West Highland White Terrier vs Japanese Spitz

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

West Highland White Terrier vs Japanese Spitz
West Highland White Terrier
Japanese Spitz
West Highland White Terrier
Japanese Spitz
Change Breed
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General Details
West Highland White Terrier
Japanese Spitz
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
No
Lifespan
11-16 Years
10-16 Years
Height
14-16 Inches
12-15 Inches
Weight
15-20 Pounds
10-20 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Average
History
West Highland White Terrier
Japanese Spitz
Origin Country
United Kingdom
Japan
Origin Year
1500 AD
1950 AD
Temperament
West Highland White Terrier
Japanese Spitz
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
Below Average
Personality
West Highland White Terrier
Japanese Spitz
Traits
Affectionate
Separation Anxiety
Stubborn
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Living Environment
West Highland White Terrier
Japanese Spitz
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
30-85 °F
20-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Below Average
Average
Exercise Needs
West Highland White Terrier
Japanese Spitz
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
Medium to High
Medium
Top Running Speed
18 MPH
18 MPH
Strength
Medium
Low
Grooming Needs
West Highland White Terrier
Japanese Spitz
Coat Maintenance
Low
Medium
Shedding
Low
Medium to High
Dander
Low
Low
Drool
None
Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
West Highland White Terrier
Japanese Spitz
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
No
Yes
Independent
Yes
No
Breed Focus
West Highland White Terrier
Japanese Spitz
Distracted Easy
Yes
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
West Highland White Terrier
Japanese Spitz
Aggression
Average
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
Average
Average
Chasing
Above Average
Average
Follow Commands
Below Average
Average
Fighting
None
Below Average
Guarding
None
Below Average
Herding
None
Average
Hunting
Average
Average
Protection
None
Average
Remove Vermin
Above Average
Average
Sled Pulling
None
Average
Watch / Guardian
Below Average
Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
West Highland White Terrier
Japanese Spitz
Average Lifespan
11-16 Years
10-16 Years
Health Concerns
West Highland White Terrier
Japanese Spitz
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
Runny eyes
Patellar luxation
Appearance Comparison
Coat
West Highland White Terrier
Japanese Spitz
Coat Type
Fur
Fur or Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Shaggy
Wavy
Silky
Straight
Wavy
Coat Length
Medium
Long
Coat Coloring
West Highland White Terrier
Japanese Spitz
Breed Colors
White
White
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