German Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison

German Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed ComparisonGerman Spaniel is originated from Germany but West Highland White Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. German Spaniel may grow 24 cm / 10 inches higher than West Highland White Terrier. German Spaniel may weigh 15 kg / 34 pounds more than West Highland White Terrier. Both German Spaniel and West Highland White Terrier has almost same life span. Both German Spaniel and West Highland White Terrier has almost same litter size. German Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance. But West Highland White Terrier requires High maintenance

History

german spaniel - historyLooking like a smaller version of the Red Setter, the German Spaniel, known also as the Deutscher Wachtelhund or German Quail Dog, hails from Germany.

It isn't a new dog breed and in fact it was developed around 1890 already. Used as a hunting dog, the German Spaniel isn’t well known outside of Germany, but it was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1996.

There are a number of breeds which feature in the development of the German Spaniel, and one of the more prominent dog breeds used for the modern day German Spaniel is the extinct Stoeberer. The Stoeberer was crossed with water dogs and sporting spaniels to bring about the modern German Spaniel as we know it today.

It was in 1903 that the dog was recognized as a breed, and in the 1960s and 1970s the dogs were imported into the United States.

west highland white terrier - historyThe West highland white terrier originated from Poltalloch in Scotland. So they were initially called as Poltalloch terrier and after that they were called as Roseneath terrier. They were initially used for hunting fox, badger, otter and in killing the vermin like rats.

The breed history says that Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch was the reason for the Westie's white colour. This is because in 19th centuryhe went for hunting with his dogs and accidentally he shot his dog as its colour was as fox. So he decided to breed only white colour dogs.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
Germany
United Kingdom
Height Male:
45 - 54 cm
17 - 22 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
45 - 54 cm
17 - 22 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
6 - 7 kg
13 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
3 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Deutscher Wachtelhund, German Quail Dog
Westie or Westy
Colors Available:
copper, Brown, reddish brown with white
White
Coat:
Medium to long - wavy or curly
‎Double
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Friendly, Independent
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

german spaniel puppy - descriptionAs a medium-sized, muscular dog which stands at roughly 45cm to 54cm in height and weighs 18 – 25kg, the German Spaniel is a sporty gun dog who has a long back in relation to his height.

The ears are long and floppy with wavy or curly hair that will need to be attended to so as to avoid matting.

He has a long, wavy or curly weather-resistant coat, being short on the head but with feathering around the legs and stomach. Color of the coat includes brown, reddish brown and white. The white markings can be found on the chest of the dog, the legs, tails and muzzle. `

Temperament:

The German Spaniel loves to work and be busy and if he can be included in his human family’s activities, then so much the better. He is a social dog and gets on well with other dogs as well as children in the home. The German Spaniel is an intelligent dog and easily trained. In fact training and socialization are important for him, making him obedient and a pleasure to have around.

west highland white terrier puppy - descriptionThe Westie can be said as that a small dog having the talents of the big dog. They are very popular for their obedience. They are also working as therapy dogs and also some in search and rescue teams. The home having Westie will have fun always and be enthusiastic. They will suit them for country or city living, but they like to live with their family. They are well suitable for apartment living, but some training should be given to them for not barking. They can stay in home when you are at work. Westie can be taken to travel, whether it may be long vacation or a short visit.

They are quick learners and so training them is not difficult. Mistakes of them can be corrected patiently since they don't like harsh activities against them. Westie will definitely bark when he sees something or hear different sounds. He will bark on seeing visitors or even other dogs. Sometimes they will bark for very silly things but when given appropriate training in their young stage, they can bark only for alerts.

Characteristics

german spaniel dog - characteristicsThe German Spaniel makes a wonderful family pet. He is friendly and sociable, getting along well with just about all dogs and people. He loves his human family, wanting to be involved in all their activities.

He is an active dog, used to hunting and being outdoors and he will therefore require a good deal of exercise from his owners, otherwise he becomes bored and frustrated and even destructive.

