Choosing a dog is like finding a new best friend—you want one that fits your life. Dogo Argentino vs Scottish Terrier is a match of opposites, and knowing their differences can help you decide.
Did you know that most dog owners say their dog’s personality is one of the biggest reasons they’re happy? That’s why picking the right one is important. Whether you need a strong protector or a bold little companion, understanding these breeds will help you make the best choice!
This guide will help you:
- See which dog fits your home—apartment or house with a yard.
- Understand their energy levels—one is strong and active, the other bold but more independent.
- Learn about their temperament—one is a protector, the other a curious little explorer.
- Get simple care tips—exercise, grooming, and training.
By the end, you’ll know which dog is the best match for you.
Dogo Argentino vs Scottish Terrier
Big and strong or small and bold? The Dogo Argentino is a powerful protector, while the Scottish Terrier is a fearless little companion. Both are loyal, but they have very different needs. Which one is the right fit for you? Let’s find out!
| Feature | Dogo Argentino | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large (88–100 lbs) | Small (18–22 lbs) |
| Height | 24–27 inches | 10 inches |
| Coat | Short, smooth, white | Dense, wiry, various colors |
| Exercise Needs | High – needs lots of activity | Moderate – daily walks are enough |
| Temperament | Loyal, protective, energetic | Confident, independent, bold |
| Training Difficulty | Needs strong training and socialization | Stubborn, requires patience |
| Living Space | Best with a yard, not suited for small spaces | Adaptable to apartments |
| Family Compatibility | Good with family, needs early socialization | Loyal but independent, can be stubborn |
| Grooming Needs | Low maintenance | Requires regular grooming and hand-stripping |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years | 12–15 years |
| Best For | Experienced, active owners | Apartment dwellers, smaller families |
Where the Dogo Argentino and Scottish Terrier Came From
The Dogo Argentino and Scottish Terrier come from different places and were bred for different jobs.
Dogo Argentino
- Origin: Argentina, 1920s
- Creator: Dr. Antonio Nores Martínez
- Purpose: A strong hunting dog for big animals (like wild boars and pumas) and later a guard dog
- Traits Today: Loyal, smart, and protective
Scottish Terrier
- Origin: Scotland, hundreds of years ago
- Purpose: A small dog bred to hunt small animals (like rats and foxes)
- Famous Fact: Loved by famous people, including U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt (his dog, Fala)
- Traits Today: Bold, independent, and full of personality
In Short
The Dogo Argentino was made to hunt big animals in Argentina, while the Scottish Terrier was made to chase small animals in Scotland. This is why they are so different in size, energy, and personality.
How Do Their Physical Characteristics Compare?
The Dogo Argentino and Scottish Terrier look very different in size, coat, and features.
Dogo Argentino
- Size: Large, about 24–27 inches tall and 80–100 pounds
- Coat: Short, smooth, and easy to care for
- Color: Always pure white
The Dogo Argentino is big and muscular with a strong build. Its white coat helps it stay cool in hot weather.
Scottish Terrier
- Size: Small, about 10 inches tall and 18–22 pounds
- Coat: Thick, wiry, and needs regular grooming
- Color: Black, brindle, or wheaten (light tan)
The Scottish Terrier is short but sturdy. It has a long face, bushy eyebrows, and a beard, which makes it look unique. Its thick coat helps keep it warm in cold weather.
Big vs. Small, Smooth vs. Furry
The Dogo Argentino is big and smooth-coated. The Scottish Terrier is small and has a thick, wiry coat. They may both be strong, but they look completely different!
How Are Their Personalities Different?
The Dogo Argentino and Scottish Terrier have very different personalities. They vary in energy, trainability, and social behavior.
Dogo Argentino
- Energy Level: High, needs a lot of exercise
- Trainability: Smart and eager to learn but needs a firm, experienced owner
- Social Behavior: Loyal and loving with family but wary of strangers
The Dogo Argentino is brave, strong, and protective. It was bred to be a hunter and guard dog, so it needs proper training and socialization. It is loyal and affectionate with its family but can be cautious around strangers and other dogs.
