Which would you rather have as a loyal companion between a Westie vs schnauzer? The answer isn’t actually that simple. To decide which dog breed is best for your household, you must first identify your needs.
People choose to be dog parents because they either need to boost security, get a playmate for their kids, or have a companion at home. Of course, it doesn’t always work like this. You can also adopt a pooch purely for personal reasons or the plain fact that you want to provide it a home.
Westie vs Schnauzer
Before making your decision, you must put in the effort to acquire sufficient information about the dog breeds in your shortlist. In this case, it’s a battle between the Westie vs Schnauzer, both of which have good, as well as not-so-good, characteristics depending on your purpose.
Your decision to take a dog home should be based on the fact that you can both benefit from the union.
So, who gets the privilege of being taken home, the westie or the schnauzer? Facts about each dog breed in the section below should help you make the best possible decision.
1. Size
Size should definitely be a major consideration when getting a dog. While some aspiring pet owners don’t discriminate when it comes to size—happily adopting or purchasing anything from a Teacup Chihuahua to a Great Dane without thinking twice—other people need to be considered, as well.
If you’re living with a child or relative who doesn’t like large dogs, for instance, then the size of the dog you get must be a huge contributing factor.
Westies
A Westie is a strong, pint-sized furry ball of energy. People may mistake it to be a delicate lapdog because of its tiny build, but that is far from the case. It’s active enough that it only requires moderate exercise to maintain its sturdy frame.
Unlike other breeds that require regular walks in the mornings or afternoons, with Westies, you don’t need to worry about altering your already tight schedule to accommodate a dog-walking session.
Schnauzer
The standard schnauzer is moderately sized, measuring 17.5 to 19.5 inches at the shoulder and weighing anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds. The best word to describe this breed would be “hyper”, which is why it needs regular exercise.
Schnauzers would make great running companions for athletes and trailblazers who can’t do without their morning cardio fix along a trail or stretch of beach in their area.
2. Coat
How often does your dog shed its coat or fur? If shedding is an issue for you or other members of your family, then you best consider it as a major factor in your next dog adoption venture.
To give a dog a home is the best feeling, but if it’s going to entail more work than you imagined, you may want to reconsider your options.
Westie
If you’re looking to adopt a dog that has a natural look, then the Westie would make a perfect candidate. It also doesn’t shed a lot, which means that you won’t have too much trouble with cleaning or health issues tied to excessive fur shedding.
Schnauzer
Like most dogs, the schnauzer has both an inner and an outer coat. The inner coat is shed during the spring so that it gets a fresh coat by wintertime.
In terms of frequency of shedding, schnauzers barely shed. In fact, some owners even comment on the fact that their schnauzers don’t shed at all. Don’t worry, though; they do. Some pet parents just don’t happen to notice it.
3. Behavior
You’re going to want to know how your pets act around people and other dogs, as well as how easy they are to train. Being aware of their behavior also gives you knowledge of their temperament.
At what point will a dog feel like certain human behavior towards them has gone too far? Will they be threatened by the neighbor’s child who is only trying to pat them?
These are just a few of the many questions that can be answered by acquiring information on dog behavior.
Westie
Westies are ever-lovable, fun, and energetic creatures. However, to people they don’t know or rarely come across, they can exhibit aggressive behavior.
Like many tiny dog breeds, West Highland white terriers are quick to bark, chase, dig holes, and scrap. In the spectrum of terrier temperament, however, this group of cousins is smack right in the middle.
Schnauzer
Innately, a schnauzer is incredibly strong-willed and will often do what it wants when it wants to. Early obedience training will factor into how this type of breed turns out as an adult.
You are going to have a hard time dealing with their stubbornness if they don’t recognize you as the leader of the pack. With this aside, this breed is fiercely loyal and protective, making it an excellent guard dog.
Which Is Better?
At the end of the day, your decision should boil down to what you need in a pet dog. Consider the set of traits and characteristics that each breed holds and whether they are suited to your specific circumstance.
If you’re choosing between the Westie and schnauzer in terms of getting the ideal playmates for your kids, then the schnauzer is going to win by a landslide. On the other hand, if you desire a low-maintenance, small, yet tough and sturdy, companion, a Westie would obviously be the best pick.
Final Thoughts
Both the Westie and Schnauzer are one-of-a-kind dog breeds. Each possesses a set of behavioral traits that are unique to them. These characteristics give you an idea of the way these dogs will behave at home, around other people and dogs, and, most importantly, with you. You get a grasp of how they’ll respond to training or other disciplinary methods you find necessary to subject them to.
Knowledge of your dog’s features is tantamount to success in the relationship. You see, purchasing or adopting a pet is about making sure that not only the parent or owner gets to benefit, but the dog, too. Considering the relatively short life span of these creatures, they deserve to live the best of both worlds.
