West Highland White Terrier vs Irish Setter
Compare West Highland White Terrier and Irish Setter 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
Irish Setter
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
27 – 28 cm
55 – 67 cm
Weight
7 – 9 kg
24 – 32 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 16 years
10 – 15 years
Child friendly
5/5
5/5
Energy level
3/5
4/5
Intelligence
3/5
4/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
2/5
5/5
Grooming needs
5/5
1/5
Shedding
3/5
3/5
Barking level
4/5
2/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
1/5
Characteristics
West Highland White Terrier
Great with kids
Small
Irish Setter
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Low grooming
Quiet
Easy to train
Large
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 Irish Setter
Graceful Irish gundog with a mahogany red, feathered coat needing regular grooming. Medium‑large, athletic and high‑energy, it thrives on daily vigorous exercise and mental work. Affectionate, people‑oriented and playful, it’s good with families but needs consistent, positive training.
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