Border Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison

Border Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed ComparisonBoth Border Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are originated from United Kingdom. Border Terrier may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than West Highland White Terrier. Both Border Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are having almost same weight. Both Border Terrier and West Highland White Terrier has almost same life span. Both Border Terrier and West Highland White Terrier has almost same litter size. Border Terrier requires Moderate maintenance. But West Highland White Terrier requires High maintenance

History

border terrier - historyAs a working dog, the Border Terrier comes from the border country between England and Scotland. To be more specific, the dog originates from the rough hill country in the areas on both sides of the border between England and Scotland – an area known as 'The Border Country'. The breed was developed by the farmers, using the Terriers to help contain the fox population.

It is believed that they are related to other kinds of terriers which also came from this region such as the Bedlington- and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. The first Border Terrier was registered in 1913 with the British Kennel Club. Later, the Border Terrier Club was also formed. A club for these dogs was also registered in the United States in 1930.

west highland white terrier - historyThe West highland white terrier originated from Poltalloch in Scotland. So they were initially called as Poltalloch terrier and after that they were called as Roseneath terrier. They were initially used for hunting fox, badger, otter and in killing the vermin like rats.

The breed history says that Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch was the reason for the Westie's white colour. This is because in 19th centuryhe went for hunting with his dogs and accidentally he shot his dog as its colour was as fox. So he decided to breed only white colour dogs.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
28 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
6 - 7 kg
13 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
3 - 7
Size:
Small dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Russian Bear Schnauzer, Munich Schnauzer, Munchener, Riesenschnauzer
Westie or Westy
Colors Available:
Tan and black, red or dark grey. Sometimes Grizzle - dark tipped hairs and overlay of color
White
Coat:
Short, dense and springy
‎Double
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Friendly, Independent
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

border terrier puppy - descriptionThe Border Terrier is a small to medium sized dog, weighing roughly between 5- and 7kg and standing at anything between 28 and 40cm in height. With his dark brown eyes and keen, alert expression, and with ears dropping forward, people describe the head as being like that of an otter. He is a courageous worker and a loyal companion but some people may not take kindly to him wanting to dig under-, or climb over barriers to get out to follow a scent or to go exploring.

The Border Terrier is a rough coated dogs of medium size with narrow build. The dog’s height is slightly greater than the dog’s length. The coat can be tan and black or dark grey. Sometimes the coat is described as grizzle - dark tipped hairs which give an overlay of color to the tan or red coat. You can also possibly find some white on the muzzle or chest. He has a double coat, with the outer coat being short, dense and wiry. The tail is of medium length and the ears drop forward toward their cheeks.

west highland white terrier puppy - descriptionThe Westie can be said as that a small dog having the talents of the big dog. They are very popular for their obedience. They are also working as therapy dogs and also some in search and rescue teams. The home having Westie will have fun always and be enthusiastic. They will suit them for country or city living, but they like to live with their family. They are well suitable for apartment living, but some training should be given to them for not barking. They can stay in home when you are at work. Westie can be taken to travel, whether it may be long vacation or a short visit.

They are quick learners and so training them is not difficult. Mistakes of them can be corrected patiently since they don't like harsh activities against them. Westie will definitely bark when he sees something or hear different sounds. He will bark on seeing visitors or even other dogs. Sometimes they will bark for very silly things but when given appropriate training in their young stage, they can bark only for alerts.

Characteristics

border terrier dog - characteristicsA Border Terrier is a dog that has to be part of the family. You can’t just stick him in your back yard as he will just pine away with unhappiness. Boredom and loneliness will cause him to bark and he has a loud bark. He’ll become destructive – characteristics that aren’t his fault because he didn’t ask to be bought and just stuck away.

Train and socialize your Border Terrier so that he becomes the great dog he is intended to be. He gets on well will children who have been taught to be kind to animals and he will get along with other pets in the home. The Border Terrier is an affectionate, sensitive dog and once trained he is willing to obey your commands.

