If you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, you might be wondering whether a West Highland White Terrier vs Border Terrier is the right breed for you. Both dog breeds have a lot to offer, but they also have some distinct differences.
Here’s a closer look at both dog breeds, the West Highland White Terrier vs the Border Terrier.
About West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, also known as the Westie, is a Scottish breed of dog with a distinctive white coat. The modern breed descended from several breeding programs of white terriers in Scotland in the 19th century. It is an independent and self-confident dog breed, characterized by its good nature and temperament.
The Westie is a small, hardy dog with a white double coat. The head is long and wedge-shaped, with a black nose and dark brown or hazel eyes. The body is compact and muscular, while the legs are straight and of medium length. The breed standard specifies a height of 28–30 cm (11–12 in) at the withers and a weight of 9–10 kg (20–22 lb).
The Westie is an active breed, known for its playful personality and friendly nature. They are intelligent dogs and easily trained, making them good companions. They can be stubborn at times but are generally good-natured dogs. Westies are also known for their love of digging, which can be a problem in the garden.
The breed is generally healthy, but like all breeds, there are some health conditions to be aware of. These include allergies, hip dysplasia, and von Willebrand disease. Westies typically live for 12–16 years.
About Border Terrier
The Border Terrier is a small, wire-haired terrier breed of dog of the fox terrier type. The Border Terrier was originally bred to hunt foxes, and many still perform this duty today. They are also popular pets, and their size and temperament make them suitable for a wide range of activities, including agility and obedience.
It is a small dog, with a body that is long in proportion to its height. The head is wedge-shaped, with a strong jaw and prominent eyebrows. The coat is wiry and dense, with a soft undercoat. The breed standard specifies a height of 25–28 cm (10–11 in) and a weight of (11–15 lb).
Border Terriers are active, intelligent dogs that require regular exercise and stimulation. They are generally good-natured dogs but can be stubborn at times. They are also known for their love of digging, which can be a problem in the garden.
The breed is generally healthy, but like all breeds, there are some health conditions to be aware of. These include allergies, hip dysplasia, and von Willebrand disease. Border Terriers typically live for 12–16 years.
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West Highland White Terrier Vs. Border Terrier-Points Of Difference
When it comes to these two popular terrier breeds, there are a few key points of difference that are worth considering. Below is both breed comparison.
Size
Both Border Terriers and West Highland White Terriers belong to the small-size category of dogs. However, the Westie is slightly larger than the Border Terrier, with a height that ranges from 10 to 11 inches, and a weight that falls between 15 and 22 pounds. The Border Terrier, on the other hand, has a height of 10 to 12 inches and a weight of 11 to 15 pounds.
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Coat And Grooming
Both the West Highland White Terrier and the Border Terrier have a double coat that is composed of a soft, dense undercoat and a wiry outer coat. The main difference between their coats is in the length – the Westie’s coat is medium in length, while the Border Terrier’s coat length is shorter.
In terms of grooming, both breeds need to be brushed every week, and they also need to be trimmed or clipped every few months. The Westie is also known for shedding moderately.
Temperament
Both are friendly, intelligent, and independent dogs. However, the Westie is generally considered to be more outgoing and less reserved than the Border Terrier. The Border Terrier is also known for being a bit more stubborn than the Westie.
Trainability
Both the West Highland White Terrier and the Border Terrier are highly intelligent dogs that are easy to train. However, the order Terrier may be slightly easier to train than the West Highland White Terrier. This is because the Border Terrier is less independent and more willing to please its owner.
The West Highland White Terrier is an independent dog that likes to do things it’s way. This can make training the West Highland White Terrier a challenge. However, with patience and consistency, most West Highland White Terriers and other dogs can be trained to obey basic commands.
The Border Terrier is eager to please breed that is very easy to train. Border Terriers are highly intelligent and learn new commands quickly. With patience and consistency, most Border Terriers will excel in obedience training.
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Exercise Needs
Both the West Highland White Terrier and the Border Terrier are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. These breeds were originally bred for hunting, so they have a strong instinct to run and explore.
The West Highland White Terrier needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This breed is very active indoors and does well with a large yard to play in. West Highland White Terriers also enjoy going for walks, playing fetch, and participating in dog sports such as agility.
The Border Terrier needs at least 45 minutes of exercise per day. This breed is very active and does best with a large yard to play in. Border Terriers also enjoy going for long walks, playing fetch, and participating in dog sports such as agility.
Final Words:
We hope you have enjoyed learning about the differences between these two popular terrier breeds. While they may share some similarities, there are also many key ways in which they differ. If you’re still undecided on which breed is right for you, be sure to consult with a professional /reputable breeder /responsible breeder who can help you make the best decision for your individual needs and lifestyle. Thank you for reading!
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