Which is Better between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the West Highland White Terrier? A Very Detailed Review.

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Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus West Highland White Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the West Highland White Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the West Highland White Terrier.

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus West Highland White Terrier

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus West Highland White Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the West Highland White Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a large-sized dog while the West Highland White Terrier is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Catahoula Leopard Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus West Highland White Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the West Highland White Terrier

Factor Catahoula Leopard Dog West Highland White Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 16 years
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Height 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Weight 50 to 90 pounds 13 to 22 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $650 $2220
Price Range $400 – $800 $1600 – $2700
Temperament Score 78.6 percent 89.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog. 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the West Highland White Terrier

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

  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, West Highland White Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, West Highland White Terriers are good for new dog owners.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, West Highland White Terriers get along well with other dogs.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, West Highland White Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the West Highland White Terrier

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

  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the West Highland White Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the West Highland White Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the West Highland White Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the West Highland White Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the West Highland White Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus West Highland White Terrier

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog versus West Highland White Terrier

    The lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is 12.0 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs.

    Temperament of the Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus the West Highland White Terrier

    The West Highland White Terrier has a better temperament than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the West Highland White Terrier is 89.7 percent while the temperament score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 78.6 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 78.6 percent, the Catahoula Leopard Dog has a below-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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the West Highland White Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 14 Catahoula Leopard Dogs and 68 West Highland White Terriers.

    Price of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Price of West Highland White Terrier

    The average price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy is $650. The price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog typically ranges from $400 – $800. However, the price of a Catahoula Leopard Dog can be as low as $100 and as high as $1650. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 247 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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. However, the price of the West Highland White Terrier can be as low as $600 and as high as $3999. 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 West Highland White Terrier is more expensive than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

    Catahoula Leopard Dog West Highland White Terrier
    Average Price $650 $2220
    Price Range $400 to $800 $1600 to $2700

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Catahoula Leopard Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Catahoula Leopard Dogs. 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Catahoula Leopard Dog versus West Highland White Terrier

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed more than West Highland White Terriers?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the West Highland White Terrier

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the West Highland White Terrier?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom.

    West Highland White Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Catahoula Leopard Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the West Highland White Terrier?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs Bark and Howl? What about West Highland White Terriers?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    West Highland White Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Catahoula Leopard Dog vs. West Highland White Terrier

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the West Highland White Terrier?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

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

    Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs good family dogs? What about West Highland White Terriers?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs and West Highland White Terriers?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Easier to Train than the West Highland White Terrier?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not easy to train.

    West Highland White Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the West Highland White Terrier?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the West Highland White Terrier?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Catahoula Leopard Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Catahoula Leopard Dog:

  • Chesapeake Bay Retriever (73 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the West Highland White Terrier vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
  • Hovawart (78 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the West Highland White Terrier vs Hovawart.
  • Boerboel (72 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the West Highland White Terrier vs Boerboel.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the West Highland White Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the West Highland White Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the West Highland White Terrier:

  • Bearded Collie (82 percent match with West Highland White Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Bearded Collie.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (84 percent match with West Highland White Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Catahoula Leopard Dog and how the West Highland White Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog and of the West Highland White Terrier to other breeds:

    Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shih Tzu     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Basenji     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Standard Schnauzer     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Sealyham Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus English Springer Spaniel     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Peek A Poo     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Saint Berdoodle     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Boxerdoodle     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Labrador Retriever     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shiba Inu     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Australian Shepherd     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Peek A Poo     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shiba Inu     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Welsh Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Westiepoo     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Kuvasz     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus American Eskimo Dog     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Bluetick Coonhound     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Australian Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Dalmatian     

    West Highland White Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    West Highland White Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     West Highland White Terrier versus Great Dane     West Highland White Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     West Highland White Terrier versus Miniature Poodle     West Highland White Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff     West Highland White Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     West Highland White Terrier versus Carolina Dog     West Highland White Terrier versus Azawakh     West Highland White Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     West Highland White Terrier versus American Bulldog     West Highland White Terrier versus Greyhound     West Highland White Terrier versus Bull Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Akita Chow     West Highland White Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     West Highland White Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     West Highland White Terrier versus Australian Kelpie     West Highland White Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Kooikerhondje     West Highland White Terrier versus Hovawart     West Highland White Terrier versus Dogo Argentino     West Highland White Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     West Highland White Terrier versus Basset Hound     West Highland White Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Shiba Inu     

    Conclusion: Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the West Highland White Terrier better suits you and your family.