Cocker Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier
Size Category
Small
Ideal For
Families, Multi-pet Homes
Maintenance Level
High
Size Category
Small
Ideal For
Families, Active People
Maintenance Level
Moderate
Decision Helper
Quick Decision Guide
Cocker Spaniel might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
- 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
Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is a small to medium-sized breed known for its affectionate nature, intelligence, and playful disposition. With a distinctive long, flowing coat and expressive eyes, they are often recognized for their beauty as well as their friendly demeanor. Cocker Spaniels are eager to please, making them highly trainable and well-suited for families and individuals alike. They are generally social, enjoying the company of people and other pets, and they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Their friendly and gentle temperament makes them excellent companions, though they can be sensitive and may require gentle training methods.
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
High grooming needs
Moderate grooming needs
Trainability
Highly trainable
Moderately trainable
Energy Level
Very energetic breed
Very energetic breed
Barking Tendency
Moderate barking tendency
Frequent barking tendency
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Cocker Spaniel
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat at least 2-3 times a week to prevent matting.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their age and weight.
Health Care
Check and clean their ears weekly to avoid infections.
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
Brush their coat at least 2-3 times a week to prevent matting.
Grooming
Brush coat at least twice a week to prevent matting.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their age and weight.
Feeding
Feed a balanced diet appropriate for their age and weight.
Health Care
Check and clean their ears weekly to avoid infections.
Health Care
Check ears regularly for dirt and wax buildup.
Additional Care Notes
Cocker Spaniel
- •Ensure they have access to fresh water at all times.
West Highland White Terrier
- •Provide fresh water daily.
Training & Exercise
Training & Exercise Guide
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Consistency and patience are key, as Cocker Spaniels can be sensitive to harsh corrections. Socialization with other dogs and people is also essential during their early months.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness during training sessions if not properly motivated
- •Distractions from their curious nature, making it hard to focus
- •Separation anxiety, leading to unwanted behaviors when left alone
- •Overexcitement around new people or pets
- •Difficulty in housebreaking if not consistent with schedules
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
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Consistency and patience are key, as Cocker Spaniels can be sensitive to harsh corrections. Socialization with other dogs and people is also essential during their early months.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness during training sessions if not properly motivated
- •Distractions from their curious nature, making it hard to focus
- •Separation anxiety, leading to unwanted behaviors when left alone
- •Overexcitement around new people or pets
- •Difficulty in housebreaking if not consistent with schedules
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
Cocker Spaniel Training Guide
West Highland White Terrier Training Guide
Find Breeders
Find Cocker Spaniel 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.