Scottish Terrier vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison

The Border Collie originated in Northumberland and was used to herd livestock. He is particularly well known for his intense stare in controlling the sheep in his care. The name Border Collier wasn’t used until 1915. This was so that the dog could be registered as a separate breed together with other Collie breeds already registered.

Sheepdog trials have been held since 1873. The very name of this dog gives you an inkling as to his heritage, as the word ‘Collie’ refers to sheepdogs and comes from Scottish dialect. Today the Border Collie is recognized as the ultimate sheep-herding dog, with his amazing intelligence and herding skills. The Border Collie was recognized by the American Kennel Club in October 1995.

The Scottish Terrier is also known as the Aberdeen Terrier but people who love and know him refer to him fondly as the Scottie.

These little dogs were originally bred to hunt vermin on farms and their actual origin is ancient. It is believed that the first descriptions of these dogs date way back to 1436 with there being 2 varieties - a rough-haired Scotch Terrier and a smooth-haired English Terrier.

In 1881 the Scottish Terrier Club of England was founded with the Scottish Terrier Club of Scotland being founded in 1888. Scotties were introduced to America in the early 1890s.

Utterly responsive, intelligent, alert and keen, the medium sized border collie loves nothing more than to be actively working. He requires both mental and physical stimulation. The ideal height for this very intelligent dog is 46 – 53cm and they weigh in at about 14 – 22kg.

People who have been to sheepdog trials can only marvel a this dog and his intense stare, moving the sheep to precisely where his master wants them. The dog has a moderately long and smooth coat with a dense topcoat, with soft weather resistant undercoat. Most common color is black and white but other colors such as chocolate and white, liver and white or blue merle are also seen.

There are a few Border Collies which have a single-colour coat. He has a long feathery tail and the ears can be either erect, semi-erect and in some instances, even dropped. He has brown eyes but sometimes with the Merle Border Collie you can get one eye or part of the eye which is blue.

Border Collies are playful, energetic dogs who just love living in homes where the family involves him in all their activities. Because he is so intelligent, he is demanding of his human family, wanting them to take notice of him and provide him with lots of clever games and sports. If he is left without involvement, he can become frustrated and destructive. That is why it is so important to choose your pet carefully.

These highly energetic dogs require owners who recognize this need and are prepared to provide him with lots of games, walks and runs.

The Scottish Terrier is a small dog, fairly robustly built but with short legs. He has a wiry, weather-resistant coat and a soft undercoat. The coat is essentially black but there are other colors too such as a wheaten shade, grey-black and brindle too.

The ears are erect, the eyes small and bright. The tail isn’t docked but is of medium length and is nearly always held up, without curling over the back.

Height at withers for both males and females should be roughly 23 to 26cm and weight in the region of 8 – 10 kg.

Temperament:

The Scottie is a an independent, robust breed. He is playful as a puppy, but as he matures he becomes more dignified and dour. He is stubborn, but being a terrier he is alert and makes a good watchdog. For a small dog he has a powerful bark.

He is smart too. Have him trained and socialized if you want him to be obedient.

Brave, loving and loyal, he can fit into life in the city or the countryside so long has he has his human family close by. He doesn’t take kindly to strangers and he he slightly aggressive with other dogs he doesn’t know. He makes a great playmate for children but he certainly doesn’t like being prodded, sat on and poked by small children.

The Border Collie is such an awesome working dog breed, being of tremendous help to farmers. With their endless energy and stamina, given the chance he would want to be working all day. This medium sized dog will need a family where they are hard working and active just like him. He makes a wonderful pet with the right owners and if everyone is active in the family, he becomes your devoted soulmate.

He is sensitive to what his owner wants and that is also because he is highly intelligent. Shower your wonderful pet with lots of love, give him lots of attention and plenty of activities, and you’ll have an awesome friend for life.

The Scottie is strong willed and independent, and training and socialization is important if you don’t want your Scottie believing he has the final say.

These dogs are stubborn and dominant and will need a strong, firm but kind owner. They’re aggressive with other dogs, but get on well with their human family.

When you bring one of these distinctive looking dogs into your home, he’ll be a loving, loyal friend.

If your Border Collie is healthy, he can live to be 14 years of age and longer. There are one or two dog ailments that are more common in this breed, so it is wise to be aware of what can go wrong, although with good care it is highly unlikely.

Epilepsy

Primary epilepsy, known as idiopathic epilepsy can be seen in your dog before the age of 5 years, and although a genetic link in border collies has not yet been identified, idiopathic epilepsy is more prevalent in some breeds. Seizures in your dog are caused by electrical disturbances in the brain and treatment may be for life. While epilepsy in dogs can’t be cured, the condition can be managed with medication recommended by your vet and then he can lead a healthy life.

Hip Dysplasia

Collies are prone to developing hip dysplasia, which is an inherited condition with abnormal formation of the hip socket. For your pet it can mean lameness as well as painful arthritis. You’ll see your collie dog battling to rise after lying down. It is actually common in lots of dog breeds, but more so in larger breeds.

Collie eye anomaly

This is an inherited problem that can lead to your dog going blind. About 70 to 97% of collies in the UK and the United States are affected. Your veterinarian will examine your dog to determine the extent of the defect. It is common in the first year of a dog and can be be prevented if caught early.

Your Scottie is looked upon as being a generally healthy dog breed, but as with any other healthy dogs, he can succumb to some of the conditions and diseases that dogs get -

Von Willebrand's Disease:

This is an inherited blood disorder where the blood doesn’t clot properly. The dog will bleed excessively after an injury. Fortunately, while there isn’t a cure, dogs can lead normal lives.

Cancer:

Scottish Terriers are more prone to developing cancer than other dogs. Bladder cancer, lymphosarcoma and malignant melanoma are just some of the cancers they can get. Some cancers are treatable and there is a good success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy.

When you brush your Scottie, look out for new, unusual lumps that could be indicative of cancer.

Scotty Cramp:

Scotty Cramp isn’t serious but uncomfortable for your pet. When your dog becomes worked up, you’ll see him arching his spine and he walks around for a few minutes with a stiff unnatural gait.

Obesity:

Obesity is regarded as a serious disease as it puts strain on the dogs joints and also creates back pain and digestive disorders.

Exercise

This is a dog that will need plenty of exercise and attention. He won’t do well cooped up in a tiny home. He’ll want lots of place to run and play and with his owners involved in his activities. It is unfair of any dog owner to buy a dog like this and then leave him so that he becomes distressed from being ignored.

Training

Do your dog a favor and see that he is socialized as a puppy and trained as he grows older. Once he has been trained, he becomes a super pet, obedient, sensitive and willing to please.

Grooming

Border collies shed throughout the year, and with Summer his shedding becomes a bit more. He will require a good brushing at least twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to ensure that the long hair doesn’t become tangled. He isn’t considered hypoallergenic and is regarded as a safe pet to have for people with allergies.

Feeding

This high energy working dog will require top quality food from the top brands if you intend feeding him from commercially produced dog food. He will certainly need raw meat added to this food from time to time to ensure you stave off skin problems such as rashes. You can also add in rice, meat and vegetables for variety to ensure his is getting in all the minerals and vitamins he needs. Fresh, cool water should always be available to him day and night.

Exercise:

Scotties were once bred as working dogs, and they will certainly require daily exercise and stimulation. He will love a walk but you can’t expect him to run with you as he has short legs.

Grooming:

The Scottie sheds, so he will need to be brushed at least twice weekly. He will require quite a bit of grooming in terms of having the coat professionally trimmed and clipped.

His eyes and ears will need to be checked as well as his teeth. He can’t tell you if he has terrible toothache and while brushing him, check the teeth. Trim his nails too.

Diet:

It is always recommended that you feed dogs according to size, age and activity levels. Dogs are individuals and they don’t all need the same food.

The quality of the dog food you provide makes a huge difference on your dog’s health. It always pays to go with the better quality kibble available to dogs. Your Scottish Terrier will be depending on your for quality kibble with the right blend of vitamins and minerals.

Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency and you want to provide him with some home-made food too that gels well with his digestive system. A little bit of raw meat occasionally can also do him the world of good.

Make sure he always has cool, fresh water to drink.