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Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Australian Silky Terrier or Chrysanthemum Dog or Roseneath Terrier? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier" Compare Silky Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Silky Terrier Shih Tzu West Highland White Terrier
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia China flagChina Scotland flagScotland
Group Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank1062042
Reviews0191
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier breeds.
Australian Silky Terrier
Sydney Silky
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Roseneath Terrier
Westie
Westy
White Roseneath Terrier
Poltalloch Terrier
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
8-11 pounds (4-5 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 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?
9.5 pounds (4.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) Male: 18.5 pounds (8.5 kg), Female: 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier? Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier height comparison:
9-10 inches (23-25 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 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?
9.5 inches (24 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm)

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $800-$1200 $900-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier?
Frequent: The Silky Terrier is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The West Highland White Terrier is quite easy to get.

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Silky Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience 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 Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Silky Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Shih Tzu dogs are quite 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 Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Silky Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu 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 Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Silky Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Quick
Joyful
Inquisitive
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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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: Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier?
High: Silky Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shih Tzu 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
Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier social needs comparison:
Silky Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Shih Tzu 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?
Silky Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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?
Silky Terrier 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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Shih Tzu 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.

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Silky Terrier barks occasionally.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: West Highland White Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
The Silky Terrier is a playful breed.
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Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog 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 Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Silky Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu 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.

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Silky Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Shih Tzu 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: Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier?
Silky 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.
Shih Tzu 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.

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Silky Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu 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 Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?
Silky Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, 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 Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Silky Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

West Highland White Terrier bite force: Weak.

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Silky Terrier: 13 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of West Highland White Terrier: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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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.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
The Silky Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shih Tzu 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 Silky Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shih Tzu 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: Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Legg-perthes Disease
Epilepsy
Diabetes
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles
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

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is most active?
Silky Terrier dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Silky Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
West Highland White Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier?
Silky Terrier dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. What colors are available?
Black
Gray
Tan
Blue
Cream
Silver
Fawn
Tricolor
Platinum
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Advanced: The Silky Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Advanced: The West Highland White Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which drools least?
The Silky Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shih Tzu 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.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Silky Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Silky
Straight
Glossy
Dense Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier? Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:
Silky Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
West Highland White Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Silky Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Silky Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Shih Tzu 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 Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Silky Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier?
Silky Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Silky Terrier or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier?
Silky Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu 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: Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier?
Yes
Silky Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shih Tzu 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
Silky Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shih Tzu 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?
Silky Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
West Highland White Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?

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 Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

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.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has best nose work ability?

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is best for SAR work?

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Not really

Shih Tzu 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.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, 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 Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, 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.

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 2-5 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, 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 Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, 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.

Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Toy Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has most recognition?
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
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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