West Highland White Terrier vs Schapendoes
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
Schapendoes
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Schapendoes Overview
Schapendoes are distinctive Dutch herding dogs with a shaggy, long-haired coat and expressive eyes. Their medium-sized, well-proportioned frame supports an athletic build ideal for agile movement. Known for their friendly and watchful nature, these dogs combine intelligence with a lively spirit. Their most striking feature is their abundant coat, which forms a natural mane around their face and neck.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: West Highland White Terriers are less energetic than Schapendoess, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: West Highland White Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Schapendoess.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, West Highland White Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Schapendoess.
- Trainability: West Highland White Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their West Highland White Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Schapendoess adapt better to apartment living, while West Highland White Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the West Highland White Terrier and Schapendoes, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Schapendoes |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Schapendoes |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm | 16-20 inches 41-51 cm |
| Weight | 15-20 lbs 7-9 kg | 26-55 lbs 12-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Schapendoes |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Happy, Entertaining | Friendly, Watchful, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Schapendoes |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Schapendoes Temperament
The Schapendoes is characterized by being friendly, watchful, lively, 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 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 West Highland White Terrier and Schapendoes, 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
Schapendoes
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Schapendoes
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Schapendoes
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Schapendoes
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Schapendoes
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.
Schapendoes Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Schapendoess 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, Schapendoess 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
Schapendoes Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Cataracts
- Epilepsy
- Dental 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
Schapendoes
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Weather-resistant coat
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Strong herding instinct
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the West Highland White Terrier and Schapendoes, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.