Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Glen of Imaal Terrier better for families with children?

The Glen of Imaal 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

The Glen of Imaal Terrier sheds more than the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Dandie Dinmont Terrier or Glen of Imaal Terrier bigger?

Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Glen of Imaal Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Dandie Dinmont Terrier or Glen of Imaal Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Dandie Dinmont Terrier or Glen of Imaal Terrier?

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

Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier: Sheds Less?

Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Dandie Dinmont Terrier	Glen of Imaal Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Low	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	Very High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Low	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	13 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Glen of Imaal 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier needs light but regular activity to stay content. The Glen of Imaal Terrier thrives on daily walks plus a bit of 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds only lightly. The Glen of Imaal Terrier needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and suits families with children particularly well. The Glen of Imaal Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Dandie Dinmont Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Glen of Imaal Terrier shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

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

Which should you choose?

Choose the Dandie Dinmont Terrier if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you want a calmer, lower-energy companion, or you want less shedding around the home.

Choose the Glen of Imaal Terrier if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Glen of Imaal Terrier better for families with children?: The Glen of Imaal 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Glen of Imaal Terrier?: The Glen of Imaal Terrier sheds more than the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Glen of Imaal Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Dandie Dinmont Terrier or Glen of Imaal Terrier bigger?: Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Glen of Imaal Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Dandie Dinmont Terrier or Glen of Imaal Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Dandie Dinmont Terrier or Glen of Imaal Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Dandie Dinmont Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier