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.
| Scottish Terrier | West Highland White Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Terrier | Terrier |
| Origin | Scotland | Scotland |
| Weight | 8–10 kg | 7–10 kg |
| Height | 25 cm | 25–28 cm |
| Lifespan | 11–13 years | 13–15 years |
| Energy level | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other pets | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Watchdog instinct | ||
| Novice-owner OK |
Independent, dignified, alert, determined. Scotties bond closely with family but are aloof with strangers and can be reactive with other dogs.
45 minutes of daily walking plus mental work.
Wire double coat. Hand-strip or clip every 8 weeks.
Scottie cramp. Bladder cancer (over-represented). Von Willebrand's. Craniomandibular osteopathy.
Full Scottish 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 →Single-pet households, experienced terrier owners.
Allergy-sensitive families, urban / suburban homes.
