BreedFinderBreedFinder
Home > Compare > Papillon vs Scottish Terrier

Papillon vs Scottish Terrier

Papillon

Papillon

An alert, friendly tiny breed that makes a wonderful companion.

Named for their butterfly-like ears (papillon means butterfly in French), these tiny dogs are surprisingly athletic and intelligent. They excel in agility and obedience.

alert friendly happy intelligent
View Full Profile →
Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terrier

Known for being confident, independent, the Scottish Terrier has won hearts worldwide.

The Scottish Terrier is a small but confident terrier with a distinctive silhouette and independent spirit.

confident independent spirited dignified
View Full Profile →

Side-by-Side Comparison

TraitPapillonScottish Terrier
SizeTinySmall
Lifespan14-16 years12 years
Energy LevelHighModerate
Grooming NeedsModerateModerate
TrainabilityVery HighModerate
Kid-FriendlyModerateModerate
Apartment SuitableVery HighVery High
SociabilityHighLow
Barking LevelHighModerate

Detailed Analysis

When comparing the Papillon and Scottish Terrier, both breeds bring unique qualities to the table. The Papillon is a tiny-sized breed from France/Belgium with a lifespan of 14-16 years. The Scottish Terrier hails from Scotland and typically lives 12 years. Energy-wise, the Papillon is high while the Scottish Terrier is moderate, which may influence your choice depending on your activity level. Both breeds have their own grooming and training requirements — check the detailed comparison above to see which fits your lifestyle best.

Which Is Right For You?

Choose Papillon if...

  • You want a tiny-sized toy breed
  • You can provide high levels of exercise
  • You're looking for a alert companion

Choose Scottish Terrier if...

  • You want a small-sized terrier breed
  • You can provide moderate levels of exercise
  • You're looking for a confident companion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a Papillon and a Scottish Terrier?

The Papillon is a tiny-sized breed with high energy, while the Scottish Terrier is small-sized with moderate energy. They also differ in grooming needs, trainability, and temperament.

Which is better for families, Papillon or Scottish Terrier?

The Papillon has a kid-friendliness rating of 3/5 while the Scottish Terrier scores 3/5. Both can be great family dogs with proper training and socialization.

Which breed is easier to train?

The Papillon has a trainability rating of 5/5 and the Scottish Terrier scores 3/5. The Papillon is generally easier to train.

Do Papillons or Scottish Terriers need more exercise?

The Papillon has high energy needs while the Scottish Terrier has moderate energy needs. The Papillon generally needs more exercise.

How long do Papillons and Scottish Terriers live?

The Papillon typically lives 14-16 years, while the Scottish Terrier has an average lifespan of 12 years.