Is the Border Terrier or the Pug better for families with children?

Both the Border Terrier and the Pug are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Border Terrier or the Pug?

The Pug sheds more than the Border Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Border Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Border Terrier or the Pug?

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

Is Border Terrier or Pug bigger?

Border Terrier and Pug are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Border Terrier or Pug?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Border Terrier or Pug?

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

Border Terrier vs Pug: Which Sheds Less?

Border Terrier vs Pug: full comparison

Trait	Border Terrier	Pug
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	High	Medium
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Medium	Low
Shedding	Medium	Very High
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Very High	Very High
Typical lifespan	15 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Pug has noticeably higher shedding than the Border Terrier.

Size and living space

The Border Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Pug 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 Border Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Pug needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Border Terrier needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Pug needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and drops hair heavily in every season. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Border Terrier learns quickly and enjoys the training process, speaks up only now and then and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Pug trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Border Terrier shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Pug shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Pug has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Border Terrier and Pug are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Border Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Border Terrier and Pug are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Border Terrier has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Border Terrier if you want a longer-lived breed, you want less shedding around the home, or you want an easier dog to train.

Choose the Pug if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Border Terrier or the Pug better for families with children?: Both the Border Terrier and the Pug are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Border Terrier or the Pug?: The Pug sheds more than the Border Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Border Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Border Terrier or the Pug?: The Border Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Border Terrier or Pug bigger?: Border Terrier and Pug are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Border Terrier or Pug?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Border Terrier or Pug?: For apartment or apartment living, Pug has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Border Terrier vs Pug