Lakeland 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.
Lakeland Terrier
Terrier Group
West Highland White Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Lakeland Terrier Overview
Lakeland Terriers possess a sturdy, well-balanced frame with distinctive wire-coated exteriors in various colors. Their alert expression and confident stance reflect their bold personality. Standing 14-15 inches at the shoulder, these compact terriers showcase a rectangular body profile with strong legs and a carried-high tail. Their temperament combines fearlessness with friendly approachability.
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: Lakeland Terriers are less energetic than West Highland White Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lakeland Terriers require less grooming attention compared to West Highland White Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lakeland 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: Lakeland 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 Lakeland Terrier and West Highland White Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lakeland 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 | Lakeland Terrier | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 14-15 inches 36-38 cm | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm |
| Weight | 17-17 lbs 8-8 kg | 15-20 lbs 7-9 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Lakeland Terrier | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Confident, Bold | Loyal, Happy, Entertaining |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lakeland Terrier | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lakeland Terrier Temperament
The Lakeland Terrier is known for being friendly, confident, bold, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. 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 Lakeland 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
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 2/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Lakeland Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lakeland 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, Lakeland 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
Lakeland Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Lens luxation
- von Willebrand's
- Legg-Perthes
- Allergies
West Highland White Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Addison's Disease
- White Shaker Syndrome
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pros & Cons
Lakeland Terrier
Pros
- Low shedding
- Adaptable
- Good with families
- Alert watchdog
Cons
- Requires regular grooming
- Can be stubborn
- May chase small animals
- Tendency to bark
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 Lakeland Terrier and West Highland White Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.