Is the Dachshund or the West Highland White Terrier better for families with children?

Both the Dachshund and the West Highland White Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Dachshund or the West Highland White Terrier?

The Dachshund and West Highland White Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Dachshund or the West Highland White Terrier?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Dachshund or West Highland White Terrier bigger?

Dachshund and West Highland White Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Dachshund or West Highland White Terrier?

Dachshund tends to be the more vocal of the two, so West Highland White Terrier is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Dachshund or West Highland White Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, West Highland White Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Dachshund vs West Highland White Terrier: Easier to Groom?

Dachshund vs West Highland White Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Dachshund	West Highland White Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	High
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	High	Medium
Protectiveness	High	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	13 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Dachshund is a small dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the West Highland White Terrier is a small dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Dachshund wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The West Highland White Terrier wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Dachshund wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The West Highland White Terrier requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Dachshund is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The West Highland White Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Dachshund is naturally alert and defends its people, whereas West Highland White Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, West Highland White Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Dachshund and West Highland White Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, West Highland White Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, West Highland White Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Dachshund and West Highland White Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Dachshund if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Choose the West Highland White Terrier if you prefer a quieter dog or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Dachshund or the West Highland White Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Dachshund and the West Highland White Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Dachshund or the West Highland White Terrier?: The Dachshund and West Highland White Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Dachshund or the West Highland White Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Dachshund or West Highland White Terrier bigger?: Dachshund and West Highland White Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Dachshund or West Highland White Terrier?: Dachshund tends to be the more vocal of the two, so West Highland White Terrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Dachshund or West Highland White Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, West Highland White Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Dachshund vs West Highland White Terrier