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

The Skye 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 Skye Terrier?

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

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

The Skye Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Pekingese or Skye Terrier bigger?

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

Which barks more, Pekingese or Skye Terrier?

Pekingese tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Skye Terrier is the quieter choice.

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

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

Pekingese vs Skye Terrier: Which Sheds Less?

Pekingese vs Skye Terrier: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Pekingese is a compact little dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Skye Terrier is a compact little dog 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 Pekingese does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. The Skye Terrier 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 Pekingese is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. The Skye Terrier is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. 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 takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and can live with children but needs careful, supervised introductions. The Skye Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. On guarding instinct, Pekingese announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Skye Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Skye Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Skye Terrier has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Skye Terrier 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, Skye Terrier has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Pekingese if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Skye Terrier on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Skye Terrier if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want an easier dog to train, or you want less shedding around the home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Pekingese or the Skye Terrier better for families with children?: The Skye 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 Skye Terrier?: The Pekingese sheds more than the Skye Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Skye Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Pekingese or the Skye Terrier?: The Skye Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Pekingese or Skye Terrier bigger?: Pekingese and Skye Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Pekingese or Skye Terrier?: Pekingese tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Skye Terrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Pekingese or Skye Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Skye Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Pekingese vs Skye Terrier