Golden Retriever vs West Highland White Terrier

Side-by-side comparison

Choosing between Golden Retriever and West Highland White Terrier depends on your specific needs and priorities.

When it comes to size, Golden Retriever offers Large compared to West Highland White Terrier's Medium. When it comes to weight, Golden Retriever offers 55-75 lbs compared to West Highland White Terrier's 15-20 lbs. When it comes to height, Golden Retriever offers 21-24 inches compared to West Highland White Terrier's 10-11 inches.

Below is a detailed side-by-side breakdown to help you make an informed decision between these two breeds.

Size
Golden Retriever
Large
West Highland White Terrier
Medium
Weight
Golden Retriever
55-75 lbs
West Highland White Terrier
15-20 lbs
Height
Golden Retriever
21-24 inches
West Highland White Terrier
10-11 inches
Lifespan
Golden Retriever
10-12 years
West Highland White Terrier
13-15 years
Temperament
Golden Retriever
IntelligentFriendlyDevoted
West Highland White Terrier
LoyalHappyEntertaining
Group
Golden Retriever
Sporting
West Highland White Terrier
Terrier
Origin
Golden Retriever
Scotland
West Highland White Terrier
Scotland

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever is a large Sporting breed from Scotland. Known for being intelligent, friendly, devoted. Has an average lifespan of 10-12 years and a weight range of 55-75 lbs.

West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terrier is a medium Terrier breed from Scotland. Known for being loyal, happy, entertaining. Has an average lifespan of 13-15 years and a weight range of 15-20 lbs.

Key Differences

AttributeGolden RetrieverWest Highland White TerrierVerdict
SizeLargeMediumGolden Retriever is the larger breed
Weight55-75 lbs15-20 lbsGolden Retriever is heavier (approx. 271% difference)
Height21-24"10-11"Different heights (21-24" vs 10-11")
Life Span10-12 yrs13-15 yrsWest Highland White Terrier tends to live longer (13-15 vs 10-12 years)
Breed GroupSportingTerrierDifferent groups: Sporting vs Terrier
OriginScotlandScotlandBoth originate from Scotland
TemperamentIntelligent, Friendly, DevotedLoyal, Happy, EntertainingDifferent temperaments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Golden Retriever bigger than a West Highland White Terrier?

Golden Retriever is the larger breed. Golden Retriever weighs 55-75 lbs while West Highland White Terrier weighs 15-20 lbs.

Which lives longer, Golden Retriever or West Highland White Terrier?

West Highland White Terrier tends to live longer (13-15 vs 10-12 years)

Are Golden Retrievers and West Highland White Terriers good family dogs?

Both breeds can make great family pets. The Golden Retriever is known for being intelligent, friendly, devoted, while the West Highland White Terrier is loyal, happy, entertaining.

What is the difference between a Golden Retriever and a West Highland White Terrier?

The main differences are in size (Large vs Medium), origin (Scotland vs Scotland), and breed group (Sporting vs Terrier).

Which breed is easier to train, Golden Retriever or West Highland White Terrier?

Trainability varies by individual dog. The Golden Retriever (Intelligent, Friendly, Devoted) and West Highland White Terrier (Loyal, Happy, Entertaining) each have distinct characteristics that affect training.