People mix these two up all the time. They’re both small Scottish terriers, they’re roughly the same size, and if you squint, they look like different-colored versions of the same dog. But spend five minutes with each breed and you’ll realize they couldn’t be more different.
We live with a Westie (Sami, going on 7 years now), and we’ve spent plenty of time around Scotties. The personality gap is enormous. If the Westie is the outgoing friend who talks to everyone at a party, the Scottie is the one in the corner having a deep conversation with one person and ignoring the rest of the room.
Here’s a proper breakdown of how these two breeds compare – appearance, temperament, grooming, health, and which one might actually fit your life.
Shared History
Both breeds come from the Scottish Highlands, where they were bred to do the same job: hunt vermin. Rats, badgers, foxes – anything small that was causing problems on farms. That shared working heritage is why they have so many surface-level similarities: small, sturdy bodies, double coats, and a terrier tenacity that borders on obsession.
They’re both part of the broader Scottish Highland Terrier family, which also includes the Cairn Terrier, Skye Terrier, and Dandie Dinmont. The Scottie is actually considered the oldest of the group. The Westie came later – legend has it the breed was deliberately developed as a white terrier after a landowner accidentally shot one of his reddish-brown dogs, mistaking it for a fox.
The AKC recognized the Scottie in 1885 and the Westie in 1908.
Appearance: How to Tell Them Apart
The most obvious difference is color. Westies are always white. Scotties come in black, wheaten, or brindle – never white. If it’s white, it’s a Westie. If it’s black, it’s a Scottie. (Wheaten Scotties can cause some confusion, but they’re a warmer cream color, not the crisp white of a Westie.)
Beyond color, the face shape is a dead giveaway. Westies have a rounded, almost teddy-bear face with a shorter muzzle. Scotties have an elongated, rectangular face with a longer snout, prominent eyebrows, and a beard that gives them a distinguished, slightly grumpy look – like a tiny old professor.
Ear size differs too. Westies have smaller, wide-set triangular ears. Scotties have larger, higher-set pointed ears.
Body proportions are different as well. Westies are more compact and proportionate. Scotties are longer in the body relative to their height, giving them that distinctive low-slung silhouette.
Size Comparison
Westie: 25-28 cm (10-11 inches) tall, 7-10 kg (15-22 lbs)
Scottie: 25-28 cm (10-11 inches) tall, 8.5-10.5 kg (19-23 lbs)
Very similar in height, but Scotties tend to be a bit heavier due to their heavier bone structure.
Temperament: This Is Where It Gets Interesting
This is the real difference between these two breeds, and it’s significant.
Westie Temperament
Westies are friendly, outgoing, and social. They love people – family, strangers, the delivery person, anyone who’ll give them attention. They bond with the whole family, not just one person. They’re playful, affectionate, and generally happy dogs.
They’re also vocal. Very vocal. Sami barks at everything: the doorbell, birds, the wind, shadows, and things only he can see. This makes Westies great watchdogs but potentially annoying if you live in an apartment with thin walls.
Westies are stubborn, but in a charming way. They know what you want. They just sometimes decide they’d rather not. Training works, but it takes patience and treats. Lots of treats.
Scottie Temperament
Scotties are more reserved, independent, and dignified. They’re loyal to their family but aloof with strangers. While a Westie will rush to greet a visitor, a Scottie will size them up from across the room and decide later whether they’re worth acknowledging.
Scotties tend to bond most strongly with one or two people rather than the whole household. They’re not lap dogs – they prefer being in the same room as you rather than on top of you.
Surprisingly for a terrier, Scotties aren’t big barkers. They have a deep, pronounced bark that they use when it matters, but they’re not yappy.
Scotties are more stubborn than Westies (and that’s saying something). Training requires real patience and experience. This is generally not a breed recommended for first-time dog owners.
With Kids and Other Pets
If you have children, the Westie is the safer choice. Westies are generally patient with kids and enjoy the extra attention and playtime. They rarely nip, and they’re tolerant of the chaos that comes with a family.
Scotties are less patient. They don’t tolerate rough handling well and can snap if pushed. They’re better suited to families with older children who understand how to respect a dog’s boundaries.
With other dogs, Westies are generally more sociable. They enjoy dog parks and playing with other breeds. Scotties can be territorial and confrontational with other dogs, especially those they don’t know.
Both breeds have a strong prey drive (they’re terriers, after all). Cats might work with early socialization, but small rodent pets are risky with either breed.
Grooming
Both breeds have double coats that require regular maintenance. Neither sheds much, which makes them both reasonable choices for allergy sufferers.
Westies require more grooming overall. That white coat needs daily brushing to prevent matting and keep it looking clean. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is standard. The haircut options range from the classic Westie shape to a low-maintenance puppy cut. You can choose between hand stripping and clipping.
Scotties need less frequent grooming but still require regular brushing and trimming. Their darker coats hide dirt better (an advantage when your dog likes to dig, which Scotties absolutely do). Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is typical.
Both breeds need regular dental care, ear cleaning, and nail trims. Dental hygiene is especially important for both, as small breeds are prone to dental disease.
Health
Both breeds are generally healthy with similar lifespans – Westies average 13-15 years, Scotties average 12-14 years.
Common Westie health issues include atopic dermatitis and skin allergies (this is a big one – about 25% of Westies are affected), pulmonary fibrosis, liver problems, and patellar luxation.
Common Scottie health issues include “Scottie cramp” (a movement disorder unique to the breed), bladder cancer (Scotties are more susceptible than most breeds), von Willebrand’s disease (a bleeding disorder), and joint problems.
Both breeds can develop cataracts and other eye problems as they age. Regular vet checkups are essential for both.
Exercise
Both breeds need daily exercise but aren’t extremely demanding. About 30-60 minutes a day works for either breed – a good walk plus some playtime.
Westies tend to be slightly more energetic and playful. They love walks, games, and will happily keep going. Scotties have energy too, but they’re more purposeful about it – they’d rather investigate something interesting than play fetch.
Both breeds love to dig. If you have a garden you care about, be prepared. This is non-negotiable terrier behavior. You’re not going to train it out of them.
Training
Westies are easier to train than Scotties. Not easy – just easier. The Westie’s desire to please their owner gives you a bit more leverage. They respond well to positive reinforcement and will learn commands relatively quickly, as long as they find it interesting.
Scotties are more independent-minded. They’re intelligent, but they don’t feel the same need to please you. Training a Scottie requires more patience, consistency, and experience. If you’ve never trained a dog before, a Scottie will test you.
For both breeds, early socialization is critical. The more people, dogs, and environments they’re exposed to as puppies, the better-adjusted they’ll be as adults.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a Westie if: you want a friendly, social, family-oriented dog that gets along with kids and other dogs. You don’t mind the barking. You’re willing to invest in regular grooming. You want a dog that’s fun, expressive, and always happy to see you. You might be a first-time dog owner.
Choose a Scottie if: you prefer a more independent, dignified dog. You want a quieter breed. You don’t have very young children. You have experience with terrier breeds. You appreciate a dog with a strong personality who doesn’t need constant attention.
We’re obviously biased – we live with a Westie and wouldn’t trade him for anything. But we’ve seen Scotties that are wonderful dogs too. It really comes down to what kind of personality you want to come home to every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a Westie and a Scottie?
The biggest differences are color (Westies are always white, Scotties are black, wheaten, or brindle) and temperament (Westies are outgoing and social, Scotties are more reserved and independent). They also differ in face shape – Westies have rounded faces, Scotties have elongated muzzles.
Are Westies or Scotties better with children?
Westies are generally better with children. They’re more patient, tolerant, and enjoy the energy that kids bring. Scotties can be less patient with rough handling and are better suited to families with older children.
Do Scotties bark as much as Westies?
No. Scotties are surprisingly quiet for a terrier breed. They have a deep bark they use when necessary, but they’re not yappy. Westies bark much more frequently – at strangers, noises, and sometimes nothing at all.
Which breed lives longer, Westies or Scotties?
Westies have a slightly longer average lifespan at 13-15 years compared to Scotties at 12-14 years. Both are long-lived small breeds with proper care and regular veterinary checkups.
Can Westies and Scotties live together?
Yes, with proper introduction and socialization. Their shared terrier heritage means they understand each other’s play style. However, Scotties can be territorial, so introductions should be gradual. Having one of each sex (one male, one female) tends to work better.
More About Westies
For a complete overview of the Westie breed, read our complete West Highland White Terrier guide. You might also be interested in the Westie and Scottie mix (Scoland Terrier) – a cross between the two breeds that combines traits from both.
If you’re thinking about traveling with either breed, both are small enough for in-cabin air travel. Our guide to flying with your dog in the cabin covers everything you need to know about carrier requirements, airline rules, and preparation.
Related Guides
If you’re leaning toward a westie, these guides cover what to expect:
Thanks so much for the valuable information, it has helped me to make a decision.