Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs West Highland White Terrier
Breed Compatibility
86% Compatible
Energy Level
Chesapeake Bay Retriever: Energetic0.8
West Highland White Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Chesapeake Bay Retriever: Agreeable0.6
West Highland White Terrier: Agreeable0.6
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Chesapeake Bay Retriever: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
West Highland White Terrier: Daily Brushing0.8
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Chesapeake Bay Retriever3/5
West Highland White Terrier5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Chesapeake Bay Retriever3/5
West Highland White Terrier3/5
Good with Strangers
Chesapeake Bay Retriever3/5
West Highland White Terrier4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Eye Problems: Progressive retinal atrophy
Bloat: Gastric dilatation-volvulus
Von Willebrand's: Blood clotting disorder
Epilepsy: Neurological seizure condition
DM: Degenerative myelopathy concerns
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
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Pros
Excellent water retriever
Loyal family companion
Weather-resistant coat
Strong work ethic
Cons
Heavy shedding
Needs extensive exercise
Can be stubborn
Reserved with strangers
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
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Fun Fact
Their unique coat contains oils that make it naturally water-repellent and ideal for icy water retrieval.
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
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Origin:
Developed along Maryland's Chesapeake Bay in the 19th century, these dogs were bred to retrieve waterfowl in harsh conditions, including icy waters and rough weather.
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
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Regular coat maintenance needed during shedding seasons. Requires consistent exercise and water activities. Early socialization important for balanced temperament.
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.