• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher Comparison - Dog breed selector: Roseneath Terrier or Toto Dog or Glatthaariger Pinscher? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher" Compare West Highland White Terrier and Cairn Terrier. Which is better: West Highland White Terrier or Cairn Terrier or German Pinscher?
 
 
 
Name West Highland White Terrier Cairn Terrier German Pinscher
OriginsScotland flagScotland Scotland flagScotland Germany flagGermany
Group Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank4269136
Reviews132
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher breeds.
Roseneath Terrier
Westie
Westy
White Roseneath Terrier
Poltalloch Terrier
Toto Dog
Cairn
Glatthaariger Pinscher
Standard Pinscher
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 15-22 pounds (7-10 kg), Female: 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg) Male: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg) 25-35 pounds (11-16 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 18.5 pounds (8.5 kg), Female: 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg) Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg) 30 pounds (13.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, West Highland White Terrier or Cairn Terrier or German Pinscher? West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher height comparison:
Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) Male: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm), Female: 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) 16-19 inches (41-48 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) Male: 11.5 inches (29 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)

West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Find price differences between these breeds.
$900-$1200 $700-$1000 $1400-$1600
Availability
Which is easier to get, West Highland White Terrier or Cairn Terrier or German Pinscher?
Very frequent: The West Highland White Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Cairn Terrier is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The German Pinscher is easier than average to get.

West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Smart: The Cairn Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which is easiest to train?
West Highland White Terrier dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs are easy to train.
See more.
German Pinscher dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which breed is most alert?
West Highland White Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
German Pinscher dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which breed is most protective?
West Highland White Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average defenders.
See more.
German Pinscher dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher? Compare temperaments.
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Fearless
Assertive
Loving
Courageous
Lively
Outright
Tempered
Spirited
Familiar
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher?
Average to High: West Highland White Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: Cairn Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average to High: German Pinscher dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher social needs comparison:
West Highland White Terrier dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
German Pinscher dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
West Highland White Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the German Pinscher is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
German Pinscher dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: West Highland White Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Cairn Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average: The German Pinscher barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which breed is most playful?
The West Highland White Terrier is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Cairn Terrier is a playful breed.
See more.
The German Pinscher is a playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep West Highland White Terrier indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Cairn Terrier indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Pinscher indoors.

West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which breed is most flexible?
West Highland White Terrier dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Average: Cairn Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: German Pinscher dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: West Highland White Terrier or Cairn Terrier or German Pinscher?
West Highland White Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Cairn Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Cairn Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The German Pinscher has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which uses mouth most during play?
West Highland White Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
German Pinscher dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

West Highland White Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cairn Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.

West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which breed lives longest?
12-16 years
The average lifespan of West Highland White Terrier: 14 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cairn Terrier: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of German Pinscher: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The West Highland White Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Cairn Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which has fewer health issues?
Very healthy dog breed.
Cairn Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
German Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The West Highland White Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Frequent
The Cairn Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The German Pinscher should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Atopic Dermatitis
Hyperplastic Dermatosis
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Luxating Patella
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Cryptorchidism
Glaucoma
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Microvascular Dysplasia
Portosystemic Vascular Anomaly (PSVA)
No data available

West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which breed is most active?
West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Cairn Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Pinscher dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: West Highland White Terrier or Cairn Terrier or German Pinscher? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
West Highland White Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Cairn Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Pinscher dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: West Highland White Terrier or Cairn Terrier or German Pinscher?
West Highland White Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Cairn Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Pinscher dogs don't need too much sleep.

West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the West Highland White Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Cairn Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The German Pinscher has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which needs most food?
1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. What colors are available?
White Black
Gray
Red
Cream
Silver
Brindle
Wheaten
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
Brown
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which requires most maintenance?
Advanced: The West Highland White Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The Cairn Terrier requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Effortless: The German Pinscher requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which drools least?
The West Highland White Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Cairn Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The German Pinscher is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Cairn Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The German Pinscher has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Waterproof Dense
Shiny
Smooth
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more West Highland White Terrier or Cairn Terrier or German Pinscher? West Highland White Terrier or Cairn Terrier or {name3 shedding:
West Highland White Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs shed moderately.
See more.
German Pinscher dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which is best with kids?
West Highland White Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Pinscher dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
West Highland White Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Cairn Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
German Pinscher dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly West Highland White Terrier or Cairn Terrier or German Pinscher? Which dog is more friendly?
West Highland White Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly West Highland White Terrier or Cairn Terrier or German Pinscher?
West Highland White Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly West Highland White Terrier or Cairn Terrier or German Pinscher?
West Highland White Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher?
Yes
West Highland White Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Cairn Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Pinscher dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
West Highland White Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Cairn Terrier is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
German Pinscher is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
West Highland White Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Cairn Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Pinschers are usually recommended for elderly people.

West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

West Highland White Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Cairn Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

German Pinscher breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which has most puppies?
2-5 puppies 2-10 puppies 6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2003 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and German Pinscher. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Club Espanol De Terriers
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Club Espanol De Terriers
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club

Rate This Comparsion - West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs German Pinscher

Reviews