Brussels Griffon (Rough) vs Scottish Terrier: full comparison
| Trait | Brussels Griffon (Rough) | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Energy level | Medium | Medium |
| Trainability | Medium | Low |
| Friendliness | Medium | Medium |
| Good with children | Low | Medium |
| Grooming needs | High | High |
| Shedding | Low | Low |
| Barking | High | Medium |
| Protectiveness | High | High |
| Adaptability | Medium | Medium |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | 13 years |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | No |
Size and living space
The Brussels Griffon (Rough) is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Scottish Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.
Exercise and energy needs
The Brussels Griffon (Rough) wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Scottish Terrier wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Grooming and shedding
The Brussels Griffon (Rough) needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and drops very little hair. The Scottish Terrier needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and drops very little hair. The Brussels Griffon (Rough) is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.
Temperament, training and family life
The Brussels Griffon (Rough) trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and can live with children but needs careful, supervised introductions. The Scottish Terrier needs a bit of persistence but comes along with consistency, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. On guarding instinct, Brussels Griffon (Rough) is naturally alert and defends its people, whereas Scottish Terrier is naturally alert and defends its people.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Scottish Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
- For families with young children, Scottish Terrier has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
- For first-time dog owners, Brussels Griffon (Rough) has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, Scottish Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
- For allergy sufferers, Brussels Griffon (Rough) has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Brussels Griffon (Rough) if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat or you want an easier dog to train.
Choose the Scottish Terrier if you want the more child-friendly companion or you prefer a quieter dog.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Brussels Griffon (Rough) or the Scottish Terrier better for families with children?
- The Scottish Terrier tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
- Which sheds more, the Brussels Griffon (Rough) or the Scottish Terrier?
- The Brussels Griffon (Rough) and Scottish Terrier shed a similar amount (low).
- Which is easier to train, the Brussels Griffon (Rough) or the Scottish Terrier?
- The Brussels Griffon (Rough) is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
- Is Brussels Griffon (Rough) or Scottish Terrier bigger?
- Brussels Griffon (Rough) and Scottish Terrier are a similar size (Small).
- Which barks more, Brussels Griffon (Rough) or Scottish Terrier?
- Brussels Griffon (Rough) tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Scottish Terrier is the quieter choice.
- Which is better for apartment living, Brussels Griffon (Rough) or Scottish Terrier?
- For apartment or apartment living, Scottish Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.