Beagle vs West Highland White Terrier
Size Category
Small
Ideal For
Families, Multi-pet Homes
Maintenance Level
Moderate
Size Category
Small
Ideal For
Families, Active People
Maintenance Level
Moderate
Decision Helper
Quick Decision Guide
Beagle might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Prefer low-maintenance grooming
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
West Highland White Terrier might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
- Want a breed known for longevity
Find Your Match
Quick Match Quiz
Question 1 of 7
What best describes your lifestyle?
Breed Overview
Beagle
The Beagle is a small to medium-sized breed known for its keen sense of smell and tracking ability. They have a short, easy-to-care-for coat that comes in various colors, typically including combinations of black, white, and tan. Beagles are friendly, curious, and merry dogs, often characterized by their floppy ears and expressive faces. They are known for their playful nature and love of companionship, making them excellent family pets. Their strong hunting instincts can sometimes lead to a stubborn streak, requiring consistent training and socialization from an early age.
West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, commonly known as the Westie, is a small, sturdy dog known for its distinctive white coat and lively personality. They typically weigh between 13 to 22 pounds and stand about 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder. Their coat is double-layered, with a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Westies are characterized by their bright, expressive eyes and alert demeanor. They are known for their playful, friendly nature, making them excellent companions. Despite their small size, they possess a confident and assertive attitude, often thinking of themselves as larger than they are. Westies are highly intelligent and eager to please, which aids in training, though they can exhibit a stubborn streak at times. They are generally good with children and other pets, but early socialization is important to ensure balanced behavior.
Key Statistics
Life Expectancy
Height (Male)
Weight (Male)
Breed Characteristics
Good with Children
Excellent with children
Excellent with children
Good with Other Dogs
Very social with other dogs
Generally friendly with other dogs
Shedding
Moderate shedding level
Moderate shedding level
Grooming Needs
Low grooming needs
Moderate grooming needs
Trainability
Moderately trainable
Moderately trainable
Energy Level
Very energetic breed
Very energetic breed
Barking Tendency
Frequent barking tendency
Frequent barking tendency
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Beagle
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Groom regularly to manage shedding and maintain coat health.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet tailored to their age and weight.
Health Care
Groom regularly to manage shedding and maintain coat health.
West Highland White Terrier
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush coat at least twice a week to prevent matting.
Feeding
Feed a balanced diet appropriate for their age and weight.
Health Care
Check ears regularly for dirt and wax buildup.
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Groom regularly to manage shedding and maintain coat health.
Grooming
Brush coat at least twice a week to prevent matting.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet tailored to their age and weight.
Feeding
Feed a balanced diet appropriate for their age and weight.
Health Care
Groom regularly to manage shedding and maintain coat health.
Health Care
Check ears regularly for dirt and wax buildup.
Additional Care Notes
Beagle
- •Brush teeth regularly to prevent dental issues.
West Highland White Terrier
- •Provide fresh water daily.
Training & Exercise
Training & Exercise Guide
Beagle
Beagles are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to motivate your Beagle. Consistency and patience are key, as Beagles can be easily distracted by scents and sounds. Training sessions should be kept short and fun to maintain their interest.
Training Challenges
- •high distraction levels due to strong scent drive
- •stubbornness or independence
- •separation anxiety
- •excessive barking
- •difficulty in recall due to their hunting instincts
West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terriers require consistent, positive reinforcement training starting from a young age. Focus on basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and leash walking to establish good behavior and obedience. Socialization with other dogs and people is crucial to prevent stubbornness and promote friendly behavior.
Training Challenges
- •stubbornness
- •independence
- •high energy levels
- •tendency to bark
- •prey drive
Beagle
Beagles are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to motivate your Beagle. Consistency and patience are key, as Beagles can be easily distracted by scents and sounds. Training sessions should be kept short and fun to maintain their interest.
Training Challenges
- •high distraction levels due to strong scent drive
- •stubbornness or independence
- •separation anxiety
- •excessive barking
- •difficulty in recall due to their hunting instincts
West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terriers require consistent, positive reinforcement training starting from a young age. Focus on basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and leash walking to establish good behavior and obedience. Socialization with other dogs and people is crucial to prevent stubbornness and promote friendly behavior.
Training Challenges
- •stubbornness
- •independence
- •high energy levels
- •tendency to bark
- •prey drive
Training Resources
Beagle Training Guide
West Highland White Terrier Training Guide
Find Breeders
Find Beagle Breeders
Find West Highland White Terrier Breeders
Local Search Tips
When looking for a reputable breeder in your area, consider these approaches:
- 1.
Contact local veterinarians for breeder recommendations - They often know reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and proper care.
- 2.
Join breed-specific clubs in your area - These communities can provide valuable connections and insights about responsible breeders.
- 3.
Attend local dog shows to meet breeders - This gives you the opportunity to see their dogs and discuss breeding practices in person.