When it comes to choosing the right dog as the family pet, most people focus primarily on the appearance of the animal. While this can help you decide between the same breed, you shouldn’t use it solely to pick the one with which you’ll live and for which you care for many years to come.
Today, we will look at Westie vs Scottie to help you decide between the two. The West Highland White Terrier and Scottish Terrier do have some similarities but also many differences. It makes sense to know as much as you can about each one to choose the best option.
Westie vs Scottie: A Detailed Comparison
Both animals are hunting dogs, and they are quite popular with their owners. The Scottish Terrier also goes by Aberdeenie and Scottie. However, the West Highland White Terrier can also be called a Westie or Westy, White Roseneath Terrier, Poltalloch Terrier, or Roseneath Terrier.
There are two groups called AKC and FCI. Both breeds are recognized in both. The American Kennel Club recognized the Scottie as a Terrier breed in 1885 and the Westie in the same class in 1908. The FCI also recognizes both kinds in the small-sized Terrier section.
1. General Appearances
The Scottie weighs between 19 and 23 pounds and is considered a small dog, while the Westie male weighs between 15 and 22 pounds while the female is between 13 and 16 pounds. The average weights for the male and female Westie are 18.5 and 14.5, respectively, while the Scottie’s average weight is about 21 pounds.
Their heights are also similar, with the Scottie being between 10 and 11 inches and the Westie males being between 10 and 12 inches. Westie females can be anywhere from nine to 11 inches.
2. Care and Hair Needs
Though neither animal sheds very much or at all, that is where their similarities end. The Scottie’s coat is often wiry while the Westie has a denser one. Plus, the Westie is always white, while the Scottie could be Wheaton black or Brindle silver red.
Your pet will need to be groomed periodically. Often, the Scottish Terrier doesn’t require all that much work, but it can be more than other breeds. However, the West Highland White Terrier will require much grooming and this also leads to a higher maintenance cost to keep the animal.
3. Characteristics
- Scotties
Scotties tend to be alert, independent, playful, quick, and selfish. Often, they are low to average when it comes to intelligence, which means they aren’t the smartest dog breed out there.
To combat that, these animals are easy to train. Therefore, you may not have to work with a professional trainer if you don’t want to do so.
Of course, Scottish Terriers love to play, but they are a little more sensitive than others. This means that, when playing, it might be best to let them “win” the game and keep things fun and non-competitive.
Since Scotties are a social breed, so you will want to take them to dog parks and other areas where they will get to play with other dogs. You’ll find that these lovable pets don’t bark very much, if at all. As such, if you live in an apartment or a quiet neighborhood, you shouldn’t have problems with your pet.
- Westie
Westies, on the other hand, are often courageous, affectionate, independent, friendly, intelligent, and alert. Their intelligence rank is average when it comes to obedience, so they are just a bit easier to train than the Scottie.
Similar to the Scottie, the Westie is also quite sensitive. Though they love to play with you and other dogs, it is ideal to do things that don’t require competition. They may even get spooked more quickly than other breeds, such as during a storm.
Primarily, you will find that the Westie is a vocal dog. They will bark at everything and anything. This means that you could have issues with the neighbors, depending on where you live.
If you’re looking for a pet that will be protective, this breed might be right for you. Plus, they rarely play-bite or nip on people, so you might consider the Westie if you have children. However, they might chew other things, so you may want to find the best dog bed for chewers.
How Good Are They Around People?
When it comes to other pets, strangers, and children, you need to know how each of the breeds holds up. You never know whom they will encounter while out and about or in their home, so it makes sense to understand how they might react to them. This gives you the chance to minimize risk.
Strangers are often going to want to pet your dog and may not ask for permission. Some animals get very upset at this. Scottish Terriers are average when it comes to meeting new people, but Westies don’t mind strangers at all.
If you have children or other pets, they all must get along well together. You’ll be happy to find that both breeds are exceptionally kid-friendly and get along quite well with cats. However, Scotties might not get along well with other dogs, though Westies might.
Any Health Issues?
Since dogs have often been bred for centuries, they can develop health conditions over time. It’s important to ensure that you choose a pet that will not break the bank. Both Scottish Terriers and West Highland White Terriers are generally healthy animals.
Scotties can develop certain conditions, including:
- Patellar Luxation
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Scottie Cramp
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Westies might have a variety of health problems, consisting of:
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
- Cataracts
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Hyperplastic Dermatosis
- Patellar Luxation
- Legg-Perthes Disease
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Shaker Syndrome (White Dog)
Conclusion
Those who are on the Westie vs Scottie bandwagon are often looking to find which pet might be best for them. Though these two breeds are quite similar, there are noticeable differences. For one, they are different colors, but they also have different personalities and needs.
We believe that the Westie is one of the best dog breeds out there, especially for families, senior citizens, and retirees.
