Labrador Retriever vs West Highland White Terrier
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
VS
West Highland White Terrier
A confident, plucky little terrier with a bright white coat and mischievous dark eyes. Westies are loyal, entertaining companions with a sturdy build and independent streak.
Quick Answer
Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train and better with kids. Choose West Highland White Terrier if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding.
Quick Comparison
Labrador Retriever
Attribute
West Highland White Terrier
large
Size
small
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
Weight
6–10 kg (13–22 lbs)
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
Height
25–28 cm (10–11 in)
10–13 yrs
Lifespan
13–15 yrsBetter
Better5/5
Trainability
3/5
5/5
Energy
3/5
Better5/5
Good with Kids
3/5
4/5
Shedding
2/5Better
Better2/5
Grooming
4/5
2/5
Apartment
4/5Better
3/5
Health
3/5
$800–$2,000
Price
$800–$1,800Better
Attribute Comparison
How Much Exercise Do Labrador Retrievers vs West Highland White Terriers Need?
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; West Highland White Terrier is lower-maintenance.
Labrador Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Energy Level
5/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs3/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs4/5Better
Activity needs are dramatically different here. The Labrador Retriever has very high energy (5/5) and needs very high exercise (5/5) — think long runs, hiking, or agility courses.
Labrador Retriever or West Highland White Terrier for Your Family?
Labrador Retriever is better suited for families with children.
Labrador Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Good with Kids
Better5/5
vs3/5
Good with Dogs
Better5/5
vs3/5
Strangers
Better5/5
vs4/5
If kids are part of the equation, the data is clear: the Labrador Retriever scores 5/5 with children while the West Highland White Terrier manages 3/5. The Labrador Retriever is naturally patient and gentle around young ones.
Size & Build: Labrador Retriever vs West Highland White Terrier
Labrador Retriever is the larger breed; West Highland White Terrier is more compact.
Labrador Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Weight (kg)
25–36
vs6–10
Height (cm)
55–62
vs25–28
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The Labrador Retriever tips the scales at 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs), dwarfing the West Highland White Terrier's 6–10 kg (13–22 lbs).
Temperament Differences: Labrador Retriever and West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terrier is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Labrador Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Playfulness
Better5/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
Better3/5
vs4/5
Energy
5/5
vs3/5
The Labrador Retriever and West Highland White Terrier bring very different personalities to the table. Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing and active, while West Highland White Terriers tend to be confident, loyal and entertaining.
Labrador Retriever vs West Highland White Terrier: Grooming Routine and Shedding
Labrador Retriever sheds more; West Highland White Terrier is easier to maintain.
Labrador Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Shedding
4/5
vs2/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs4/5
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Labrador Retriever is a prolific shedder (4/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Training: Labrador Retriever vs West Highland White Terrier
Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train.
Labrador Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Trainability
Better5/5
vs3/5
Intelligence
Better5/5
vs4/5
Training difficulty is a major difference. The Labrador Retriever (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
Labrador Retriever vs West Highland White Terrier: Common Health Issues
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Labrador Retriever
West Highland White Terrier
Lifespan (years)
10–13
vs13–15Better
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
The lifespan difference is significant. West Highland White Terriers live 13–15 years on average, while Labrador Retrievers live 10–13 years.
Cost to Own: Labrador Retriever vs West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terrier is less expensive to own annually.
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370
West Highland White Terrier
Avg. Purchase$1,300
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$400
Annual Total$1,270 ✓
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever versus $800–$1,800 for a West Highland White Terrier. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Summary — Labrador Retriever or West Highland White Terrier: Which Is Right for You?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Labrador Retriever if you value easier to train (5/5 vs 3/5) and better with children (5/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Labrador Retriever and West Highland White Terrier are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever needs significantly more daily exercise than West Highland White Terrier, Labrador Retriever sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓You have young children — Labrador Retrievers are generally more patient and gentle with kids.
- ✓This is your first dog — Labrador Retrievers are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Choose West Highland White Terrier if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — West Highland White Terriers adapt much better to smaller spaces (4/5 vs 2/5 apartment rating).
- ✓You hate vacuuming or have allergies — West Highland White Terriers shed dramatically less (2/5 vs 4/5 shedding score).
- ✓You want a dog that will alert you to strangers — West Highland White Terriers have strong watchdog instincts (4/5).
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Labrador Retriever or West Highland White Terrier?
The Labrador Retriever scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the West Highland White Terrier's 3/5. The Labrador Retriever is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Labrador Retriever or West Highland White Terrier easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the West Highland White Terrier's 3/5. The Labrador Retriever is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Labrador Retriever or West Highland White Terrier?
A Labrador Retriever puppy costs $800–$2,000 while a West Highland White Terrier costs $800–$1,800. Annual maintenance runs about $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever and $1,270 for the West Highland White Terrier. The Labrador Retriever is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Labrador Retrievers or West Highland White Terriers live longer?
The Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years on average, while the West Highland White Terrier lives 13–15 years. The West Highland White Terrier tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Labrador Retriever or West Highland White Terrier live in an apartment?
The West Highland White Terrier adapts better to apartment living (4/5) than the Labrador Retriever (2/5). The West Highland White Terrier ranks among our best apartment breeds.