Border Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Border Terrier
Terrier Group
West Highland White Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Border Terrier Overview
Border Terriers possess a distinctive otter-like head, alert expression, and sturdy, well-proportioned frame. Their rough double coat, typically grizzle and tan or blue and tan, provides protection in all weather conditions. Standing 12-15 inches at the shoulder, these agile terriers combine a determined spirit with an affectionate nature, displaying remarkable stamina and intelligence in their movements.
West Highland White Terrier Overview
West Highland White Terriers, affectionately known as 'Westies', feature a distinctive white double coat, compact muscular body, and alert carriage. Their dark, almond-shaped eyes and perked ears give them an intelligent, inquisitive expression. Standing 10-11 inches tall, these sturdy terriers combine strength with agility, displaying confident movement and a proud stance characteristic of their Scottish heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Border Terriers are less energetic than West Highland White Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Border Terriers require less grooming attention compared to West Highland White Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Border Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than West Highland White Terriers.
- Trainability: West Highland White Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their West Highland White Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Border Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while West Highland White Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Border Terrier and West Highland White Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Border Terrier | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Border Terrier | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm |
| Weight | 11-15 lbs 5-7 kg | 15-20 lbs 7-9 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Border Terrier | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Happy, Plucky | Loyal, Happy, Entertaining |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Border Terrier | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Border Terrier Temperament
The Border Terrier is known for being affectionate, happy, plucky, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
West Highland White Terrier Temperament
The West Highland White Terrier is characterized by being loyal, happy, entertaining, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Border Terrier and West Highland White Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Border Terrier
Rating: 5/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Border Terrier
Rating: 3/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Border Terrier
Rating: 3/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Border Terrier
Rating: 1/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Border Terrier
Rating: 3/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Border Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Border Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Border Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
West Highland White Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
West Highland White Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, West Highland White Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Border Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- SLEM
- Heart defects
- Epilepsy
- Eye problems
West Highland White Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Addison's Disease
- White Shaker Syndrome
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pros & Cons
Border Terrier
Pros
- Excellent with families
- Adaptable to different living situations
- Low grooming requirements
- Good with children
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Strong prey drive
- May dig and bark
- Needs consistent exercise
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Border Terrier and West Highland White Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.