Anatolian Shepherd Dog vs West Highland White Terrier
Breed Compatibility
86% Compatible
Energy Level
Anatolian Shepherd Dog: Regular Exercise0.6
West Highland White Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Very Compatible
Trainability
Anatolian Shepherd Dog: Independent0.4
West Highland White Terrier: Agreeable0.6
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Anatolian Shepherd Dog: Weekly Brushing0.4
West Highland White Terrier: Daily Brushing0.8
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Anatolian Shepherd Dog3/5
West Highland White Terrier5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Anatolian Shepherd Dog3/5
West Highland White Terrier3/5
Good with Strangers
Anatolian Shepherd Dog1/5
West Highland White Terrier4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development issue
Entropion: Eyelid rolls inward condition
Hypothyroidism: Thyroid hormone deficiency
Bloat: Gastric dilatation risk
Cardiomyopathy: Heart muscle disease
West Highland White Terrier
Craniomandibular Osteopathy: Jaw bone growth
Legg-Calve-Perthes: Hip joint issue
Addison's Disease: Hormone deficiency
White Shaker Syndrome: Tremor condition
Pulmonary Fibrosis: Lung tissue scarring
Skin Allergies: Dermatological issues
Pros & Cons Comparison
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Pros
Excellent guardian instincts
Independent nature
Weather-resistant coat
Low grooming needs
Loyal to family
Cons
Strong-willed and challenging to train
Requires extensive socialization
Not suitable for small spaces
Can be territorial
Independent decision-making
West Highland White Terrier
Pros
Adaptable to different living situations
Good with families
Low-shedding coat
Alert watchdog
Cons
Can be stubborn
Regular grooming required
May chase small animals
Can be vocal
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Fun Fact
Anatolian Shepherds can sprint at speeds up to 35 mph, making them formidable defenders against wolves.
West Highland White Terrier Fun Fact
Their white coat was specifically bred after a farmer accidentally shot his reddish-brown terrier, mistaking it for a fox!
Heritage & Purpose
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Origin: Turkey
Developed in ancient Anatolia (modern Turkey) as a livestock guardian, protecting flocks from predators across vast mountainous regions. Valued for independence and protective instincts.
West Highland White Terrier
Origin:
Developed in Scotland during the 1800s, these terriers were bred to hunt rats, foxes, and other vermin in the Scottish Highlands, with their white coat making them easily distinguishable from prey.
Special Considerations
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Needs early socialization and consistent training. Regular exercise essential. Health monitoring important, especially for joint issues and bloat risk.
West Highland White Terrier
Regular grooming is essential for their double coat. They need consistent training to manage terrier stubbornness and require proper socialization to prevent small animal chasing.
Related Comparisons
Same Group
Anatolian Shepherd Dog vs Boxer →Similar Size
Anatolian Shepherd Dog vs Neapolitan Mastiff →