Portuguese Water Dog vs West Highland White Terrier

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

Portuguese Water Dog vs West Highland White Terrier
Portuguese Water Dog
West Highland White Terrier
Portuguese Water Dog
West Highland White Terrier
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General Details
Portuguese Water Dog
West Highland White Terrier
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
Yes
Lifespan
10-14 Years
11-16 Years
Height
17-22 Inches
14-16 Inches
Weight
35-60 Pounds
15-20 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
Portuguese Water Dog
West Highland White Terrier
Origin Country
Portugal
United Kingdom
Origin Year
1297 AD
1500 AD
Temperament
Portuguese Water Dog
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
Average
Average
Personality
Portuguese Water Dog
West Highland White Terrier
Traits
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Separation Anxiety
Stubborn
Living Environment
Portuguese Water Dog
West Highland White Terrier
Apartment
No
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
No
Yes
Medium Yard
No
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
No
Temperature Tolerance
40-80 °F
30-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Below Average
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Water Dog
West Highland White Terrier
Energy Level
High to Very High
High
Exercise Required
High to Very High
Medium to High
Top Running Speed
22 MPH
18 MPH
Strength
High
Medium
Grooming Needs
Portuguese Water Dog
West Highland White Terrier
Coat Maintenance
Medium to High
Low
Shedding
None
Low
Dander
None to Low
Low
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Portuguese Water Dog
West Highland White Terrier
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
No
Independent
No
Yes
Breed Focus
Portuguese Water Dog
West Highland White Terrier
Distracted Easy
No
Yes
Focused & Patient
Yes
No
Breed Instincts
Portuguese Water Dog
West Highland White Terrier
Aggression
None
Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Average
Chasing
Below Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Below Average
Below Average
Fighting
Below Average
None
Guarding
Below Average
None
Herding
None
None
Hunting
Below Average
Average
Protection
Average
None
Remove Vermin
None
Above Average
Sled Pulling
None
None
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Portuguese Water Dog
West Highland White Terrier
Average Lifespan
10-14 Years
11-16 Years
Health Concerns
Portuguese Water Dog
West Highland White Terrier
Common Health Issues
Addison's disease
Entropion
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Ectropion
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Irritable bowel syndrome
Gangliosidosis
Hair Loss
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
Portuguese Water Dog
West Highland White Terrier
Coat Type
Hair
Fur
Coat Layering
Curly
Single
Double
Coat Texture
Wavy
Shaggy
Wavy
Coat Length
Medium
Medium
Coat Coloring
Portuguese Water Dog
West Highland White Terrier
Breed Colors
Black
Black
Black and White
Black and White
Brown
Brown
Brown and White
Brown and White
White
White
White
White
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