Is the Pekingese or the Scottish Terrier better for families with children?

The Scottish 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 Pekingese or the Scottish Terrier?

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

Which is easier to train, the Pekingese or the Scottish Terrier?

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

Is Pekingese or Scottish Terrier bigger?

Pekingese and Scottish Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Pekingese or Scottish Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Pekingese or Scottish Terrier?

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

Pekingese vs Scottish Terrier: Which Sheds Less?

Pekingese vs Scottish Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Pekingese	Scottish Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Low	Medium
Trainability	Low	Low
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Low	Medium
Grooming needs	Very High	High
Shedding	High	Low
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Pekingese has noticeably higher shedding than the Scottish Terrier.

Size and living space

The Pekingese is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Scottish Terrier is a small but sturdy breed 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 Pekingese does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. The Scottish Terrier wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. 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 Pekingese demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. The Scottish Terrier needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds very little. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Pekingese learns steadily provided you stay consistent, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and manages with kids when introductions are handled slowly. The Scottish Terrier learns steadily provided you stay consistent, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Pekingese will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Scottish Terrier keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Pekingese has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Scottish Terrier has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Pekingese has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Pekingese has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Scottish Terrier has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

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

Choose the Scottish Terrier if you want less shedding around the home, you want the more child-friendly companion, or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Pekingese vs Scottish Terrier