Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.
| Cairn Terrier | West Highland White Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Terrier | Terrier |
| Origin | Scotland | Scotland |
| Weight | 6–7 kg | 7–10 kg |
| Height | 23–25 cm | 25–28 cm |
| Lifespan | 13–15 years | 13–15 years |
| Energy level | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other pets | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Watchdog instinct | ||
| Novice-owner OK |
Friendly, alert, courageous, sometimes stubborn. Excellent with families. Strong prey drive.
60 minutes of daily exercise plus play.
Weather-resistant double coat. Hand-strip every 8–10 weeks; weekly brush.
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (DNA test). Patellar luxation. Allergies.
Full Cairn Terrier profile →Bold, confident, friendly, alert. Westies make excellent watchdogs (they bark) but are generally good with family. Some can be reactive with other dogs.
45–60 minutes daily plus mental work. They have terrier energy.
Wire double coat. Brush 2–3× weekly. Hand-strip or clip every 8–10 weeks.
Atopic dermatitis (very common). Westie lung disease (pulmonary fibrosis). Patellar luxation. Globoid cell leukodystrophy (DNA test).
Full West Highland White Terrier profile →Active families, country / suburban homes.
Allergy-sensitive families, urban / suburban homes.
