West Highland White Terrier vs Sloughi
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
Sloughi
Hound 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.
Sloughi Overview
Sloughi dogs embody elegance with their lean, muscular build and graceful movement. These noble sighthounds feature a smooth coat, long limbs, and expressive dark eyes that convey their characteristic dignified demeanor. Standing tall with a deep chest and refined bone structure, they possess the classic desert hound silhouette with their distinctive drooping ears and long, curved tail.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: West Highland White Terriers are less energetic than Sloughis, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: West Highland White Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Sloughis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, West Highland White Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Sloughis.
- Trainability: Sloughis may be slightly easier to train due to their Sloughi's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Sloughis 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 Sloughi, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Sloughi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 10-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Sloughi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm | 24-29 inches 61-74 cm |
| Weight | 15-20 lbs 7-9 kg | 35-50 lbs 16-23 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Sloughi |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Happy, Entertaining | Reserved, Graceful, Noble |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Sloughi |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Sloughi Temperament
The Sloughi is characterized by being reserved, graceful, noble, 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 Sloughi, 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
Sloughi
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Sloughi
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Sloughi
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Sloughi
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Sloughi
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.
Sloughi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Sloughis 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, Sloughis 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
Sloughi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cardiac Issues
- Bloat
- Sensitivity
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
Sloughi
Pros
- Elegant and graceful appearance
- Low grooming requirements
- Athletic and agile
- Loyal to family
- Quiet and clean
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Requires secure fencing
- Reserved with strangers
- Sensitive temperament
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the West Highland White Terrier and Sloughi, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.