Scottish Deerhound 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.
Scottish Deerhound
Hound Group
West Highland White Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Scottish Deerhound Overview
Majestic and noble, Scottish Deerhounds possess a commanding presence with their tall, lean build and rough coat. Standing up to 32 inches at the shoulder, these graceful giants combine strength with elegance. Their dignified bearing reflects their aristocratic heritage, while their gentle eyes and soft expression reveal their characteristically kind nature.
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: Scottish Deerhounds are less energetic than West Highland White Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Scottish Deerhounds require less grooming attention compared to West Highland White Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Scottish Deerhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than West Highland White Terriers.
- Trainability: Scottish Deerhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Scottish Deerhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: West Highland White Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Scottish Deerhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Scottish Deerhound and West Highland White Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 8-11 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm |
| Weight | 75-110 lbs 34-50 kg | 15-20 lbs 7-9 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Dignified, Polite | Loyal, Happy, Entertaining |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Scottish Deerhound Temperament
The Scottish Deerhound is known for being gentle, dignified, polite, 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 Scottish Deerhound 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
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 5/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 2/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Scottish Deerhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Scottish Deerhounds 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, Scottish Deerhounds 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
Scottish Deerhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Liver shunt
West Highland White Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Addison's Disease
- White Shaker Syndrome
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pros & Cons
Scottish Deerhound
Pros
- Gentle and dignified temperament
- Low barking tendency
- Good with other dogs
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Requires large living space
- High exercise needs
- Short lifespan
- Strong prey drive
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 Scottish Deerhound and West Highland White Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.