The Border Terrier isn’t the greatest guard dog but is best known for his loving, devoted and loyal nature. He loves his food, and if you feed him well, provide him with a warm, dry place to sleep and provide him with lots of attention and exercise, you’ll have the most devoted and loving friend for life.

Children friendliness

west highland white terrier dog - characteristicsThe Westie is friendly with children but not all the time. So some care should be taken while they are near children.

Special talents

They like to chase rodents like rabbits as they are interested in hunting.

Adaptability

They are suitable for apartment living unless they are left alone for a very long time. They love cold weather more than hot.

Learning ability

They can be trained by giving some extra efforts.

Health Problems

border terrier puppies - health problemsBorder Terriers are a healthy breed and with good food and plenty of love and attention, they can reach 14 years of age. It is to be noted with this dog breed that he doesn’t show signs of pain or sickness easily so you want to watch him closely.

Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome - This is a disease which can be evident from 7 months of age already. The disease was once known as Spike's Disease, and its an hereditary disease of Border Terrier dogs. The cause of the disease is unknown but it is similar to canine epilepsy. It is thought that a contributing factor can be gluten, so a gluten-free diet will be recommended.

Heart defects can also affect Border Terriers, one of which is pulmonic stenosis. This is a narrowing of the valve which separates the right chamber of the heart from the lungs. It can ultimately lead to arrhythmia to congestive heart failure. He’ll have difficulty with breathing, suffer from abdominal distension and won’t be able to exercise properly.

west highland white terrier puppies - health problemsItchy skin and pyoderma are common in terriers. Skin diseases such as Seborrhea and epidermal dysplasia are also found in them.

Hair fall

Westies have possibilities of getting yeast infections in skin[Malassezia Dermatitis] and due to that hair loss will be more.

Caring The Pet

Grooming

border terrier dogs - caringBecause the topcoat of the Border Terrier is dense and harsh with a thick undercoat, he will require moderate grooming. He doesn’t shed too much. Brush your Border Terrier twice a week to remove dead hair and keep your dog’s coat healthy. As part of his grooming, keep his nails clipped as well as his teeth checked and brushed at least twice a week. Make use of specialized dog toothpaste and brush.

Diet

The Border Terrier can quickly put on weight so it is important to feed him according to the instructions on the packaging if you’re going to be feeding him with commercially manufactured dog food. Make sure its a quality brand and one which caters for his energy requirements.Dogs are individuals, and they don’t all eat the same amount. As a responsible dog owner, it is up to you to monitor your pet and understand his unique requirements.

Feeding the puppy

west highland white terrier dogs - caringThe puppy should be fed 3 to 4 times per day as it requires a considerable amount for their growth. Cooked chicken breast and turkey are best for them and also vegetables should be given to them. Beef and chicken should be kept a limit as it will lead to itchy skin and allergies.

Feeding the adult

The preferable food for the Westie is home cooked. The home food will only contain all the essential nutrients for the Westie.

Points for Good Health

Eventhough the Westie is suitable for apartment living it is recommended to have a daily walk for him to be active and refreshing.

Games and Exercises

They should be made to play for atleast 30 minutes per day for their health as to not gain overweight. Grown up children can play with them as they like it.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Jack Russell Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Miniature Schnauzer vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Cairn Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Border Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Border Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Border Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Rat Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Scottish Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Patterdale Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Bull Terrier Miniature vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Norwich Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Norfolk Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. English White Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Parson Russell Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Russell Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Feist vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Manchester Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Fox Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Cesky Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Schnorkie vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Sealyham Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Chilean Fox Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Boston Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Jack Russell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Miniature Schnauzer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Cairn Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Scottish Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Australian Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Patterdale Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. American Hairless Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Bull Terrier Miniature vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Norwich Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. English White Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Parson Russell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Russell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Feist vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Manchester Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Miniature Fox Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Cesky Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Schnorkie vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Sealyham Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Chilean Fox Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds