Australian Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier

Compare the Australian Terrier to the West Highland White Terrier. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Australian Terriers and West Highland White Terriers.

Australian Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier
Australian Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Australian Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Change Breed
Change Breed
General Details
Australian Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
Yes
Lifespan
11-14 Years
11-16 Years
Height
9-11 Inches
14-16 Inches
Weight
12-16 Pounds
15-20 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
Australian Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Origin Country
Australia
United Kingdom
Origin Year
1820 AD
1500 AD
Temperament
Australian Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Overall Friendliness
Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Average
Average
Personality
Australian Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Affectionate
Separation Anxiety
Stubborn
Living Environment
Australian Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Apartment
No
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
No
Temperature Tolerance
50-80 °F
30-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Above Average
Below Average
Exercise Needs
Australian Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Energy Level
Very High
High
Exercise Required
High to Very High
Medium to High
Top Running Speed
20 MPH
18 MPH
Strength
Low
Medium
Grooming Needs
Australian Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Coat Maintenance
Low
Low
Shedding
Low
Low
Dander
Low
Low
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Australian Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
No
Independent
No
Yes
Breed Focus
Australian Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Distracted Easy
Yes
Yes
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Australian Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Aggression
Below Average
Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Average
Chasing
Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Average
Below Average
Fighting
Below Average
None
Guarding
Below Average
None
Herding
Below Average
None
Hunting
Average
Average
Protection
Below Average
None
Remove Vermin
Above Average
Above Average
Sled Pulling
None
None
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Australian Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Average Lifespan
11-14 Years
11-16 Years
Health Concerns
Australian Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Common Health Issues
Patellar luxation
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Allergies
Diabetes
Cataracts
Patellar luxation
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Shaker syndrome
Westie jaw
Inflammatory bowel disease
Atopic dermatitis
Hyperplastic dermatosis
Krabbe disease
Pulmonary fibrosis
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Australian Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Rough
Shaggy
Wavy
Coat Length
Medium
Medium
Coat Coloring
Australian Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Breed Colors
Black
Black
Black and Red
Black and Red
Blue and Tan
Blue and Tan
Red
Red
Sandy
Sandy
White
White
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