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Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Sheepdog or Irish Red Setter or Roseneath Terrier? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier" Compare Border Collie and Irish Setter. Which is better: Border Collie or Irish Setter or West Highland White Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Border Collie Irish Setter West Highland White Terrier
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales Ireland flagIreland Scotland flagScotland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank387242
Reviews1341
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier breeds.
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Irish Red Setter
Red Setter
Roseneath Terrier
Westie
Westy
White Roseneath Terrier
Poltalloch Terrier
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 55-65 pounds (25-29 kg) Male: 15-22 pounds (7-10 kg), Female: 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 18.5 pounds (8.5 kg), Female: 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Collie or Irish Setter or West Highland White Terrier? Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier height comparison:
Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm)

Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $800-$1000 $900-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Collie or Irish Setter or West Highland White Terrier?
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Irish Setter is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The West Highland White Terrier is quite easy to get.

Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Irish Setter dogs have great intelligence.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
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Irish Setter dogs are very easy to train.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Irish Setter dogs are average watchdogs.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Irish Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Intelligent
Affectionate
Lively
Companionable
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier?
High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Irish Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average to High: West Highland White Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier social needs comparison:
Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Irish Setter dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Irish Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Border Collie dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Irish Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
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Low: The Irish Setter barks none to minimal.
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A lot: West Highland White Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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The Irish Setter is a highly playful breed.
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The West Highland White Terrier is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Irish Setter breed.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep West Highland White Terrier indoors.

Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Irish Setter dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
West Highland White Terrier dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Border Collie or Irish Setter or West Highland White Terrier?
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Irish Setter dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
West Highland White Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Irish Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?
Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Irish Setter dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Setter bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

West Highland White Terrier bite force: Weak.

Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 13 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of West Highland White Terrier: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Irish Setter can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The West Highland White Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Irish Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Very healthy dog breed.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Irish Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The West Highland White Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Panosteitis
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Canine Leukocyte
Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Atopic Dermatitis
Hyperplastic Dermatosis
Pulmonary Fibrosis

Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is most active?
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Irish Setter dogs are high-energy dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Collie or Irish Setter or West Highland White Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
Irish Setter dogs need a lot of exercises.
West Highland White Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Collie or Irish Setter or West Highland White Terrier?
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.
Irish Setter dogs don't need too much sleep.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Irish Setter has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the West Highland White Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which needs most food?
1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Sable
Brindle
Lilac
Gold
Seal
White & Red
Slate
Sable Merle
Black & White
Tricolor
Blue merle
Blue merle-tricolor
Slate merle
Red merle
Saddleback Sable
White & Blue
White & Blue Merle
White & Red Merle
White Ticked
White & Gold
White & Sable
White & Seal
Red
Mahogany
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Advanced: The Irish Setter requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Advanced: The West Highland White Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which drools least?
The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Irish Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
The West Highland White Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Irish Setter has a high chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Fine Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Collie or Irish Setter or West Highland White Terrier? Border Collie or Irish Setter or {name3 shedding:
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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Irish Setter dogs shed moderately.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Irish Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Irish Setter dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Irish Setter or West Highland White Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Irish Setter dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Irish Setter or West Highland White Terrier?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Irish Setter dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Irish Setter or West Highland White Terrier?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Irish Setter dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier?
Yes
Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Irish Setter dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
West Highland White Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Irish Setter is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
West Highland White Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Irish Setters are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
West Highland White Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has best nose work ability?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is best for SAR work?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Irish Setter breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

West Highland White Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has most puppies?
4-8 puppies 7-10 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Border Collie vs Irish Setter vs West Highland White Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Border Collie, Irish Setter, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The American Int. Border Collie Registry
The American Border Collie Association
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Club Espanol De Terriers

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