Is the Scottish Terrier or the Shiba Inu better for families with children?

Both the Scottish Terrier and the Shiba Inu are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Scottish Terrier or the Shiba Inu?

The Shiba Inu 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 Scottish Terrier or the Shiba Inu?

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

Is Scottish Terrier or Shiba Inu bigger?

Scottish Terrier and Shiba Inu are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Scottish Terrier or Shiba Inu?

Scottish Terrier tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Shiba Inu is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Scottish Terrier or Shiba Inu?

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

Scottish Terrier vs Shiba Inu: Which Sheds Less?

Scottish Terrier vs Shiba Inu: full comparison

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

Key differences at a glance

The Shiba Inu has noticeably higher shedding than the Scottish Terrier.

Size and living space

The Scottish Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Shiba Inu is a small but sturdy breed 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 Scottish Terrier thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. The Shiba Inu thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Scottish Terrier needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds very little. The Shiba Inu needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Scottish Terrier learns steadily provided you stay consistent, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and gets on with children when raised around them. The Shiba Inu learns steadily provided you stay consistent, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Scottish Terrier keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas Shiba Inu keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Shiba Inu 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, Scottish Terrier and Shiba Inu are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Shiba Inu 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 Scottish Terrier if you want less shedding around the home or you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

Choose the Shiba Inu if you prefer lower grooming upkeep, you prefer a quieter dog, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Scottish Terrier or the Shiba Inu better for families with children?: Both the Scottish Terrier and the Shiba Inu are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Scottish Terrier or the Shiba Inu?: The Shiba Inu 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 Scottish Terrier or the Shiba Inu?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Scottish Terrier or Shiba Inu bigger?: Scottish Terrier and Shiba Inu are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Scottish Terrier or Shiba Inu?: Scottish Terrier tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Shiba Inu is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Scottish Terrier or Shiba Inu?: For apartment or apartment living, Shiba Inu has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Scottish Terrier vs Shiba Inu