West Highland White Terrier vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
West Highland White Terrier
Terrier Group
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Overview
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs possess a robust, muscular build with distinctive tri-colored markings. Standing tall with a broad chest and powerful shoulders, these gentle giants combine strength with remarkable agility. Their dense double coat features a black base with rich rust and white markings, while their confident bearing and alert expression reflect their heritage as working dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: West Highland White Terriers are less energetic than Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: West Highland White Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, West Highland White Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.
- Trainability: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: West Highland White Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the West Highland White Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 8-11 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm | 24-29 inches 60-72 cm |
| Weight | 15-20 lbs 7-9 kg | 85-140 lbs 39-64 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Happy, Entertaining | Faithful, Family-Oriented, Dependable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
West Highland White Terrier Temperament
The West Highland White Terrier is known for being loyal, happy, entertaining, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Temperament
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is characterized by being faithful, family-oriented, dependable, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the West Highland White Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, 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
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
West Highland White Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
West Highland White 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, West Highland White Terriers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
West Highland White Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Addison's Disease
- White Shaker Syndrome
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
- Elbow Dysplasia
Pros & Cons
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
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Pros
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Excellent watchdog capabilities
- Good with children
- Strong and athletic
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Heavy shedding seasonally
- Not apartment-friendly
- Can be stubborn
- Expensive to feed
- Short lifespan
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the West Highland White Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.