Breed Comparison: Boerboel Versus West Highland White Terrier

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Boerboel Versus West Highland White Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Boerboel and for the West Highland White Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Boerboel or the West Highland White Terrier.

Boerboel versus West Highland White Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Boerboel is a giant-sized dog while the West Highland White Terrier is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Boerboel belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the West Highland White Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Boerboel versus West Highland White Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boerboel to the West Highland White Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier

Factor Boerboel West Highland White Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 16 years
Weight 110 to 200 pounds 13 to 22 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Height 22 to 28 inches 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $2660 $2220
Price Range $2225 – $3000 $1600 – $2700
Temperament Score 94.7 percent 89.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
    		•
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams until at least age 8yrs (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boerboel in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the West Highland White Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Boerboel is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the West Highland White Terrier is 80 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the West Highland White Terrier is a better pet than the Boerboel. So, you should get the West Highland White Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier are most different:

    • Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living. However, West Highland White Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
    • Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, West Highland White Terriers are good for new dog owners.
    • Boerboels do not get along well with other dogs. However, West Highland White Terriers get along well with other dogs.
    • Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool. However, West Highland White Terriers do not have the tendency to drool.

    The Similarities Between the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier

    The Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier are most similar:

    • Both the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Boerboel versus West Highland White Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier.

    Boerboels weigh 110 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Boerboels are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, West Highland White Terriers weigh 13 to 22 pounds when fully grown. West Highland White Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Boerboel versus West Highland White Terrier

    The lifespan of Boerboels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boerboels is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of West Highland White Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of West Highland White Terriers is 14.0 years.

    West Highland White Terriers live longer than Boerboels.

    Temperament of the West Highland White Terrier Versus the Boerboel

    The Boerboel has a better temperament than the West Highland White Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Boerboel is 94.7 percent while the temperament score for the West Highland White Terrier is 89.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 94.7 percent, the Boerboel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 89.7 percent, the West Highland White Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 57 Boerboels and 68 West Highland White Terriers.

    Price of Boerboel versus Price of West Highland White Terrier

    The average price of the Boerboel puppy is $2660. The price of the Boerboel typically ranges from $2225 – $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 58 Boerboel puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the West Highland White Terrier puppy is $2220. The price of the West Highland White Terrier typically ranges from $1600 – $2700. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 103 West Highland White Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Boerboel is more expensive than the West Highland White Terrier.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Boerboel and West Highland White Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Boerboel puppies or how many West Highland White Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Boerboels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Boerboels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of West Highland White Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of West Highland White Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Boerboel puppy or the West Highland White Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Boerboel versus Health Problems of West Highland White Terrier

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Boerboel is prone to more genetic health problems than the West Highland White Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Boerboel than for the West Highland White Terrier.

    6 health tests are recommended for Boerboel while 3 tests are recommended for the West Highland White Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Boerboels and in West Highland White Terriers.

    Boerboel Health Problems

    Boerboels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Boerboel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Boerboel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Boerboel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Boerboels for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Boerboels here.

    West Highland White Terrier Health Problems

    West Highland White Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing West Highland White Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a West Highland White Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your West Highland White Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen West Highland White Terriers for:

  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams until at least age 8yrs (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for West Highland White Terriers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Boerboel versus West Highland White Terrier

    Boerboels do not like to be left alone.

    West Highland White Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boerboels shed more than West Highland White Terriers?

    Boerboels shed moderately.

    West Highland White Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Boerboel or the West Highland White Terrier

    Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool.

    West Highland White Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Boerboel or the West Highland White Terrier?

    Boerboels are very easy to groom.

    West Highland White Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Boerboel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the West Highland White Terrier?

    Boerboels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    West Highland White Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Boerboels Bark and Howl? What about West Highland White Terriers?

    Boerboels bark and howl, but not very much.

    West Highland White Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Boerboels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Boerboels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    West Highland White Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boerboel vs. West Highland White Terrier

    Boerboels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    West Highland White Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Boerboels can tolerate hot weather.

    West Highland White Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boerboel or the West Highland White Terrier?

    Boerboels do not get along well with other dogs.

    West Highland White Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Boerboels good family dogs? What about West Highland White Terriers?

    Boerboels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    West Highland White Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Boerboels and West Highland White Terriers?

    Boerboels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    West Highland White Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Boerboel Easier to Train than the West Highland White Terrier?

    Boerboels are not easy to train.

    West Highland White Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Boerboel Better for Apartment Owners than the West Highland White Terrier?

    Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    West Highland White Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boerboel or the West Highland White Terrier?

    Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    West Highland White Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Boerboel versus West Highland White Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Boerboel and the West Highland White Terrier better suits you and your family.