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

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Patterdale Terrier Versus West Highland White Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Patterdale Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier

Patterdale Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier: Overview

Both the Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier are similar in size. The Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier are Terrier Dogs. This means both the Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier 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.

Patterdale Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier

Factor Patterdale Terrier West Highland White Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Weight 11 to 13 pounds 13 to 22 pounds
Life Span 11 to 14 years 12 to 16 years
Height 12 to 15 inches 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $680 $2220
Price Range $550 – $950 $1600 – $2700
Temperament Score 80.0 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier is 77 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 Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier

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

  • Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, West Highland White Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier

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

  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Patterdale Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier

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

    Patterdale Terriers weigh 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Patterdale Terriers are 12 to 15 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 Patterdale Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier

    The lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is 12.5 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 Patterdale Terriers.

    Temperament of the Patterdale Terrier Versus the West Highland White Terrier

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

    This is because the temperament score for the West Highland White Terrier is 89.7 percent while the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 5 Patterdale Terriers and 68 West Highland White Terriers.

    Price of Patterdale Terrier versus Price of West Highland White Terrier

    The average price of the Patterdale Terrier puppy is $680. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $550 – $950. However, the price of a Patterdale Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 14 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier.

    Patterdale Terrier West Highland White Terrier
    Average Price $680 $2220
    Price Range $550 to $950 $1600 to $2700

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers. 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 Patterdale Terrier 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: Patterdale Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Patterdale Terriers shed more than West Highland White Terriers?

    Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

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

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier?

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

    West Highland White Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Patterdale 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.

    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 Patterdale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about West Highland White Terriers?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    West Highland White Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Patterdale Terrier vs. West Highland White Terrier

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

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier?

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers and West Highland White Terriers?

    Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

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

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    West Highland White Terriers are very easy to train.

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

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier:

  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the West Highland White Terrier vs Field Spaniel.
  • Portuguese Pointer (78 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the West Highland White Terrier vs Portuguese Pointer.
  • 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 Patterdale Terrier vs Bearded Collie.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (84 percent match with West Highland White Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Patterdale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Patterdale Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer     Patterdale Terrier versus Australian Kelpie     Patterdale Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Patterdale Terrier versus Mudi     Patterdale Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Gordon Setter     Patterdale Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Patterdale Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli     Patterdale Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Lowchen     Patterdale Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Canaan Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Patterdale Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Patterdale Terrier versus Puli     Patterdale Terrier versus Golden Retriever     Patterdale Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus Bracco Italiano     Patterdale Terrier versus Schnoodle     Patterdale Terrier versus Rottweiler     Patterdale Terrier versus Dogo Argentino     Patterdale Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli     Patterdale Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel     

    West Highland White Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    West Highland White Terrier versus Mudi     West Highland White Terrier versus Akbash     West Highland White Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     West Highland White Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres     West Highland White Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     West Highland White Terrier versus Shihpoo     West Highland White Terrier versus Affenhuahua     West Highland White Terrier versus Boston Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     West Highland White Terrier versus Lhasapoo     West Highland White Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Bearded Collie     West Highland White Terrier versus Canaan Dog     West Highland White Terrier versus Finnish Spitz     West Highland White Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     West Highland White Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     West Highland White Terrier versus Havanese     West Highland White Terrier versus Schnoodle     West Highland White Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     West Highland White Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro     West Highland White Terrier versus Bernedoodle     West Highland White Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     West Highland White Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel     West Highland White Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     West Highland White Terrier versus Scottish Terrier     

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