Atlas Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison

Atlas Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed ComparisonAtlas Terrier is originated from United States but West Highland White Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Both Atlas Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are having almost same height. Both Atlas Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are having almost same weight. Both Atlas Terrier and West Highland White Terrier has almost same life span. Both Atlas Terrier and West Highland White Terrier has almost same litter size. Atlas Terrier requires Moderate maintenance. But West Highland White Terrier requires High maintenance

History

atlas terrier - historyThe Atlas Terrier is a rare dog. He was developed in the USA and is a blend of Jack Russell Terriers, Rat Terriers, Border Terriers and Patterdale Terriers. It was in 1990 that Lauren Wolfe developed a breed similar to the Jack Russell, but with a solid colour, and in fact she had two dogs that were solid red in colour. This was as a result of a cross between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Border Terrier.

With the crossing of different terriers, the foundation for the Atlas Terrier was formed. Lauren Wolfe named the breed ‘Atlas Terrier’ because many terriers from various parts of the world were used to develop this specific breed. It was in 2001 that the Atlas Terrier Association was founded.

west highland white terrier - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
6 - 7 kg
13 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 17 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
3 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
None
Westie or Westy
Colors Available:
Several - Brindle, Merle
White
Coat:
Short and dense
‎Double
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Friendly, Independent
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

A Feisty, Fun Breed

atlas terrier puppy - descriptionAtlas Terrier dogs are a small to medium sized dog but with a strong personality. With their two coat varieties – smooth and wire – and coming directly from the Jack Russell Terrier, this feisty dog suits those who want a low maintenance, fun breed who will join them on their walks or jogs. These dogs are brave and loyal and will double as a watch dog and family pet.The breed is accepted for registry and it is classified under the Terrier dog category.

Different Sizes

There are 3 sizes of Atlas Terrier – toy, miniature, and standard. The toy variety is 23 to 28 cm tall at the shoulder and weighs 2.7 to 5.4 kg. All three varieties are the same except for height and weight.

The Coat - Smooth or Wavy?

The coat of this dog is thick and may come in a variety of colours such as brindle or merle. The Atlas Terrier is also found in solid colours and sometimes you will find that they have white markings on the face, feet or chest. Most times the tail of the Atlas Terrier is docked, but if not, the tail curls over the back. The ears of the Atlas Terrier are V-shaped and they fold forward.

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.

Characteristics

atlas terrier dog - characteristicsAtlas Terriers most certainly have a bit of the Jack Russell in them and these dogs are social, outgoing, mischievous and affectionate. They’re just like your regular naughty child and having one of them in your home will mean energy and lots of fun and games.

This is a highly social breed and he won’t like to be left alone every day. Just like a human child, he will need to be stimulated to ward off boredom and to prevent him from becoming destructive.

Learning Abilities

The Atlas Terrier just loves games and if you’re ready for a game, he will be more than ready to take part. He is intelligent and will therefore responds well to training and socialization. When properly socialized, Atlas Terriers get along well with children, and because they’re not an aggressive breed, if they’re properly trained and socialized they will get along with other pets too. Atlas Terriers make excellent pets, but he is a strong willed dog and will require an owner who is firm, but fair.

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.

Health Problems

atlas terrier puppies - health problemsThe selective breeding program of Atlas Terriers has meant that this is a robust, spunky breed free of any major health concerns. While they are a low maintenance breed with longevity on their side, you still have to be a responsible pet owner and see that your Atlas Terrier puppy gets all those must have injections.

Vaccinating your Atlas Terrier Puppy

Tiny puppies are susceptible to infectious diseases and will have to be vaccinated against them from 8 weeks on and then also get an annual booster. The diseases to be vaccinated against include hepatitis, distemper, parvovirus, coronavirus, eptospirosis and parainfluenza. Vaccinations must be kept up to date and it is mandatory for your puppy to be vaccinated against rabies.

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.

Caring The Pet

atlas terrier dogs - caringAs a medium shedder, the Atlas Terrier will require some grooming. Grooming is easy and a brush twice a week with a rubber-bristled brush will remove those loose hairs and give his coat a sheen.

Feeding the Puppy

Always make sure you’re feeding your tiny puppy the right quantities of a food type. Always feed your puppy food which is appropriate to his age. Your 8 week old puppy will require 4 meals a day. A highly active breed such as the Atlas Terrier will require more protein for energy.

Speak to your veterinarian about the perfect diet for your puppy and about wet- or dry foods. There is the choice of feeding your puppy commercial dog food or your own home-prepared meals, but then you want to be sure that your puppy is getting the right balance of minerals and vitamins.

Once your Atlas Terrier is about a year of age, he can go onto one meal a day or a lighter meal in the morning and the evening. Remember to ensure that there is always clean, cool water available for your puppy.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Schnauzer vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Fox Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Bull and Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Bedlington Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Irish Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Austrian Pinscher vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Lakeland Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Atlas Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Jagdterrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Blue Paul Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Indian Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Irish Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Japanese Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Brazilian Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Old English Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Scoland Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Skye Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Welsh Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Boston Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Jack Russell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Miniature Schnauzer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Cairn Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Border Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Scottish Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Australian Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Patterdale Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. American Hairless Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Bull Terrier Miniature vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Norwich Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. English White Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Parson Russell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Russell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Feist vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Manchester Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Miniature Fox Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Cesky Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Schnorkie vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Sealyham Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Chilean Fox Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds