West Highland White Terrier
VS
Hovawart
West Highland White Terrier vs Hovawart
Compare West Highland White Terrier and Hovawart side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
West Highland White Terrier
Hovawart
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
27 – 28 cm
58 – 70 cm
Weight
7 – 9 kg
25 – 50 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 16 years
10 – 14 years
Child friendly
5/5
4/5
Energy level
3/5
4/5
Intelligence
3/5
4/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
2/5
4/5
Grooming needs
5/5
2/5
Shedding
3/5
3/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
4/5
Characteristics
West Highland White Terrier
Great with kids
Small
Hovawart
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Low grooming
Protective
Easy to train
Giant
Summary
About West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier is a small, sturdy Scottish terrier with a harsh white coat that sheds lightly. Confident, vocal and independent yet affectionate, it suits city or country homes. Needs daily walks, mental stimulation, regular grooming and consistent, reward‑based training.
About Hovawart
Large, powerful German farm guardian with medium‑long weatherproof coat in black, black and tan or blond. Deeply loyal, calm and family‑focused, but reserved with strangers and strongly territorial. Intelligent, independent and late‑maturing, needing consistent training, mental work and ample exercise.
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