West Highland Doxie vs Labrador Retriever Comparison. Which dog is better for you: West Highland Doxie or Lab?

Compare the West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a West Highland Doxie or a Lab? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Labrador, Lab

Weight

What is the average weight of West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever?

20.0 pounds ( 9 kg )

72.5 pounds ( 33 kg )

Height

What is the average height of West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever

10.0 inches ( 25.4 cm )

23.0 inches ( 58.4 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are West Highland Doxies or Labrador Retrievers hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither West Highland Doxie nor Labrador Retriever are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever dogs?

Playful
Stubborn
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Devoted
Lively
Clever

Affectionate
Cheerful
Friendly
Intelligent
Loyal
Playful
Social
Alert
Energetic
Gentle
Loving
Going
Responsive

Shedding Level

Do West Highland Doxies shed more than Labrador Retrievers, or which breed sheds more, West Highland Doxies or Labrador Retrievers?

West Highland Doxies shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Labrador Retrievers are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the West Highland Doxie or Labrador Retriever?

West Highland Doxies aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Labrador Retrievers are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Ancestry

What are the origins of West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever breeds?

Dachshund, West Highland White Terrier

St. John's Water Dog

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever?

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Date of Birth

When were West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever breeds first developed?

Unknown

1800s

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever dogs?

Blue
Hazel
Brown

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever?

Black
Brown
Isabella

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever breeds?

White
Black
Brown
Red
Isabella
Pied
Sable
Brindle

Black
Brown
Cream

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever breeds?

West Highland Doxies have medium-length coats.

Labrador Retrievers have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever?

4-8 puppies per pregnancy

A West Highland Doxie can have a litter of 4-8 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Labrador Retriever can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retrievers are known for their adaptability and versatility. They are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments, making them great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever, which breed is more prone to health problems?

West Highland Doxies typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

While the Labrador Retriever breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever breeds?

Inguinal Hernias
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Copper Toxicosis
Bloat
Addison's Disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Gastric Torsion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever?

Deafness
Epilepsy
Diabetes
Cushing's Disease
Craniomandibular Osteopathy

Otitis Externa
Cataract
Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever breeds?

Hip
Knee
Hearing
Blood Test
Hip X-Rays
(Dna Test For Pra)
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Eye
Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Ear Examination

Energy

How do the energy levels of West Highland Doxies and Labrador Retrievers compare?

West Highland Doxies have low energy levels, ideal for a relaxed lifestyle.

Labrador Retrievers thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Social Needs

West Highland Doxie vs Labrador Retriever social needs comparison

West Highland Doxie has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Labrador Retriever has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Exercise Needed

West Highland Doxie vs Labrador Retriever exercise need comparison.

West Highland Doxies need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Labrador Retrievers need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: West Highland Doxie or Labrador Retriever?

West Highland Doxies have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Labrador Retrievers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Tendency to Bark

Do West Highland Doxies or Labrador Retrievers bark more/less frequently?

The West Highland Doxie is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

Labrador Retrievers bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: West Highland Doxie vs Labrador Retriever?

Roaming urge

West Highland Doxie vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

West Highland Doxie or Labrador Retriever - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever entertained?

Walk, Snuggles, Chase, Tug of war, Running

Fetch, Tug-of-war, Chase, Dog Parks, Walk, Run, Play, Walking, Cuddling, Exploring, Sniffing, Petting, Running, Boat ride, Swim, Tracking, Chasing, Smelling, Going out, Walks, Frisbee, Road trip, Meeting people, Shake, Swimming, Playdate, Chew, Smell, Walki, Being pet

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, West Highland Doxies or Labrador Retrievers?

Medium

West Highland Doxies are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

High

Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should West Highland Doxie or Labrador Retriever walk each week?

7 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For West Highland Doxie, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

15 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Labrador Retriever, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do West Highland Doxies or Labrador Retrievers require more exercise?

30 minutes

In general most West Highland Doxies usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

60 minutes

In general most Labrador Retrievers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, West Highland Doxies or Labrador Retrievers?

The West Highland Doxie requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

The Labrador Retriever is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever dogs?

Daily

Ideally, both West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) to improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for West Highland Doxies and Labrador Retrievers?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Deshedder

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to West Highland Doxie or Labrador Retriever in cups?

1.6 cups

For an average 14-28 pound (6 - 13 kg) West Highland Doxie feed 1.6 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

2.5 cups

For an average 65-80 pound (29 - 36 kg) Labrador Retriever feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, West Highland Doxie or Labrador Retriever?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a West Highland Doxie is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

$2.50 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of a Labrador Retriever is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, West Highland Doxie or Labrador Retriever?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a West Highland Doxie is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$74 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of a Labrador Retriever is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: West Highland Doxies vs Labrador Retrievers

West Highland Doxies are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Labrador Retriever is highly intelligent and very trainable.

Sensitivity Level

How do West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever compare in sensitivity?

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: West Highland Doxie vs Labrador Retriever?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: West Highland Doxie or Labrador Retriever?

The West Highland Doxie is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Labrador Retrievers can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Child Friendly

Do West Highland Doxies or Labrador Retrievers have a friendlier temperament towards children?

West Highland Doxies have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Labrador Retrievers make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - West Highland Doxie or Labrador Retriever?

Cat Friendly

Do West Highland Doxie or Labrador Retriever breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

West Highland Doxies are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Labrador Retrievers are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: West Highland Doxie or Labrador Retriever?

West Highland Doxies are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Labrador Retrievers are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Pet friendly

How do West Highland Doxie or Labrador Retriever dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: West Highland Doxie or Labrador Retriever?

West Highland Doxies are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Labrador Retrievers are highly friendly around strangers.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between West Highland Doxie and Labrador Retriever?

West Highland Doxies are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Labrador Retrievers are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of West Highland Doxies and Labrador Retrievers compare?

West Highland Doxies are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

The Labrador Retriever is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.