Welsh Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier

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

Welsh Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Change Breed
Change Breed
General Details
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
Yes
Lifespan
12-14 Years
11-16 Years
Height
14-15 Inches
14-16 Inches
Weight
20-21 Pounds
15-20 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Origin Country
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Origin Year
1881 AD
1500 AD
Temperament
Welsh 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
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Traits
Affectionate
Snuggle
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Separation Anxiety
Stubborn
Living Environment
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
No
Temperature Tolerance
40-80 °F
30-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Below Average
Below Average
Exercise Needs
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
Medium
Medium to High
Top Running Speed
24 MPH
18 MPH
Strength
Medium
Medium
Grooming Needs
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Coat Maintenance
High
Low
Shedding
Low
Low
Dander
Low
Low
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
No
Independent
No
Yes
Breed Focus
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Distracted Easy
No
Yes
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Aggression
Below Average
Average
Burrow / Digging
Average
Average
Chasing
Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Average
Below Average
Fighting
Below Average
None
Guarding
Average
None
Herding
Average
None
Hunting
Above Average
Average
Protection
Average
None
Remove Vermin
Average
Above Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
None
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Average Lifespan
12-14 Years
11-16 Years
Health Concerns
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Common Health Issues
Skin irritation
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
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Coat Type
Hair
Fur
Coat Layering
Curly
Wire
Double
Coat Texture
Wavy
Shaggy
Wavy
Coat Length
Medium
Medium
Coat Coloring
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Breed Colors
Black and Tan
Grizzle and Tan
White
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