Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Japanese Chin better for families with children?

The Dandie Dinmont 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 Japanese Chin?

The Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin?

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

Is Dandie Dinmont Terrier or Japanese Chin bigger?

Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Japanese Chin are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Dandie Dinmont Terrier or Japanese Chin?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Dandie Dinmont Terrier or Japanese Chin?

For apartment or apartment living, Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Japanese Chin are an even match — either can work well.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Japanese Chin: Which Sheds Less?

Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Japanese Chin: full comparison

Trait	Dandie Dinmont Terrier	Japanese Chin
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Low	Low
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	Medium
Good with children	High	Medium
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Low	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	13 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Japanese Chin is a small dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little 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 does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. The Japanese Chin does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds very little. The Japanese Chin wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. 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 is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Japanese Chin is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, Dandie Dinmont Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Japanese Chin shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Japanese Chin are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Dandie Dinmont Terrier has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Japanese Chin has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Japanese Chin has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
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 the more child-friendly companion, you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

Choose the Japanese Chin if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Dandie Dinmont Terrier on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Japanese Chin better for families with children?: The Dandie Dinmont 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 Japanese Chin?: The Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Dandie Dinmont Terrier or Japanese Chin bigger?: Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Japanese Chin are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Dandie Dinmont Terrier or Japanese Chin?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Dandie Dinmont Terrier or Japanese Chin?: For apartment or apartment living, Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Japanese Chin are an even match — either can work well.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Japanese Chin