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

Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Shihpoo are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Shihpoo?

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Shihpoo shed a similar amount (low).

Which is easier to train, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Shihpoo?

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

Is Dandie Dinmont Terrier or Shihpoo bigger?

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

Which barks more, Dandie Dinmont Terrier or Shihpoo?

Shihpoo tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the quieter choice.

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

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 Shihpoo: Easier to Groom?

Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Shihpoo: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Shihpoo is a small but sturdy breed that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. 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 Shihpoo 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds very little. The Shihpoo needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds very little. The Shihpoo 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Shihpoo picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Dandie Dinmont Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Shihpoo will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

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, Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Shihpoo are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Shihpoo are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Dandie Dinmont Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Shihpoo has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Dandie Dinmont Terrier if you prefer lower grooming upkeep or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Shihpoo if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Shihpoo better for families with children?: Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Shihpoo are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Shihpoo?: The Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Shihpoo shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Shihpoo?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Dandie Dinmont Terrier or Shihpoo bigger?: Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Shihpoo are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Dandie Dinmont Terrier or Shihpoo?: Shihpoo tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Dandie Dinmont Terrier or Shihpoo?: 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 Shihpoo