Cairn Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier

Compare the Cairn Terrier to the West Highland White Terrier. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Cairn Terriers and West Highland White Terriers.

Cairn Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
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General Details
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
Yes
Lifespan
14-15 Years
11-16 Years
Height
9-10 Inches
14-16 Inches
Weight
10-14 Pounds
15-20 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Origin Country
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Origin Year
1900 AD
1500 AD
Temperament
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Average
Personality
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Traits
Aggressive
Loving
Stubborn
Affectionate
Separation Anxiety
Stubborn
Living Environment
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
20-80 °F
30-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Above Average
Below Average
Exercise Needs
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Energy Level
Medium
High
Exercise Required
Medium
Medium to High
Top Running Speed
18 MPH
18 MPH
Strength
Low
Medium
Grooming Needs
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Low
Shedding
None to Low
Low
Dander
None to Low
Low
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
No
No
Independent
Yes
Yes
Breed Focus
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Distracted Easy
No
Yes
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Aggression
Below Average
Average
Burrow / Digging
Average
Average
Chasing
Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Below Average
Below Average
Fighting
Below Average
None
Guarding
Below Average
None
Herding
Below Average
None
Hunting
Above Average
Average
Protection
Below Average
None
Remove Vermin
Above Average
Above Average
Sled Pulling
None
None
Watch / Guardian
Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Average Lifespan
14-15 Years
11-16 Years
Health Concerns
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Common Health Issues
Cataracts
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Luxating patella
Progressive retinal atrophy
Hypothyroidism
Cryptorchidism
Glaucoma
Westie jaw
Krabbe disease
Hepatic Microvascular Dysplasia
Portosystemic vascular anomaly
Cataracts
Patellar luxation
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Shaker syndrome
Westie jaw
Inflammatory bowel disease
Atopic dermatitis
Hyperplastic dermatosis
Krabbe disease
Pulmonary fibrosis
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Coat Type
Hair
Fur
Coat Layering
Wire
Double
Coat Texture
Rough
Shaggy
Wavy
Coat Length
Medium
Medium
Coat Coloring
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Breed Colors
Black
Cream
Red
Red Brindle
Silver
Silver Brindle
Wheaten
Wheaten Brindle
White
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