Elk-Kee vs. Westie Staff: Breed Differences and Similarities

Hypoallergenic

Are Elk-Kees or Westie Staffs hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Elk-Kee nor Westie Staff are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Elk-Kee and Westie Staff dogs?

Playful
Agile
Alert
Intelligent
Obedient
Loyal
Quick
Strong
Willed
Bold
Bright
Sturdy

Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Attentive
Tenacious

Shedding Level

Do Elk-Kees shed more than Westie Staffs, or which breed sheds more, Elk-Kees or Westie Staffs?

5 / 5

Elk-Kees shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

1 / 5

Westie Staffs shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Origin

What is the origin of Elk-Kee and Westie Staff dog breeds?

​United States

United States

Ancestry

What are the origins of Elk-Kee and Westie Staff breeds?

Norwegian Elkhound and Keeshond

West Highland White Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Elk-Kee and Westie Staff?

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Elk-Kee and Westie Staff breeds first developed?

Unknown

2000s

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Elk-Kee and Westie Staff dogs?

Brown

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Elk-Kee and Westie Staff?

Black

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Elk-Kee and Westie Staff breeds?

Black
Silver
Gray
Cream

Black
Gray
Brown
Cream
Fawn
Blue
White
Pied
Sable
Brindle

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Elk-Kee and Westie Staff breeds?

1 / 5

Elk-Kees have short coats.

3 / 5

Westie Staffs have medium-length coats.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Elk-Kee and Westie Staff?

4 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Elk-Kee and Westie Staff?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Elk-Kee and Westie Staff?

Elk-Kee and Westie Staff, can have a litter of 5-10 puppies each on average. Nonetheless, it's important to keep in mind that litter size can differ significantly between individual dogs. Various factors such as the mother's health, breeding history, and genetics can have an impact on litter size.

Adaptability

5 / 5

Elk-Kees are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

4 / 5

Westie Staffs are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Health Issues

Between Elk-Kee and Westie Staff, which breed is more prone to health problems?

3 / 5

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

4 / 5

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

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Elk-Kee and Westie Staff breeds?

Patellar Luxation
Fanconi Syndrome
Hip Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Heart Diseases and Disorders

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Elk-Kee and Westie Staff?

Sebaceous Adenitis
Epilepsy
Diabetes
Von Willebrand's Disease
Hypothyroidism

Inguinal Hernias
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Eye Conditions (Cataracts, Lens Luxation)

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Elk-Kee and Westie Staff breeds?

X-Rays
MRI
CT Scan
Physical Examination
Urinalysis
Complete Blood Work
Serum Chemistry
Spinal Tap
Neurologic Exam
Ophthalmic Examination

Skin Evaluation
Blood And Urine Analysis
Diagnostic Imaging
Eye and Ear Examination
DNA

Social Needs

Elk-Kee vs Westie Staff social needs comparison

4 / 5

Elk-Kee and Westie Staff have above average social needs compared to other breeds. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Elk-Kee or Westie Staff?

2 / 5

Elk-Kees sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

3 / 5

Westie Staffs have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Elk-Kee vs Westie Staff?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Roaming urge

Elk-Kee vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

3 / 5

Prey Drive

Elk-Kee or Westie Staff - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

4 / 5

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Elk-Kees or Westie Staffs?

Elk-Kee and Westie Staff are high-energy dogs that require a lot of mental and physical exercise. Without proper stimulation and attention, these breeds can become problematic. If you're considering these breeds, be prepared to invest time and effort in their exercise and training.

Tolerance of being left alone

2 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should Elk-Kee or Westie Staff walk each week?

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Elk-Kee, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Westie Staff, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Elk-Kees or Westie Staffs require more exercise?

Both Elk-Kee and Westie Staff typically require a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise each day. The exercise can be spread throughout the day and may involve high-energy activities like walking, running, and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Elk-Kees or Westie Staffs?

4 / 5

Elk-Kees require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

3 / 5

The Westie Staff requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Elk-Kee and Westie Staff dogs?

Elk-Kee should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Westie Staff should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Elk-Kees and Westie Staffs?

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Elk-Kee or Westie Staff in cups?

For an average 35-45 pound (16 - 20 kg) Elk-Kee feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 40-50 pound (18 - 23 kg) Westie Staff 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, Elk-Kee or Westie Staff?

The average cost of an Elk-Kee is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average cost of a Westie Staff is somewhere $2.20 - $3.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Elk-Kee or Westie Staff?

The average per month expenses of an Elk-Kee 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.

The average per month expenses of a Westie Staff is between $67 - $101. This makes an average of $804 - $1212 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.

Sensitivity Level

How do Elk-Kee and Westie Staff compare in sensitivity?

5 / 5

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

4 / 5

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

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Elk-Kee or Westie Staff?

3 / 5

Elk-Kees and Westie Staffs are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Do Elk-Kees or Westie Staffs have a friendlier temperament towards children?

4 / 5

Elk-Kee and Westie Staff are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Elk-Kee or Westie Staff?

4 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Elk-Kee or Westie Staff breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

4 / 5

Elk-Kees are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

2 / 5

Westie Staffs are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Elk-Kee or Westie Staff?

4 / 5

Elk-Kees are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

3 / 5

Westie Staffs are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Pet friendly

How do Elk-Kee or Westie Staff dogs interact with other pets?

4 / 5

2 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Elk-Kee or Westie Staff?

4 / 5

Elk-Kee and Westie Staff are friendly dogs and typically won't bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this behavior, training them is easy thanks to their intelligence, making it pretty simple to teach them anything.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Elk-Kee and Westie Staff?

3 / 5

Elk-Kees have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

5 / 5

Westie Staffs 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 Elk-Kees and Westie Staffs compare?

4 / 5

Elk-Kee and Westie Staff dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.