He is an adaptable dog, living in the city or the countryside, but wherever he is, exercise is important. Docile and non-aggressive, he has got all the characteristics that make him a splendid family pet.

Children friendliness

west highland white terrier dog - characteristicsThe Westie is friendly with children but not all the time. So some care should be taken while they are near children.

Special talents

They like to chase rodents like rabbits as they are interested in hunting.

Adaptability

They are suitable for apartment living unless they are left alone for a very long time. They love cold weather more than hot.

Learning ability

They can be trained by giving some extra efforts.

Health Problems

german spaniel puppies - health problemsHealth problems are fairly unknown with the robust German Spaniel, and if well cared for, he can reach 12 to 15 years of age.

There are always one or two hereditary health concerns, and the health issues that affect the breed the most are hip dysplasia, skin allergies and splayed feet.

The American Kennel Club tells us that this type of foot is flat, with spreading toes. It is a fault in your pet because it doesn’t support his weight well, causing health problems later on for your pet. This is why it is so important to have your pet’s nails clipped from time to time, because long nails can turn a good paw into a splayed one, actually injuring the tendons.

west highland white terrier puppies - health problemsItchy skin and pyoderma are common in terriers. Skin diseases such as Seborrhea and epidermal dysplasia are also found in them.

Hair fall

Westies have possibilities of getting yeast infections in skin[Malassezia Dermatitis] and due to that hair loss will be more.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

german spaniel dogs - caringShedding quite heavily and seasonally, the German Spaniel’s thick coat will require being brushed twice a week to keep it shiny and healthy. He loves the attention you give him at the same time.

There are some German Spaniel owners who like to take their dogs in for professional grooming, requesting that the coat be cut short all round.

The long ears of your German Spaniel, especially if your pet spends a lot of time swimming, can be permanently damp, picking up dirt easily. Check inside the ears and make sure they are dry and clean to prevent ear infections.

Make sure to brush his teeth 2 or 3x a week as well because plaque build up leads to dental disease but it also negatively affects other body organs too, shortening your pet’s life.

Diet:

Every dog, just like any human being, requires good nutrition, fresh water and warm, dry sleeping facilities to remain happy and to give him a good chance at longevity.

Apart from the very best commercially manufactured dog foods, ensure he occasionally gets some raw meat in as well as some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken. These can be added into his kibble.

Feeding the puppy

west highland white terrier dogs - caringThe puppy should be fed 3 to 4 times per day as it requires a considerable amount for their growth. Cooked chicken breast and turkey are best for them and also vegetables should be given to them. Beef and chicken should be kept a limit as it will lead to itchy skin and allergies.

Feeding the adult

The preferable food for the Westie is home cooked. The home food will only contain all the essential nutrients for the Westie.

Points for Good Health

Eventhough the Westie is suitable for apartment living it is recommended to have a daily walk for him to be active and refreshing.

Games and Exercises

They should be made to play for atleast 30 minutes per day for their health as to not gain overweight. Grown up children can play with them as they like it.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Boston Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Jack Russell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Miniature Schnauzer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Cairn Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Border Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Scottish Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Australian Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Patterdale Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. American Hairless Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Bull Terrier Miniature vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Norwich Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. English White Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Parson Russell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Russell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Feist vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Manchester Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Fox Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Cesky Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Schnorkie vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Sealyham Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Chilean Fox Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Sakhalin Husky vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. Puli vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. German Spaniel vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  31. German Spaniel vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  32. German Spaniel vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  33. German Spaniel vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  34. German Spaniel vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  35. German Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  36. German Spaniel vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  37. German Spaniel vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. German Spaniel vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  39. German Spaniel vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  40. German Spaniel vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  41. German Spaniel vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  42. German Spaniel vs Canaan Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. McNab vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  44. Porcelaine vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Griffon Nivernais vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Hokkaido vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. Pumi vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  50. Istrian Sheepdog vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds