West Highland White Terrier vs Poodle
Discover the differences between West Highland White Terrier and Poodle to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
West Highland White Terrier
Bold, lively, and affectionate, this small terrier thrives on companionship and adventure. Always alert and charming, it brings energy and cheer to any household.
Poodle
Elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable, this breed stands out for its lively spirit and loyal companionship. Their hypoallergenic coat and playful personality make them ideal family pets.
Quick comparison
Small
7–10 kg
Double coat, harsh outer layer
12–16 years
6–7 kg
Moderately active
Medium
20–32 kg
Curly, dense
12–15 years
18–27 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
West Highland White Terrier
Outgoing with people and other friendly dogs
Quick learner, responds well to training
High activity needs, enjoys regular exercise
Loves games and interactive play sessions
Adjusts well to various home environments
Poodle
Warm and sociable with family and guests
Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands
Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise
Loves games and interactive playtime
Easily adjusts to new environments and routines
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
West Highland White Terrier
Skin allergies, patellar luxation
Poodle
Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
West Highland White Terrier
Good option
Generally easy to train but needs consistent boundaries and supervision
Apartment friendly
Small size and moderate exercise needs suit compact living spaces well
Moderately suitable
Enjoys play and walks but doesn’t require constant high activity
Usually good
Playful and sturdy but should be supervised with very young children
Can be selective
May be territorial or chase smaller pets unless socialized early
Not ideal
Dislikes being left alone and can develop separation anxiety or destructive habits
Poodle
Great choice
Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.
Highly suitable
Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Perfect fit
Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.
Very friendly
Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.
Gets along well
Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.
Prone to anxiety
Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods regularly.
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
West Highland White Terrier
- Alert watchdog instincts and quick response
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Friendly with children and most families
- Low-shedding, easy-to-maintain double coat
- Energetic and enjoys daily exercise
Poodle
- Highly intelligent and easy to train
- Hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding
- Strong bond with family members
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Excellent performance in canine sports
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
West Highland White Terrier
- Prone to stubbornness during training sessions
- Can be territorial with other dogs
- Needs consistent mental and physical stimulation
- Tendency to dig due to hunting instincts
- May develop skin allergies or sensitivities
Poodle
- Requires regular professional grooming
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
- Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
- Susceptible to certain genetic health issues
Ready to choose your perfect breed?
Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Discover more helpful tools
Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience