Scottish Terrier vs Golden Retriever

Side-by-side comparison — size, temperament, traits, costs, and health

Scottish Terrier
Category
Golden Retriever

📏 Physical Stats

18 - 22
Weight (lbs)
55 - 75
10
Height (inches)
21.5 - 24
11 - 13 years
Life Expectancy
10 - 12 years
Terrier
Breed Group
Sporting
Scotland
Origin
Scotland
Vermin hunting
Bred For
Retrieving

⚡ Temperament & Traits

Scores are 1–5 from breed data. Higher = more of that trait. Barking: lower is quieter.

5/5
Better
Energy Level
4/5
4/5
Better
Trainability
2/5
5/5
Good with Children
5/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
4/5
Better
Grooming Needs
5/5

💰 Cost of Ownership

Based on breed-specific cost data at a moderate care level — quality food, routine vet, occasional grooming, standard insurance. Actual costs vary by location and provider.

Annual Cost
$2,096
Scottish Terrier
vs
Annual Cost
$2,844
Golden Retriever
Scottish Terrier
Expense
Golden Retriever
$2,096
Lower ✓
Annual Cost
$2,844
$2,816
Lower ✓
First Year
$3,564
$25,872
Lower ✓
Lifetime Total
$32,004
$336
Lower ✓
Food (annual)
$780
$515
Lower ✓
Vet Care (annual)
$735
$560
Grooming (annual)
$440
Lower ✓
$660
Lower ✓
Insurance (annual)
$864
$55
Lower ✓
Insurance (monthly)
$72

Over their lifetimes, a Scottish Terrier (~12 yrs) costs approximately $6,132 less than a Golden Retriever (~11 yrs) in total.

🏥 Health Considerations

Health conditions listed are common concerns for these breeds or breed groups. Not every dog will develop these conditions. Regular vet check-ups are the best prevention.

🐾 Temperament

Scottish Terrier

Feisty, Alert, Independent, Playful, Quick, Self-assured, Affectionate, Loyal, Friendly, Curious, Smart, Quiet, Brave, Funny, Cookie Monster

Golden Retriever

Intelligent, Kind, Reliable, Friendly, Trustworthy, Confident, Affectionate, Curious, Gentle, Funny, Playful, Quiet, Smart, Loyal, Couch