Dachshund vs West Highland White Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

Dachshund

Size
8–32 lbs, 5–9 in
Lifespan
12–16 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Clever Stubborn Devoted Lively

West Highland White Terrier

Size
15–20 lbs, 10–11 in
Lifespan
13–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Confident Entertaining Hardy Friendly

About the Dachshund

The Dachshund — affectionately known as the "wiener dog" — was developed in Germany over 300 years ago to hunt badgers in their underground dens, which explains their uniquely elongated body and short, powerful legs. They come in two sizes — Standard (16–32 pounds) and Miniature (under 11 pounds) — and three coat types: smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired, each with its own personality nuances. Their color palette is remarkably varied, including red, black and tan, chocolate, dapple, brindle, and piebald patterns.

Temperament & Personality

Dachshunds are bold, clever, and remarkably stubborn — a combination that makes them endlessly entertaining and occasionally infuriating. They're fiercely loyal to their families and can be surprisingly courageous watchdogs, barking with the intensity of a dog three times their size. While affectionate with their people, they can be wary of strangers and may not tolerate rough handling from young children.

Pros

  • Compact size and moderate exercise needs make them excellent apartment companions
  • Bold, entertaining personality — constantly amusing their owners with clownish antics
  • Long lifespan of 12–16 years with proper care and weight management
  • Wirehaired variety sheds minimally and is well-suited for allergy-conscious homes

Cons

  • Extremely prone to intervertebral disc disease — 1 in 4 will experience back problems
  • Notoriously difficult to housebreak — often takes 6+ months of consistent training
  • Strong prey drive and tunneling instinct — will dig up gardens and chase small animals relentlessly
  • Prone to obesity, which dramatically increases the risk of spinal injuries

Charmed by these spirited little hounds? Find Dachshunds seeking loving homes on Puplister today.

About the West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier — universally known as the "Westie" — was developed in Scotland's western highlands during the 19th century, selectively bred from Cairn Terrier stock for its white coat to be more visible against the dark highland terrain while hunting foxes, badgers, and rats. These sturdy little dogs stand 10 to 11 inches tall and weigh 15 to 20 pounds, with a compact, balanced build and surprisingly strong legs for their size. Their double coat features a hard, straight white outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat — always pure white without exception.

Temperament & Personality

Westies are confident, entertaining, and surprisingly tough — carrying the classic terrier self-assurance in a friendly, less aggressive package than many of their terrier relatives. They are affectionate with their families, generally good with older children, and possess an independent, adventurous spirit that keeps life interesting. Westies are social dogs that enjoy meeting people, though they can be assertive with other dogs and retain a strong instinct to chase anything that moves.

Pros

  • Sturdy and adaptable — thrives in apartments, suburbs, and country settings
  • Friendly and sociable without the extreme aggression of some terrier breeds
  • Portable size with a big, confident personality
  • Alert watchdog that will reliably announce visitors

Cons

  • Prone to atopic dermatitis and skin allergies — one of the most affected breeds
  • Coat requires regular professional grooming or hand-stripping every 6 to 8 weeks
  • Can be stubborn and willful during training — responds best to positive methods
  • Tendency to dig and bark, especially when bored or left in the yard

Westies bring Scottish charm and terrier spirit into every home — find your white-coated companion on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

39

Dachshunds

Browse

1

West Highland White Terriers

Browse

Related Articles

All Articles →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Dachshund and a West Highland White Terrier?
The Dachshund is 8–32 lbs, 5–9 in sized while the West Highland White Terrier is 15–20 lbs, 10–11 in sized. They differ in size (8–32 lbs, 5–9 in vs 15–20 lbs, 10–11 in), lifespan (12–16 years vs 13–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Dachshund or West Highland White Terrier?
Dachshund is generally good with kids. West Highland White Terrier is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Dachshund or West Highland White Terrier?
The Dachshund has a lifespan of 12–16 years while the West Highland White Terrier has a lifespan of 13–15 years.

Find Your Perfect Pet

Browse thousands of adoptable pets from shelters near you.

Browse Dogs