A Detailed Comparison of the King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier.

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King Shepherd Versus West Highland White Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd or the West Highland White Terrier.

King Shepherd versus West Highland White Terrier

King Shepherd versus West Highland White Terrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, the King Shepherd belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

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.

King Shepherd versus West Highland White Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier

Factor King Shepherd West Highland White Terrier
Life Span 10 to 11 years 12 to 16 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 25 to 31 inches 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
General Health 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 75 to 150 pounds 13 to 22 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1560 $2220
Price Range $700 – $2500 $1600 – $2700
Temperament Score 100.0 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 King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd is 84 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 King Shepherd is a better pet than the West Highland White Terrier. So, you should get the King Shepherd!

    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 King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier

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

  • King Shepherds have a very high tendency to drool. However, West Highland White Terriers do not have the tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier

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

  • Both the King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of King Shepherd versus West Highland White Terrier

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

    King Shepherds weigh 75 to 150 pounds when fully grown. King Shepherds are 25 to 31 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 King Shepherd versus West Highland White Terrier

    The lifespan of King Shepherds is between 10 to 11 years . The average lifespan of King Shepherds is 10.5 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 King Shepherds.

    Temperament of the West Highland White Terrier Versus the King Shepherd

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

    This is because the temperament score for the King Shepherd is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 1 King Shepherds and 68 West Highland White Terriers.

    Price of King Shepherd versus Price of West Highland White Terrier

    The average price of the King Shepherd puppy is $1560. The price of the King Shepherd typically ranges from $700 – $2500. However, the price of a King Shepherd can be as low as $150 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 34 King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd.

    King Shepherd West Highland White Terrier
    Average Price $1560 $2220
    Price Range $700 to $2500 $1600 to $2700

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of King Shepherds. 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 King Shepherd 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: King Shepherd versus West Highland White Terrier

    King Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do King Shepherds shed more than West Highland White Terriers?

    King Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the King Shepherd or the West Highland White Terrier

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherd or the West Highland White Terrier?

    King Shepherds are very easy to groom.

    West Highland White Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

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

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about West Highland White Terriers?

    King Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can King Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    King Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    West Highland White Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: King Shepherd vs. West Highland White Terrier

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherd or the West Highland White Terrier?

    King Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Are King Shepherds good family dogs? What about West Highland White Terriers?

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherds and West Highland White Terriers?

    King Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the King Shepherd Easier to Train than the West Highland White Terrier?

    King Shepherds are very easy to train.

    West Highland White Terriers are very easy to train.

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

    King Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

    West Highland White Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd:

  • Chinook (75 percent match with King Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the West Highland White Terrier vs Chinook.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (75 percent match with King Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the West Highland White Terrier vs Shiloh Shepherd.
  • 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 King Shepherd vs Bearded Collie.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (84 percent match with West Highland White Terrier). Here is our comparison of the King Shepherd vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    King Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    King Shepherd versus Maltipoo     King Shepherd versus Chow Chow     King Shepherd versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     King Shepherd versus Australian Shepherd     King Shepherd versus Affenhuahua     King Shepherd versus Weimaraner     King Shepherd versus Xoloitzcuintli     King Shepherd versus German Shepherd Dog     King Shepherd versus Maltese     King Shepherd versus Shihpoo     King Shepherd versus Chorkie     King Shepherd versus American Hairless Terrier     King Shepherd versus Dogue de Bordeaux     King Shepherd versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     King Shepherd versus Miniature Schnauzer     King Shepherd versus Labrador Retriever     King Shepherd versus Tibetan Spaniel     King Shepherd versus Toy Fox Terrier     King Shepherd versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     King Shepherd versus Dachshund     King Shepherd versus Black Russian Terrier     King Shepherd versus Rottweiler     King Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer     King Shepherd versus Neapolitan Mastiff     King Shepherd versus Goldador     

    West Highland White Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    West Highland White Terrier versus Chi-Poo     West Highland White Terrier versus Great Pyrenees     West Highland White Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     West Highland White Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     West Highland White Terrier versus Basenji     West Highland White Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund     West Highland White Terrier versus Pomchi     West Highland White Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog     West Highland White Terrier versus Mountain Cur     West Highland White Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     West Highland White Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     West Highland White Terrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     West Highland White Terrier versus Scottish Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     West Highland White Terrier versus Mountain Cur     West Highland White Terrier versus Hovawart     West Highland White Terrier versus Pekingese     West Highland White Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     West Highland White Terrier versus American Bulldog     West Highland White Terrier versus Keeshond     West Highland White Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Field Spaniel     West Highland White Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     West Highland White Terrier versus Maltipoo     

    Conclusion: King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd and the West Highland White Terrier better suits you and your family.