What Is the Difference Between a Wheaten Scottish Terrier & a West Highland White Terrier?

The Scottish terrier is described as wheaten when it is pale and reddish in coat color. This coloration makes the small terrier look similar to the West Highland terrier. This similarity is superficial, and a number of physical and behavioral differences are evident between the two breeds. The origins of the two breeds are also different.

  1. History

    • The Scottish terrier is more commonly black in color, but it can be wheaten.

      The forerunners of both breeds likely date back to the 17th century and were known favorites of James I of England. The West Highland terrier originated from Poltalloch, Scotland, and for many years was called the Poltalloch terrier. The exact origin of the Scottish terrier is uncertain. The breed standard for the West Highland terrier was accepted by the American Kennel Club in 1908, while the Scottish terrier was recognized earlier in 1885.

    Appearance

    • The Scottish terrier has a long muzzle and squared skull compared with the short muzzle and more rounded skull of the West Highland. The Scottish terrier's long muzzle ends in a long beard of fur. The West Highland has thick fur over its entire face. The pointed ears of the Scottish terrier are visible, whereas the thick fur covering around the West Highland's face often hides the ears.

    Size

    • The West Highland and Scottish terriers are both small, sturdy dog breeds. By breed standard, the West Highland tends to be an inch taller at the shoulder than the Scottish, around 11 inches. The Scottish tends to be longer from neck to tail base than its height, whereas the West Highland is the opposite.

    Colors and Coat

    • The West Highland terrier is generally pure white. The Scottish terrier is more commonly black, but when it has wheaten coloring, it looks almost white. West Highlands can be wheaten in color on occasion but this counts as a fault in dog show competition. Both breeds have double coats with a soft insulating undercoat. The Scottish terrier has a hard, wiry outer coat, while the West Highland has a straighter outer coat.

    Temperament

    • The two breeds have similar temperaments; they are brave, have high-energy and a friendly manner. Even temper is also common in both breeds, but Scottish terriers are more prone to be aggressive with other dogs. West Highland terriers tend to be shy and nervous.