Golden Retriever vs West Highland White Terrier

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

Golden Retriever vs West Highland White Terrier
Golden Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Golden Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Change Breed
Change Breed
General Details
Golden Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
Yes
Lifespan
10-12 Years
11-16 Years
Height
21-24 Inches
14-16 Inches
Weight
55-80 Pounds
15-20 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
Golden Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Origin Country
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Origin Year
1865 AD
1500 AD
Temperament
Golden Retriever
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
Golden Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Separation Anxiety
Stubborn
Living Environment
Golden Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
No
Temperature Tolerance
30-80 °F
30-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Below Average
Below Average
Exercise Needs
Golden Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
Medium to High
Medium to High
Top Running Speed
25 MPH
18 MPH
Strength
High
Medium
Grooming Needs
Golden Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Coat Maintenance
Medium to High
Low
Shedding
Medium to High
Low
Dander
Medium
Low
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Golden Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
No
Independent
No
Yes
Breed Focus
Golden Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Distracted Easy
No
Yes
Focused & Patient
Yes
No
Breed Instincts
Golden Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Aggression
None
Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Average
Chasing
Above Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Above 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
Below Average
Above Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
None
Watch / Guardian
Below Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Golden Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Average Lifespan
10-12 Years
11-16 Years
Health Concerns
Golden Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Subaortic Stenosis
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
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
Golden Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Wavy
Shaggy
Wavy
Coat Length
Medium
Medium
Coat Coloring
Golden Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Breed Colors
Dark Golden
Dark Golden
Gold
Gold
Light Golden
Light Golden
White
White
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