West Highland White Terrier
VS
Irish Water Spaniel
West Highland White Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel
Compare West Highland White Terrier and Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
27 – 28 cm
51 – 61 cm
Weight
7 – 9 kg
25 – 34 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 16 years
12 – 14 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
3/5
Grooming needs
5/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Barking level
4/5
0/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
0/5
Characteristics
West Highland White Terrier
Great with kids
Small
Irish Water Spaniel
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
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 Water Spaniel
Medium–large, athletic gundog with a distinctive curly liver coat, smooth face and tapering “rat tail.” Clever, water‑loving retriever that forms close bonds, often to one person. Needs substantial daily exercise, mental work, regular grooming and kind, consistent training.
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