Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

Rat Terrier

Size
10–25 lbs, 10–18 in
Lifespan
12–18 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Intelligent Curious Lively Sensitive

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 Rat Terrier

The Rat Terrier is an American original, developed in the early 20th century on farms across the United States by crossing Fox Terriers with Beagles, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, and other breeds. They come in two sizes — Miniature (10 to 13 inches, 10 to 18 pounds) and Standard (13 to 18 inches, 12 to 25 pounds) — both with a compact, elegant build. Their short, smooth coat is always pied (white with patches of one or more other colors), and President Theodore Roosevelt is credited with naming the breed after his own terrier cleared the White House of rats.

Temperament & Personality

Rat Terriers are intelligent, curious, and remarkably versatile — combining terrier tenacity with a more biddable, people-oriented temperament than many of their terrier cousins. They bond deeply with their families and are generally good with children, often choosing one person as their particular favorite. Rat Terriers tend to be less dog-aggressive than other terriers, though they retain a strong prey drive toward rodents and small animals.

Pros

  • Excellent farm and homestead dog with natural pest control abilities
  • More trainable and less stubborn than most terrier breeds
  • Minimal grooming needs — short coat requires only occasional brushing
  • Generally healthy breed with a long lifespan of 12 to 18 years

Cons

  • Can be diggers — will excavate impressive holes in gardens and yards
  • High energy level requires daily exercise and mental engagement
  • Prone to patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and cardiac issues
  • May be wary of strangers and needs early socialization to prevent timidity

A Rat Terrier could be the spirited, loyal companion your household needs — find one 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

21

Rat Terriers

Browse

1

West Highland White Terriers

Browse

Related Articles

All Articles →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Rat Terrier and a West Highland White Terrier?
The Rat Terrier is 10–25 lbs, 10–18 in sized while the West Highland White Terrier is 15–20 lbs, 10–11 in sized. They differ in size (10–25 lbs, 10–18 in vs 15–20 lbs, 10–11 in), lifespan (12–18 years vs 13–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
Rat Terrier is generally good with kids. West Highland White Terrier is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Rat Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?
The Rat Terrier has a lifespan of 12–18 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