Treeing Walker Coonhound vs West Highland White Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

Treeing Walker Coonhound

Size
50–70 lbs, 20–27 in
Lifespan
12–13 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Confident Friendly Smart Energetic

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 Treeing Walker Coonhound

The Treeing Walker Coonhound was developed in the United States from Walker Foxhounds in the mid-20th century, selectively bred for their exceptional ability to trail game and "tree" raccoons by chasing them up a tree and baying until the hunter arrives. These elegant, athletic hounds stand 20 to 27 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, with a lean, muscular build and the classic tricolor pattern — white, black, and tan — reminiscent of their foxhound ancestry. Their short, smooth coat is dense and protective, well-suited for long hours working through brush and rough terrain.

Temperament & Personality

Treeing Walker Coonhounds are confident, intelligent, and affable — possessing a friendly, sociable nature that makes them enjoyable companions both in the field and at home. They are gentle with children, typically welcoming to strangers, and usually get along well with other dogs, especially those they've been raised with. Their hunting instincts run deep, however, and they can switch from couch potato to tireless tracker the moment an interesting scent crosses their path.

Pros

  • Friendly, easygoing temperament — excellent with families and other dogs
  • Low-maintenance coat needing only weekly brushing
  • Superb endurance for hiking, running, and outdoor adventures
  • Generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 13 years

Cons

  • Extremely vocal — loud baying and howling are a defining breed trait
  • Powerful scent drive makes off-leash reliability very challenging
  • Requires substantial daily exercise — bored Walkers can be destructive
  • Prone to ear infections and hip dysplasia

Treeing Walker Coonhounds bring athletic grace and a sweet disposition to any home — explore available listings on Puplister.

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

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Treeing Walker Coonhounds

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West Highland White Terriers

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Treeing Walker Coonhound and a West Highland White Terrier?
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is 50–70 lbs, 20–27 in sized while the West Highland White Terrier is 15–20 lbs, 10–11 in sized. They differ in size (50–70 lbs, 20–27 in vs 15–20 lbs, 10–11 in), lifespan (12–13 years vs 13–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Treeing Walker Coonhound or West Highland White Terrier?
Treeing Walker Coonhound is generally good with kids. West Highland White Terrier is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Treeing Walker Coonhound or West Highland White Terrier?
The Treeing Walker Coonhound has a lifespan of 12–13 years while the West Highland White Terrier has a lifespan of 13–15 years.

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