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Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Parson or Decker Giant or Roseneath Terrier? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier" Compare Parson Russell Terrier and Rat Terrier. Which is better: Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Parson Russell Terrier Rat Terrier West Highland White Terrier
OriginsEngland flagEngland United States flagUnited States Scotland flagScotland
Group Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank1199742
Reviews121
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Parson
Parson Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Decker Giant
Rat
Rattie
Ratting Terrier
American Rat Terrier
Roseneath Terrier
Westie
Westy
White Roseneath Terrier
Poltalloch Terrier
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Which is the smallest dog, Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
Medium Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or Rat Terrier? Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier weight comparison:
14-18 pounds (6-8 kg) Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 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?
16 pounds (7 kg) Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg) Male: 18.5 pounds (8.5 kg), Female: 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier height comparison:
12-14 inches (31-36 cm) Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 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?
13 inches (33.5 cm) Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm)

Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Which is more expensive?
$400-$600 $300-$500 $900-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
Frequent: The Parson Russell Terrier is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The West Highland White Terrier is quite easy to get.

Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Smart: The Rat Terrier 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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Trainability
Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier trainability comparison.
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Rat 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: Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Rat 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 Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:
Happy
Energetic
Intelligent
Obedient
Bold
Eager
Loving
Alert
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Parson Russell 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.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier?
High: Parson Russell Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Rat Terrier 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.
See more.
Social Needs
Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier social needs comparison:
Parson Russell Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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?
The wanderlust potential of the Parson Russell Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Rat 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?
Parson Russell Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Rat Terrier 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.
See more.

Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier playfulness comparison:
The Parson Russell Terrier is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The West Highland White Terrier is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier?
A lot: Parson Russell Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
See more.
A lot: West Highland White Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Parson Russell Terrier or Rat 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 Parson Russell Terrier indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Rat 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.

Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Parson Russell Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Rat 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: Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Rat Terrier 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.

Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Parson Russell Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat 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 Parson Russell Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Rat 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? Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier mouthiness comparison:
Parson Russell Terrier dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Rat 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.

Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier?
The Parson Russell Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Rat 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: Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier health problems comparison:
No data available Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems
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?
Average
The Parson Russell Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Rat 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
Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do Parson Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier and West Highland White Terrier breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Parson Russell Terrier: 14 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 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: Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Parson Russell Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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.

Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier energy level comparison:
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Parson Russell Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises.
Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
West Highland White Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
Parson Russell Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Rat Terrier 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.

Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. No data available 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? Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier weight gain potential comparison:
Low: The Parson Russell Terrier has good luck with genetics.
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Average: The Rat Terrier 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.
See more.

Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier coat comparison:
Rough Dense
Shiny
Dense
Colors
What are the original Parson Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier and West Highland White Terrier color?
Black
Tan
White
Brown
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
White
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier grooming comparison:
Easy to groom: The Parson Russell Terrier doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Advanced: The West Highland White Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Parson Russell Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier?

Medium

The Parson Russell Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Rat 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 Parson Russell Terrier is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Rat 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.

Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Parson Russell Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Rat 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 Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Parson Russell Terrier or Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.
Rat 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: Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier?
Yes
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Rat 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?
No
Parson Russell Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Rat 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?
Parson Russell Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
West Highland White Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat 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: Parson Russell Terrier or Rat 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.

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: Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier?

Not really

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

Not really

Rat 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.

Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat 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 Parson Russell Terrier and Rat Terrier and West Highland White Terrier have?
4-8 puppies 5-7 puppies 2-5 puppies

Parson Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1997 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 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 Large and medium sized Terriers section. Not recognized by FCI. 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?
No data available American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
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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