West Highland White Terrier
VS
Rat Terrier
West Highland White Terrier vs Rat Terrier
Compare West Highland White Terrier and Rat Terrier 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
Rat Terrier
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
27 – 28 cm
25 – 46 cm
Weight
7 – 9 kg
5 – 10 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 16 years
15 – 18 years
Child friendly
5/5
3/5
Energy level
3/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5
Trainability
3/5
3/5
Health
2/5
4/5
Grooming needs
5/5
1/5
Shedding
3/5
3/5
Barking level
4/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
3/5
Characteristics
West Highland White Terrier
Great with kids
Small
Rat Terrier
Low grooming
Small
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 Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is an American‑bred, small to medium, athletic farm and vermin dog. Intelligent and energetic, it thrives on training, exercise, and close family contact. With a short, low‑maintenance coat in many pied colors, it suits active homes and excels in various dog sports.
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