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

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

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

The West Highland White Terrier sheds more than the Lakeland Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Lakeland Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.

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

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

Is Lakeland Terrier or West Highland White Terrier bigger?

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

Which barks more, Lakeland Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Lakeland Terrier 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.

Lakeland Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier: Sheds Less?

Lakeland Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Lakeland Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the West Highland White Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. 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 Lakeland Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The West Highland White Terrier wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Lakeland Terrier needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and drops very little hair. The West Highland White Terrier needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Lakeland Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The West Highland White Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Lakeland Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas West Highland White Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

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, Lakeland Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Lakeland Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Lakeland Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Lakeland Terrier has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Lakeland Terrier if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure or you want less shedding around the home.

Choose the West Highland White Terrier if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Lakeland Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Lakeland Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Lakeland Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier?: The West Highland White Terrier sheds more than the Lakeland Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Lakeland Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Lakeland Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Lakeland Terrier or West Highland White Terrier bigger?: Lakeland Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Lakeland Terrier or West Highland White Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Lakeland Terrier 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.

Lakeland Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier