Estonian Hound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison

Estonian Hound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed ComparisonWest Highland White Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Estonian Hound is originated from Estonia. West Highland White Terrier may grow 22 cm / 8 inches shorter than Estonian Hound. West Highland White Terrier may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than Estonian Hound. Both West Highland White Terrier and Estonian Hound has almost same life span. Both West Highland White Terrier and Estonian Hound has almost same litter size. West Highland White Terrier requires High Maintenance. But Estonian Hound requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Hound dog
undefined
United Kingdom
Estonia
Height Male:
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
42 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 7 kg
13 - 16 pounds
13 - 19 kg
28 - 42 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 7
4 - 8
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Westie or Westy
Estonian Scenthound, Gontchaja Estonskaja
Colors Available:
White
tan with black patches or blackish brown with red patches
Coat:
‎Double
short, rough coat
Shedding:
Minimal
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Friendly, Independent
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

west highland white terrierThe West highland white terrier originated from Poltalloch in Scotland. So they were initially called as Poltalloch terrier and after that they were called as Roseneath terrier. They were initially used for hunting fox, badger, otter and in killing the vermin like rats.

The breed history says that Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch was the reason for the Westie's white colour. This is because in 19th centuryhe went for hunting with his dogs and accidentally he shot his dog as its colour was as fox. So he decided to breed only white colour dogs.

estonian houndIn 1947, the Estonian Hound was developed and remains today the only pure breed ever developed in Estonia. At that time the national economic minister of the Soviet Union declared that every country in the USSR must have a national dog breed. Thus, the Estonian Hound and the Estonian Kennel Union were born. The Kennel Union is currently seeking breed recognition from the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale.

The Estonian Hound came from breeding local Estonian hunting dogs with several different breeds of foreign dogs. The Soviet decree also established that hunting dogs had to be no more than 17 inches high. This result in a hunting dog with great agility and drive that is extremely popular in now inependent Estonia. It is the national dog.

Description

west highland white terrier puppy - descriptionThe Westie can be said as that a small dog having the talents of the big dog. They are very popular for their obedience. They are also working as therapy dogs and also some in search and rescue teams. The home having Westie will have fun always and be enthusiastic. They will suit them for country or city living, but they like to live with their family. They are well suitable for apartment living, but some training should be given to them for not barking. They can stay in home when you are at work. Westie can be taken to travel, whether it may be long vacation or a short visit.

They are quick learners and so training them is not difficult. Mistakes of them can be corrected patiently since they don't like harsh activities against them. Westie will definitely bark when he sees something or hear different sounds. He will bark on seeing visitors or even other dogs. Sometimes they will bark for very silly things but when given appropriate training in their young stage, they can bark only for alerts.

estonian hound puppy - descriptionThe Estonian Hound is a strong, muscular body of medium size, with well-developed muscles and strong bones. It has a straight muzzle and skull with defined eyebrows and long drop ears. They have black noses and dark eyes. Their back is wide and straight, and their chest is deep and wide. They have skin that is tight with no wrinkles or folds anywhere.

The Estonian Hound is double coated, but the undercoat is not well developed. The top coat is rough, short and shiny. The tail has a thick covering of hair. The color is usually white with red patches, black or brown patches or yellow patches.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

west highland white terrier dog - characteristicsThe Westie is friendly with children but not all the time. So some care should be taken while they are near children.

Special talents

They like to chase rodents like rabbits as they are interested in hunting.

Adaptability

They are suitable for apartment living unless they are left alone for a very long time. They love cold weather more than hot.

Learning ability

They can be trained by giving some extra efforts.

Children friendliness

estonian hound dog - characteristicsThe Estonian Hound is a happy dog and loves to play with children. He was bred to hunt though and he can get fixated on a scent and knock over a small child.

Special talents

He is a hunting dog with great agility and drive.

Adaptability

He has had to be adaptable through his short history and is now more a companion than a hunting dog. He can live in the city or country.

Learning ability

He is intelligent and trainable. He is lively and energetic and the challenge might be keeping his attention long enough to train.

Health Problems

west highland white terrier puppies - health problemsItchy skin and pyoderma are common in terriers. Skin diseases such as Seborrhea and epidermal dysplasia are also found in them.

Hair fall

Westies have possibilities of getting yeast infections in skin[Malassezia Dermatitis] and due to that hair loss will be more.

estonian hound puppies - health problemsWith such a young breed there have not been any studies done on their health or genetic issues. It seems the breed is fairly healthy but there is too little information to really say. Being confined to Estonia there has been little commercial or backyard breeding. He is less likely than most pure breeds to have genetic issues.

It is likely that dogs of his type are at risk for:

Bloat – distended or twisted stomach

Caused by excessive exercise before or after having eaten a large meal. It is suggested that you feed your English Setter twice a day, smaller meals and not right before or after strenuous exercise.

  1. Luxating Patella
  2. Leads to lameness and arthritis
  3. Allergies skin/food
  4. See vet if issues arise
  5. Respiratory allergies - It would be very important to see vet if any breathing issues arise
  6. Joint dysplasia - This could be elbow or hip and can lead to lameness or arthritis

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

west highland white terrier dogs - caringThe puppy should be fed 3 to 4 times per day as it requires a considerable amount for their growth. Cooked chicken breast and turkey are best for them and also vegetables should be given to them. Beef and chicken should be kept a limit as it will lead to itchy skin and allergies.

Feeding the adult

The preferable food for the Westie is home cooked. The home food will only contain all the essential nutrients for the Westie.

Points for Good Health

Eventhough the Westie is suitable for apartment living it is recommended to have a daily walk for him to be active and refreshing.

Games and Exercises

They should be made to play for atleast 30 minutes per day for their health as to not gain overweight. Grown up children can play with them as they like it.

Feeding the puppy

estonian hound dogs - caringFeed a high quality dry food made for puppies. Feed ¼ to ½ cup per day in 2-3 meals for the first six months.

Feed 1 to 2 cups in two meals from 6 months to a year or so.

Feeding the adult.

Feed about 2 to 3 cups in two meals.

Points for Good Health

As previously mentioned this seems to be a fairly healthy breed.

Be careful not to feed a large meal before or after exercise due to possibility of bloat.

Check their ears and clean them periodically.

Games and Exercises

The Estonian Hound is a hunting dog and needs a good deal of exercise – at least an hour and a half every day or a long walk if not used for hunting. He is a working dog with a lot of energy and stamina. Don’t let him off leash though or he will follow his nose and take off. He is usually calm and quiet indoors if he gets enough physical and mental stimulation outdoors. He can be destructive and loud, nervous and hyper if he doesn’t. They enjoy Frisbee, agility, tracking and of course hunting.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. West Highland White Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. West Highland White Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. West Highland White Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. West Highland White Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. French Bulldog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Beagle vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Yorkshire Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Poodle vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Rottweiler vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Boxer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. English Pointer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Siberian Husky vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Doberman Pinscher vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. American Bully vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Abruzzenhund vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Affenpinscher vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Afghan Hound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Aidi vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Airedale Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Akbash Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Akita vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Africanis vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Askal vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Atlas Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Aussie Poo vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Estonian Hound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Estonian Hound vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Estonian Hound vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Estonian Hound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Estonian Hound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Estonian Hound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Estonian Hound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Estonian Hound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Estonian Hound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Estonian Hound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Estonian Hound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Estonian Hound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Estonian Hound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Estonian Hound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Estonian Hound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Estonian Hound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Estonian Hound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Estonian Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Estonian Hound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Estonian Hound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Estonian Hound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Estonian Hound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Estonian Hound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Estonian Hound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Estonian Hound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison