Irish Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier

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

Irish Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier
Irish Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Irish Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Change Breed
Change Breed
General Details
Irish Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Maybe
Yes
Lifespan
12-15 Years
11-16 Years
Height
16-18 Inches
14-16 Inches
Weight
21-27 Pounds
15-20 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Average
History
Irish Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Origin Country
Ireland
United Kingdom
Origin Year
1875 AD
1500 AD
Temperament
Irish 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
Below Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Average
Average
Personality
Irish Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Stubborn
Affectionate
Separation Anxiety
Stubborn
Living Environment
Irish Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Apartment
No
Yes
Indoor
No
Yes
Small Yard
No
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
No
Temperature Tolerance
40-70 °F
30-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Below Average
Exercise Needs
Irish Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
High
Medium to High
Top Running Speed
22 MPH
18 MPH
Strength
High
Medium
Grooming Needs
Irish Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Low
Shedding
None to Low
Low
Dander
Low
Low
Drool
None to Low
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Irish Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
No
No
Independent
Yes
Yes
Breed Focus
Irish Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Distracted Easy
Yes
Yes
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Irish Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Aggression
Below Average
Average
Burrow / Digging
Above Average
Average
Chasing
Above Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Average
Below Average
Fighting
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
None
None
Watch / Guardian
Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Irish Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
11-16 Years
Health Concerns
Irish Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Common Health Issues
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
Irish Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Coat Type
Hair
Fur
Coat Layering
Single
Wire
Double
Coat Texture
Rough
Shaggy
Wavy
Coat Length
Medium
Medium
Coat Coloring
Irish Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Breed Colors
Red
Red Wheaten
Wheaten
White
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