Is the Bolognese or the Pekingese better for families with children?

The Bolognese 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 Bolognese or the Pekingese?

The Pekingese sheds more than the Bolognese. If shedding is a concern, the Bolognese is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Bolognese or the Pekingese?

The Bolognese is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Bolognese or Pekingese bigger?

Bolognese and Pekingese are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Bolognese or Pekingese?

Pekingese tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Bolognese is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Bolognese or Pekingese?

For apartment or apartment living, Bolognese has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Bolognese vs Pekingese: Which Sheds Less?

Bolognese vs Pekingese: full comparison

Trait	Bolognese	Pekingese
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Low	Low
Trainability	Medium	Low
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Low
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	Very Low	High
Barking	Low	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	14 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No

Key differences at a glance

The Pekingese has noticeably higher shedding than the Bolognese.

Size and living space

The Bolognese is a compact little dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Pekingese is a compact little 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 Bolognese needs light but regular activity to stay content. The Pekingese needs light but regular activity to stay content. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Bolognese is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and barely sheds, keeping your home and clothes clean. The Pekingese is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. The Bolognese is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Bolognese is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. The Pekingese takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and can live with children but needs careful, supervised introductions. On guarding instinct, Bolognese is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly, whereas Pekingese will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Bolognese has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Bolognese has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Bolognese has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Pekingese has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Bolognese has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Bolognese if you want less shedding around the home, you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, or you want the more child-friendly companion.

Choose the Pekingese if you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Bolognese or the Pekingese better for families with children?: The Bolognese 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 Bolognese or the Pekingese?: The Pekingese sheds more than the Bolognese. If shedding is a concern, the Bolognese is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Bolognese or the Pekingese?: The Bolognese is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Bolognese or Pekingese bigger?: Bolognese and Pekingese are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Bolognese or Pekingese?: Pekingese tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Bolognese is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Bolognese or Pekingese?: For apartment or apartment living, Bolognese has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Bolognese vs Pekingese