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Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Toto Dog or Drop-Eared Norwich Terrier or Roseneath Terrier? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier" Compare Cairn Terrier and Norfolk Terrier. Which is better: Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Cairn Terrier Norfolk Terrier West Highland White Terrier
OriginsScotland flagScotland United Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom Scotland flagScotland
Group Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank6912842
Reviews301
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Toto Dog
Cairn
Drop-Eared Norwich Terrier Roseneath Terrier
Westie
Westy
White Roseneath Terrier
Poltalloch Terrier
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Which is the smallest dog, Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
Small Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or Norfolk Terrier? Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier weight comparison:
Male: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg) 10-12 pounds (4½-5½ 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: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg) 11 pounds (5 kg) Male: 18.5 pounds (8.5 kg), Female: 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier height comparison:
Male: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm), Female: 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) 10 inches (25 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: 11.5 inches (29 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) 10 inches (25 cm) Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm)

Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Which is more expensive?
$700-$1000 $2000-$2500 $900-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
Very frequent: The Cairn Terrier is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Norfolk Terrier is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The West Highland White Terrier is quite easy to get.

Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier intelligence:
Smart: The Cairn Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Trainability
Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier trainability comparison.
Cairn Terrier dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Norfolk Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
Cairn Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Norfolk Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Cairn Terrier dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Norfolk Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Fearless
Assertive
Happy
Intelligent
Selfish
Fearless
Companionable
Spirited
Confidence
Lovable
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Cairn Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier?
High: Cairn Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Norfolk Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Average to High: West Highland White Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier social needs comparison:
Cairn Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Norfolk Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Cairn Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Norfolk Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
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?
Cairn Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Their prey drive is low.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier playfulness comparison:
The Cairn Terrier is a playful breed.
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The Norfolk Terrier is a playful breed.
See more.
The West Highland White Terrier is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier?
A lot: Cairn Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average to High: The Norfolk Terrier is a vocal breed.
See more.
A lot: West Highland White Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
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 Cairn Terrier indoors.
Apartment-friendly dog the Norfolk Terrier 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.

Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Average: Cairn Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Norfolk Terrier 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
Cairn Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
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.

Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cairn Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Norfolk Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

West Highland White Terrier bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Cairn Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Norfolk Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier mouthiness comparison:
Cairn Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Norfolk Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier?
Cairn Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Norfolk Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Very healthy dog breed.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Luxating Patella
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Cryptorchidism
Glaucoma
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Microvascular Dysplasia
Portosystemic Vascular Anomaly (PSVA)
No data available 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
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Cairn Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Norfolk Terrier 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).
Life Expectancy
Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do Cairn Terrier, Norfolk Terrier and West Highland White Terrier breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cairn Terrier: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Norfolk Terrier: 13 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of West Highland White Terrier: 14 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Cairn Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier 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.

Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier energy level comparison:
Cairn Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Norfolk Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Cairn Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Norfolk Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
West Highland White Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
Cairn Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Norfolk Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/4 to 1/2 cup 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Cairn Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Norfolk Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the West Highland White Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier coat comparison:
Waterproof Wiry
Shaggy
Dense
Colors
What are the original Cairn Terrier, Norfolk Terrier and West Highland White Terrier color?
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
Silver
Brindle
Wheaten
Black
Tan
Red
Grizzle
Wheaten
White
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier grooming comparison:
Average: The Cairn Terrier requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Norfolk Terrier requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Advanced: The West Highland White Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Cairn Terrier dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Norfolk Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier?

Medium

The Cairn Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Norfolk Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Cairn Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Norfolk Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The West Highland White Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Cairn Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Norfolk Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Norfolk Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
Cairn Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Norfolk Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Norfolk Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Norfolk Terrier dogs are 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: Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier?
Yes
Cairn Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Norfolk Terrier 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?
Yes
Cairn Terrier is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Norfolk Terrier 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?
Cairn Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Norfolk Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
West Highland White Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

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.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Cairn Terrier or Norfolk Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a 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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier?

Not really

Cairn Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Norfolk Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

West Highland White Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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.
Fighting Dog / Military 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.

Not really

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

Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Cairn Terrier and Norfolk Terrier and West Highland White Terrier have?
2-10 puppies 2-5 puppies 2-5 puppies

Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1979 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
No data available 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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