Scottish Terrier
- Energy Level: Moderate, enjoys play but doesn’t need as much exercise
- Trainability: Smart but independent, can be stubborn
- Social Behavior: Loyal to family but reserved with strangers
The Scottish Terrier is bold, confident, and independent. It was bred to hunt alone, so it likes to do things its own way. While it loves its family, it can be aloof with strangers and may not always get along with other pets.
Big Protector vs. Small Boss
The Dogo Argentino is a strong, protective dog that needs an active owner. The Scottish Terrier is small but stubborn, with a personality much bigger than its size. Both are loyal, but they show it in different ways!
How Do Their Grooming Needs Compare?
The Dogo Argentino and Scottish Terrier have very different grooming needs. One is low-maintenance, while the other needs regular care.
Dogo Argentino
- Coat Care: Easy to maintain, just needs occasional brushing
- Bathing: Only when dirty, as needed
- Nail Care: Trim regularly to prevent overgrowth
- Other Needs: Check ears and clean teeth often
The Dogo Argentino has a short, smooth coat, which makes grooming simple. A quick brush once a week helps remove loose hair. Since it has white fur, it can get dirty easily, so occasional baths are needed. Keeping its nails trimmed is important to avoid discomfort.
Scottish Terrier
- Coat Care: Needs regular brushing to prevent tangles
- Hand-Stripping: Done every few months to keep the coat healthy
- Bathing: Every few weeks or as needed
- Other Needs: Trim nails, clean ears, and brush teeth regularly
The Scottish Terrier has a thick, wiry coat that requires more work. It needs brushing several times a week and hand-stripping (a special technique to remove old hair) a few times a year. This helps maintain its rough texture. Scotties also need regular baths to keep their coat looking good.
Low-Maintenance vs. High-Maintenance
The Dogo Argentino is easy to care for with minimal grooming, while the Scottish Terrier needs regular brushing and special coat care. If you want a low-maintenance dog, the Dogo is the better choice. If you enjoy grooming, the Scottie might be for you!
How Much Exercise and Training Do They Need?
The Dogo Argentino and Scottish Terrier have very different energy levels and training needs. One is a high-energy athlete, while the other is a small but determined worker.
Dogo Argentino
- Exercise Needs: At least 1–2 hours of exercise daily
- Activities: Long walks, running, and active playtime
- Training Challenges: Smart and eager to learn but needs a strong, confident owner
- Best Training Tips: Start early with socialization and firm but positive training
The Dogo Argentino is a high-energy dog that needs lots of exercise to stay happy. Without enough activity, it can become bored and destructive. It is smart and willing to learn but needs an experienced owner who can provide structure. Socialization is important to prevent it from becoming too protective.
Scottish Terrier
- Exercise Needs: About 30–45 minutes of activity daily
- Activities: Daily walks, short play sessions, and mental stimulation
- Training Challenges: Smart but stubborn, likes to do things its own way
- Best Training Tips: Use positive reinforcement and keep training sessions short
The Scottish Terrier has moderate energy but still needs daily walks and playtime. It enjoys being active but doesn’t require as much exercise as the Dogo Argentino. Training a Scottie can be tricky because it is independent and stubborn. Short, fun training sessions work best.
Big Athlete vs. Small Thinker
The Dogo Argentino needs a lot of exercise and firm training, while the Scottish Terrier needs moderate activity and patient training. If you want a high-energy workout buddy, the Dogo is a great choice. If you prefer a small, independent dog with personality, the Scottie is a better fit!
How Do the Dogo Argentino and Scottish Terrier Compare in Terms of Health and Longevity?
The Dogo Argentino and Scottish Terrier both have health concerns, but they face different problems. Some are caused by their size, while others are genetic.
Dogo Argentino
- Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia (a joint problem in big dogs)
- Deafness (about 1 in 10 Dogos is born deaf)
- Heart disease and skin allergies
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
The Dogo Argentino is a strong, athletic dog, but large breeds often have joint problems. Deafness is also common. With good food, exercise, and vet checkups, a Dogo can live a long, healthy life.
