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German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Roseneath Terrier?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier" Compare German Shepherd and West Highland White Terrier. Which is better: German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd West Highland White Terrier
OriginsGermany flagGermany Scotland flagScotland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank242
Reviews191
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Roseneath Terrier
Westie
Westy
White Roseneath Terrier
Poltalloch Terrier
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier? Is the German Shepherd bigger than the West Highland White Terrier breed? Is a German Shepherd smaller than a West Highland White Terrier?
Large Small
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier? German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier weight comparison:
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 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: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 18.5 pounds (8.5 kg), Female: 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier? Is a German Shepherd taller than a West Highland White Terrier?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 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: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between German Shepherd and West Highland White Terrier?
$800-$2000 $900-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The West Highland White Terrier is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier smarter? Which is best? German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier intelligence:
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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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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Trainability
German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier trainability comparison. What's the difference between German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier? German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier?
Sensitive: German Shepherd 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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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: West Highland White Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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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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German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier playfulness comparison:
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The West Highland White Terrier is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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A lot: West Highland White Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd indoors.
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.

German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
German Shepherd 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: German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier?
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.

German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

West Highland White Terrier bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is a German Shepherd more dangerous than a West Highland White Terrier?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier mouthiness comparison:
German Shepherd 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.
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German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Very healthy dog breed.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
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: German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably 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
German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd and West Highland White Terrier breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the German Shepherd and West Highland White Terrier?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 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: German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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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.
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German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier? German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier energy level comparison:
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd 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: German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier?
German Shepherd 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.

German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier? Does the German Shepherd breed eat more than the West Highland White Terrier breed?
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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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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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German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier coat comparison:
Fuzzy Dense
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd and West Highland White Terrier color? German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier color comparison:
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
White
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier? German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier grooming comparison:
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The West Highland White Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than West Highland White Terrier dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier?

Medium

The German Shepherd 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? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The West Highland White Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or West Highland White Terrier? Can a German Shepherd and a West Highland White Terrier be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with West Highland White Terrier dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier?
Yes
German Shepherd 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
German Shepherd 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?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
West Highland White Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

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

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.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier?

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

West Highland White Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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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.
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Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

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

German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can German Shepherd and West Highland White Terrier have? German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier litter size comparison:
6-10 puppies 2-5 puppies

German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding 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 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs 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
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
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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