West Highland White Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier
Breed Compatibility
75% Compatible
Energy Level
West Highland White Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Parson Russell Terrier: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
West Highland White Terrier: Agreeable0.6
Parson Russell Terrier: Agreeable0.6
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
West Highland White Terrier: Daily Brushing0.8
Parson Russell Terrier: Weekly Brushing0.4
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
West Highland White Terrier5/5
Parson Russell Terrier3/5
Good with Other Dogs
West Highland White Terrier3/5
Parson Russell Terrier5/5
Good with Strangers
West Highland White Terrier4/5
Parson Russell Terrier3/5
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
Parson Russell Terrier
Lens luxation: Eye lens displacement
Ataxia: Neurological coordination issue
Deafness: Hereditary hearing loss
Glaucoma: Eye pressure condition
Patellar luxation: Kneecap dislocation
Primary lens luxation: Eye disorder
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
Parson Russell Terrier
Pros
Highly intelligent and trainable
Excellent exercise companion
Compact size
Low grooming needs
Cons
High exercise requirements
Strong prey drive
Can be stubborn
May be vocal
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!
Parson Russell Terrier Fun Fact
These terriers can jump up to five times their own height, making them exceptional athletes in dog sports!
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.
Parson Russell Terrier
Origin:
Developed in England during the 1800s as a skilled fox hunting terrier, these dogs excelled at following quarry underground and maintaining steady pursuit during hunts.
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.
Parson Russell Terrier
Requires secure fencing due to high prey drive. Weekly grooming needed to maintain coat. Daily exercise essential for physical and mental well-being.