Scottish Terrier
- Common Health Issues:
- Patellar luxation (loose kneecaps, common in small dogs)
- Cushing’s disease (a hormone problem)
- Bladder cancer (Scotties have a higher risk than most breeds)
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
Scottish Terriers are small but tough, though they can develop bladder cancer and other health issues. Regular vet visits and a healthy lifestyle can help them live longer.
Which One Lives Longer?
Both breeds live about the same amount of time. The Scottish Terrier may have a higher risk of serious diseases, while the Dogo Argentino needs to be watched for joint and hearing problems.
Big and Strong vs. Small and Sturdy
The Dogo Argentino is big and powerful, but it needs careful joint and ear monitoring. The Scottish Terrier is small but resilient, though it has some genetic health risks. Good care, a balanced diet, and regular checkups are important for both!
Which Breed Is Right for Your Lifestyle?
Picking between a Dogo Argentino and a Scottish Terrier depends on your home, family, and daily routine. One is big and active, while the other is small and independent.
Dogo Argentino – Best for Active Owners
✔ Good for: Active people, families with space, experienced dog owners
✔ Home Needs: Needs a yard – not great for apartments
✔ Family Life: Loving and protective, but needs training and socialization
✔ Exercise: High – needs lots of running and playtime
The Dogo Argentino is a strong, high-energy dog that does best in a home with space to run. It is loyal and protective, making it great for families, but it needs an owner who can handle its strength and training needs.
Scottish Terrier – Best for Smaller Homes
✔ Good for: Apartment dwellers, small families, people who want a lower-energy dog
✔ Home Needs: Does well in apartments or houses
✔ Family Life: Loyal but independent, sometimes stubborn
✔ Exercise: Moderate – daily walks and playtime are enough
The Scottish Terrier is small but confident. It doesn’t need as much space or exercise as the Dogo but still enjoys walks and play. It’s a good choice for smaller homes and people who want a more independent dog.
Which One Is Right for You?
- If you want a large, active, protective dog, choose the Dogo Argentino.
- If you prefer a small, independent dog that fits in any home, the Scottish Terrier is a better fit.
Both are loyal dogs, but they have different needs. The best choice depends on your lifestyle and space!
What Do Experts and Owners Say About These Breeds?
When choosing between a Dogo Argentino and a Scottish Terrier, expert opinions and real-life experiences can help. Both breeds have strong personalities, but they fit very different lifestyles.
What Experts Say
✔ Dogo Argentino: Experts praise its strength, loyalty, and athleticism, but they warn that it needs firm training and early socialization. It’s best for experienced dog owners who can handle a large, strong-willed breed.
✔ Scottish Terrier: Experts describe it as independent, smart, and bold. While great for smaller homes, it can be stubborn, making training a challenge. Patience and consistency are key.
What Owners Say
🐶 Dogo Argentino Owners:
- “Incredible guard dog but needs lots of exercise and attention.”
- “Very loving with family but can be protective with strangers.”
- “Training is a must! Not a breed for beginners.”
🐶 Scottish Terrier Owners:
- “A small dog with a big personality – very confident!”
- “Loves its family but can be a little stubborn during training.”
- “Perfect for apartment living – doesn’t need much space.”
Which Dog Should You Choose?
Picking between a Dogo Argentino and a Scottish Terrier depends on your home, lifestyle, and experience with dogs. Both are loyal, but they have different needs.
Choose the Dogo Argentino If
✔ You have a house with a yard.
✔ You are active and can give plenty of exercise.
✔ You want a protective and loyal dog.
✔ You have experience training strong dogs.
💡 Best for active, experienced owners who want a strong and protective dog.
Choose the Scottish Terrier If
✔ You live in an apartment or small home.
✔ You want a small but confident dog.
✔ You prefer a dog that needs moderate exercise.
✔ You don’t mind a stubborn streak in training.
💡 Best for smaller spaces and owners who want an independent but loving dog.
Which One is Right for You?
Think about your daily routine, space, and experience with dogs. If you want a large, active protector, go for the Dogo Argentino. If you prefer a small but bold companion, the Scottish Terrier is a better fit.
The right dog is the one that fits your life and needs best!
Pet trainer with a passion for helping animals and owners build strong, loving bonds through positive reinforcement and expert care.
