skin and lung issues.
Family fit
Scottish Terrier
Best with adults and respectful older kids. Scotties don't tolerate rough handling.
West Highland White Terrier
Same — best with respectful older kids.
The verdict: Comparable. Both are picky about how they're handled.
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Scottish Terrier
Pick a Scottish Terrier if you want a dignified, loyal companion who picks her people carefully. Better for single-person households, retirees, and anyone who appreciates an independent dog with strong character.
Pick the West Highland White Terrier
Pick a Westie if you want a friendlier, more outgoing small terrier who greets visitors and is happier in busier social households. Easier in apartments with neighbors.
Frequently asked questions
Are Scotties and Westies related?
Yes — both descend from the same Scottish Highland working terrier root, along with Cairn Terriers and Skye Terriers. The breeds were formally separated in the early 1900s and each developed distinct standards, but they share an ancestor.
Which is friendlier with strangers?
Westies are noticeably friendlier with strangers on average. Scotties tend to be polite-aloof — greeting visitors but not seeking attention from them. Westies are more likely to approach new people for pets.
Which is better for apartments?
Both are well-suited to apartments — small, moderate-energy, and quiet at home when their needs are met. Westies are typically slightly easier in apartments because they're less reactive to neighbor noise.
Which sheds less?
Comparable — both shed minimally when their wire coats are properly hand-stripped or clipped. Westies show shed hair more visibly on dark fabric due to color contrast.
Which is more popular?
Westies are significantly more popular in the US — they consistently rank among the top 35 AKC breeds. Scotties hover further down the list (typically top 50–60). Both are well-recognized; Westies are more commonly available through breeders and rescues.