Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Japanese Chin 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Japanese Chin?

The Glen of Imaal Terrier and Japanese Chin shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Japanese Chin?

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

Is Glen of Imaal Terrier or Japanese Chin bigger?

Glen of Imaal Terrier and Japanese Chin are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Glen of Imaal Terrier or Japanese Chin?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Glen of Imaal Terrier or Japanese Chin?

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

Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Japanese Chin: Better With Kids?

Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Japanese Chin: full comparison

Trait	Glen of Imaal Terrier	Japanese Chin
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	Low
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	Medium
Good with children	Very High	Medium
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Glen of Imaal Terrier has noticeably higher childfriendly than the Japanese Chin.

Size and living space

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a compact little dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Japanese Chin is a compact little 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Japanese Chin needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Japanese Chin needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Glen of Imaal Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Japanese Chin picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Glen of Imaal Terrier is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Japanese Chin is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Japanese Chin 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 and Japanese Chin are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Japanese Chin has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Glen of Imaal Terrier and Japanese Chin are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Glen of Imaal Terrier if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want a longer-lived breed, or you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

Choose the Japanese Chin if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Japanese Chin 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Japanese Chin?: The Glen of Imaal Terrier and Japanese Chin shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Japanese Chin?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Glen of Imaal Terrier or Japanese Chin bigger?: Glen of Imaal Terrier and Japanese Chin are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Glen of Imaal Terrier or Japanese Chin?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Glen of Imaal Terrier or Japanese Chin?: For apartment or apartment living, Japanese Chin has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Japanese Chin