West Highland White Terrier vs Pointer
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
Pointer
Sporting 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.
Pointer Overview
Pointers exhibit a noble and athletic build with a distinctive stance when tracking prey. Their muscular bodies feature a deep chest, clean-cut head, and alert expression. The short coat comes in liver, lemon, black, or orange, often with white markings. Known for their graceful movement and intense focus while working, these dogs demonstrate remarkable agility and endurance in the field.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: West Highland White Terriers are less energetic than Pointers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: West Highland White Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Pointers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, West Highland White Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Pointers.
- Trainability: Pointers may be slightly easier to train due to their Pointer's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: West Highland White Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Pointers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the West Highland White Terrier and Pointer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 12-17 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm | 23-28 inches 58-71 cm |
| Weight | 15-20 lbs 7-9 kg | 45-75 lbs 20-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Happy, Entertaining | Loyal, Hardworking, Even-Tempered |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Pointer Temperament
The Pointer is characterized by being loyal, hardworking, even-tempered, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. 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 Pointer, 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
Pointer
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Pointer
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Pointer
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Pointer
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Pointer
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.
Pointer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pointers 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 medium coat coat, Pointers 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
Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
- Allergies
- Heart Issues
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
Pointer
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Athletic and agile
- Low grooming needs
- Good with families
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive
- Not suited for apartment living
- Can be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the West Highland White Terrier and Pointer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.