German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier

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

German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier
German Shepherd
West Highland White Terrier
German Shepherd
West Highland White Terrier
Change Breed
Change Breed
General Details
German Shepherd
West Highland White Terrier
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
Yes
Lifespan
10-14 Years
11-16 Years
Height
22-26 Inches
14-16 Inches
Weight
75-95 Pounds
15-20 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
German Shepherd
West Highland White Terrier
Origin Country
Germany
United Kingdom
Origin Year
1899 AD
1500 AD
Temperament
German Shepherd
West Highland White Terrier
Overall Friendliness
Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Below Average
Average
Personality
German Shepherd
West Highland White Terrier
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Separation Anxiety
Stubborn
Living Environment
German Shepherd
West Highland White Terrier
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
No
Temperature Tolerance
40-85 °F
30-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Below Average
Exercise Needs
German Shepherd
West Highland White Terrier
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
High
Medium to High
Top Running Speed
30 MPH
18 MPH
Strength
High
Medium
Grooming Needs
German Shepherd
West Highland White Terrier
Coat Maintenance
Medium to High
Low
Shedding
High
Low
Dander
High
Low
Drool
Medium
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
German Shepherd
West Highland White Terrier
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
No
Independent
No
Yes
Breed Focus
German Shepherd
West Highland White Terrier
Distracted Easy
No
Yes
Focused & Patient
Yes
No
Breed Instincts
German Shepherd
West Highland White Terrier
Aggression
Average
Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Average
Chasing
Below Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Above Average
Below Average
Fighting
Below Average
None
Guarding
Above Average
None
Herding
Above Average
None
Hunting
Above Average
Average
Protection
Above Average
None
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Above Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
None
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
German Shepherd
West Highland White Terrier
Average Lifespan
10-14 Years
11-16 Years
Health Concerns
German Shepherd
West Highland White Terrier
Common Health Issues
Cushing's syndrome
Bloat
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Cherry eye
Lens luxation
Panosteitis
Megaesophagus
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
Degenerative myelopathy
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Retinal dysplasia
Seborrheic dermatitis
Heart problems
Blindness
Diabetes
Wobbler Syndrome
Osteochondrosis
Cruciate ligament rupture
Pannus
Digestive problems
Lupus
Vitiligo
Paralysis
Perianal fistula
Chronic diarrhea
Nail bed disease
Myasthenia gravis
Hemophilia A
Hemophilia B
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
German Shepherd
West Highland White Terrier
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Shaggy
Wavy
Coat Length
Short to Medium
Medium
Coat Coloring
German Shepherd
West Highland White Terrier
Breed Colors
Black
Black
Black and Cream
Black and Cream
Black and Red
Black and Red
Black and Silver
Black and Silver
Black and Tan
Black and Tan
Blue
Blue
Gray
Gray
Liver
Liver
White
White
White
White
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