West Highland White Terrier vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breed Compatibility
87% Compatible
Energy Level
West Highland White Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Calm0.4
Very Compatible
Trainability
West Highland White Terrier: Agreeable0.6
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Eager to Please1.0
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
West Highland White Terrier: Daily Brushing0.8
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
West Highland White Terrier5/5
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel5/5
Good with Other Dogs
West Highland White Terrier3/5
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel5/5
Good with Strangers
West Highland White Terrier4/5
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
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
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Mitral Valve Disease: Heart condition
Syringomyelia: Neurological disorder
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap issues
Eye Problems: Various conditions
Heart Murmurs: Cardiac concerns
Pros & Cons Comparison
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
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Pros
Exceptionally affectionate
Good with children
Adaptable to different living situations
Easy to train
Gentle temperament
Cons
Significant health concerns
Regular grooming required
Separation anxiety prone
Cannot be left alone long
Expensive medical care
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!
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Fun Fact
King Charles II was so devoted to these dogs that he decreed they be allowed in any public place, including Parliament!
Heritage & Purpose
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.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Origin:
Developed in the United Kingdom during the 16th century as companion dogs for nobility, particularly favored by King Charles II. Served as lap warmers and gentle companions.
Special Considerations
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.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Regular heart monitoring required. Daily brushing needed to maintain coat. Cannot tolerate extreme temperatures or long periods of solitude.