Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier
Breed Compatibility
88% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Setter: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
West Highland White Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Irish Setter: Agreeable0.6
West Highland White Terrier: Agreeable0.6
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Setter: 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
Irish Setter5/5
West Highland White Terrier5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Setter5/5
West Highland White Terrier3/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Setter5/5
West Highland White Terrier4/5
Living Requirements
Health & Care Comparison
Irish Setter
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
PRA: Progressive eye disease
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Epilepsy: Neurological disorder
OCD: Joint cartilage issue
Hypothyroidism: Hormone imbalance
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
Irish Setter
Pros
Affectionate and friendly
Athletic and energetic
Good with families
Beautiful appearance
Cons
High exercise needs
Regular grooming required
Can be stubborn
Not ideal for apartments
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
Irish Setter Fun Fact
Their flowing red coat earned them the nickname 'Rolling Thunder' among Irish hunters in the 1800s.
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
Irish Setter
Origin:
Developed in Ireland during the 1800s, these dogs excelled at hunting game birds across vast territories. Their distinctive red coat made them visible to hunters in field conditions.
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
Irish Setter
Regular grooming needed for silky coat maintenance. High exercise requirements must be met daily. Watch for signs of hip problems and eye issues as they age.
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
Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever →Same Group
Irish Setter vs Boykin Spaniel →Similar Size
Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever →Similar Size
Irish Setter vs Belgian Tervuren →