West Highland White Terrier vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
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
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
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.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Overview
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons showcase a distinctive harsh double coat and noble bearing. Their medium-sized, athletic frame supports their versatile hunting abilities. Distinguished by a characteristic steel gray coat with brown markings, these dogs possess a square-built body, intelligent expression, and prominent eyebrows that give them an alert, attentive appearance.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: West Highland White Terriers are less energetic than Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: West Highland White Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Wirehaired Pointing Griffons.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, West Highland White Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Wirehaired Pointing Griffons.
- Trainability: Wirehaired Pointing Griffons may be slightly easier to train due to their Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: West Highland White Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Wirehaired Pointing Griffons typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the West Highland White Terrier and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Wirehaired Pointing Griffon |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Wirehaired Pointing Griffon |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm | 20-24 inches 51-61 cm |
| Weight | 15-20 lbs 7-9 kg | 35-70 lbs 16-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Wirehaired Pointing Griffon |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Happy, Entertaining | Friendly, Devoted, Trainable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | West Highland White Terrier | Wirehaired Pointing Griffon |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Temperament
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is characterized by being friendly, devoted, trainable, 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, 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
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
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.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons 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, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons 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
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Ear Infections
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Thyroid 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
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Devoted family dog
- Highly trainable
- Good with children
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Strong prey drive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the West Highland White Terrier and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.