Dalmatian vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison

Dalmatian vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed ComparisonDalmatian is originated from Croatia but West Highland White Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Dalmatian may grow 31 cm / 13 inches higher than West Highland White Terrier. Dalmatian may weigh 22 kg / 49 pounds more than West Highland White Terrier. Both Dalmatian and West Highland White Terrier has almost same life span. Both Dalmatian and West Highland White Terrier has almost same litter size. Dalmatian requires Low maintenance. But West Highland White Terrier requires High maintenance

History

dalmatian - historyThe history of the Dalmatian dog is also fairly scant, and the information you get is often unclear.

The name Dalmatian wasn’t used until the end of the 18th century, although it seems as though, according to murals on ancient tombs, there were white hounds then with specks over the body.

It does seem firm that the modern Dalmatian is because of breeding of the English nobility. They used these dogs to accompany them on their carriages. The dogs were also bred with the purpose of getting an exquisite spotted pattern.

It was in 1890 that the first Dalmatian Club was established in England and the dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888.

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:
Non sporting dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
Croatia
United Kingdom
Height Male:
58 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
56 - 60 cm
22 - 24 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
Weight Female:
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
6 - 7 kg
13 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
3 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Coach Dog, Carriage Dog
Westie or Westy
Colors Available:
White with Black spots
White
Coat:
Short and smooth
‎Double
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Friendly, Independent
Grooming:
Low maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

dalmatian puppy - descriptionThe Dalmatian is a medium sized dog with its beautiful white coat with black or liver spots being its main feature. The coat is short and dense and the Dalmatian pretty much sheds all year round.

It is notable that at birth, the puppies are pure white, with their spots starting to form about 4 weeks later.

Both the male and female stand at anything between 56–61cm in height and weigh between 22 to 35kg. He is a slender, muscular dogs with plenty of stamina. The ears of the dog are floppy, he has brown eyes and a long tail.

Temperament:

With his human family, the Dalmatian is an active, playful dog. He has the reputation of being somewhat unfriendly and aloof, but many who have kept him as a pet say this isn't so. He loves to take part in games and gets on well with children in the home.

He is intelligent, but when it comes to strangers, the Dalmatian is reserved and even aloof. If you want to get the best from your Dalmatian, make sure that he is trained and socialized as he then knows how to behave well around people. He makes a good watchdog too.

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

dalmatian dog - characteristicsThe Dalmatian is such a beautiful dog, energetic and playful and he is good with pets and children in the home.

He is intelligent too and training and socialization for him will be easy and promise to bring out all his good points.

The Dalmatian became popular in the 1800's when they were used as coach-dogs, and their popularity has been enhanced because of films from Hollywood such as ‘101 Dalmatians’.

Unfortunately many people receive Dalmatian puppies as gifts after seeing movies like this and then hand their dogs into rescue centers when they grow up and are no longer the cute little puppy they first met.

Be a responsible dog owner. A Dalmatian has feelings and you need to commit to caring for him for up to 15 years. You’ll be rewarded by having a wonderful, loyal canine friend.

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

dalmatian puppies - health problemsDalmatians, with good care, can live to be about 10 to 15 years. However, just as with other breeds, the Dalmatian is prone to certain health problems that are more specific to their breed. Some of these problems are skin allergies, deafness and urinary stones.

Skin Allergies:

Dalmatians are known to have sensitive skin and they are prone to topical allergies. When you brush your dog, you should check his skin for redness and also check for fleas and ticks.

Red bumps on his skin could mean an allergy and can be distressing for your pet. Your pet may be scratching excessively and the skin may be red and moist with runny, itchy eyes. It is time to get your dog to the vet, who may prescribe an antihistamines to get the itching and allergies under control.

Urinary Stones:

Unfortunately, the Dalmatian is a dog which has a tendency to form stones in the kidneys and bladder. A genetic mutation causes the raised uric acid levels which is more prevalent with the male Dalmatian. Straining to urinate can be tremendously stressful for your dog and you will need to get him to the vet immediately.

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:

dalmatian dogs - caringThe Dalmatian is an easy dog to maintain and brushing twice a week will get rid of loose hairs. What is notable with the Dalmatian is that not only does he look like a well groomed dog, he also doesn’t have that typical dog smell around him.

Diet:

No matter what kind of dog you have, a high-quality dog food is always beneficial for your dog’s health. Home-made food is always good for your dog and wholesome food such as brown rice, vegetables and some cooked chicken will delight your pet and keep him interested in his food.

There are also excellent manufactured foods and kibble is a good food to have when you select it according to your dog’s age and energy levels.

These foods, especially the top quality ones, ensure your pet gets all the nutrients he needs. Adding some raw meat into the diet can be highly beneficial for your pet and will keep him bright eyed, bushy tailed and with a wet nose.

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. Dalmatian vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Dalmatian vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  28. Dalmatian vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  29. Dalmatian vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  30. Dalmatian vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  31. Keeshond vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  32. Mexican Hairless vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  33. Tibetan Terrier vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  34. Standard Poodle vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  35. Norwegian Lundehund vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  36. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  37. Dalmatian vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  38. Dalmatian vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Dalmatian vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Dalmatian vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  41. Dalmatian vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Dalmatian vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  43. Dalmatian vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  44. Dalmatian vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Dalmatian vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  46. Dalmatian vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds