Is the Scottish Terrier or the Tibetan Spaniel better for families with children?

Both the Scottish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Scottish Terrier or the Tibetan Spaniel?

The Tibetan Spaniel 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 Tibetan Spaniel?

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

Is Scottish Terrier or Tibetan Spaniel bigger?

Scottish Terrier and Tibetan Spaniel are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Scottish Terrier or Tibetan Spaniel?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Scottish Terrier or Tibetan Spaniel?

For apartment or apartment living, Scottish Terrier and Tibetan Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Scottish Terrier vs Tibetan Spaniel: Which Sheds Less?

Scottish Terrier vs Tibetan Spaniel: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Scottish Terrier is a small dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Tibetan Spaniel is a small 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 Scottish Terrier needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Tibetan Spaniel needs a solid walk or two a day plus some 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 plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds only lightly. The Tibetan Spaniel needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. 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 takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and gets on with children when raised around them. The Tibetan Spaniel is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Scottish Terrier is naturally alert and defends its people, whereas Tibetan Spaniel is naturally alert and defends its people.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Scottish Terrier and Tibetan Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Scottish Terrier and Tibetan Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Tibetan Spaniel has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Scottish Terrier and Tibetan Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
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.

Choose the Tibetan Spaniel if you want an easier dog to train, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Scottish Terrier or the Tibetan Spaniel better for families with children?: Both the Scottish Terrier and the Tibetan Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Scottish Terrier or the Tibetan Spaniel?: The Tibetan Spaniel 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 Tibetan Spaniel?: The Tibetan Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Scottish Terrier or Tibetan Spaniel bigger?: Scottish Terrier and Tibetan Spaniel are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Scottish Terrier or Tibetan Spaniel?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Scottish Terrier or Tibetan Spaniel?: For apartment or apartment living, Scottish Terrier and Tibetan Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Scottish Terrier vs Tibetan Spaniel