West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is a confident and charming breed from Scotland. Known for their lively and affectionate nature, Westies love to entertain themselves and make you laugh. They are friendly, and intelligent, and adapt well to various living situations, including apartments. Although popular, you might still find them in shelters. A Westie is a great choice for any family or city-dweller, as long as they can get enough exercise and playtime.
Breed Group

Breed Group

Purebred

Height

Height

10-11 inches

Weight

Weight

15-20 pounds

Life Span

Life Span

13-15 years

Average Cost

Average Cost

$1500-$5000

Color

Color

White

AKC Group

AKC Group

Terrier Group

All About Breed

Discover all you need to know about the West Highland White Terrier to see how well they’ll fit in your home.

In This Article
West Highland White Terrier Origin

West Highland White Terrier Origin

The West Highland White Terrier shares its history with the Dandie DinmontSkyeCairn Terriers, and  Scottish Terriers, all considered branches of the same dog breed. Originating in Scotland, Westies were used for hunting foxes, badgers, otters, and vermin-like rats.

The exact history of the West Highland White Terrier is unclear, but it’s believed to date back to the seventeenth century when James I of Argyllshire gifted a small breed of earth dogs to the king of France.

Breed lore suggests that Westie’s white color resulted from a tragic nineteenth-century accident. Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch accidentally shot one of his wheaten-colored Cairns while hunting foxes. Devastated by the incident, he decided to breed only white dogs to prevent such accidents in the future.

  1. West Highland White Terrier HistoryWest Highland White Terrier History- Source: AKC.org

The West Highland White Terrier has been known by many names, including the Poltalloch Terrier and the Roseneath Terrier. The breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club of England as the West Highland White Terrier in 1906. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club under Terrier Group in 1906.

West Highland White Terrier Personality

West Highland White Terrier Personality

The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is a bold, confident, and fun-loving dog. These purebred dogs find joy in simple pleasures like squeaky toys, belly rubs, and food. Their happy disposition and zest for life make them favorites for many, despite their mischievous nature. They are intelligent and full of self-esteem, but not to the point of being overbearing.

Personality-Extremely Social

  • Temperament

Westies are friendly and get along well with everyone. They enjoy being part of their family and are not docile lapdogs. They can be spunky and lively, greeting life’s adventures with a sparkle in their eyes and a skip in their step. While they rarely start fights, they won’t back down from one, being true terriers.

  • Potential Challenges

West Highland White Terriers are known for their lively and independent nature. They can be quite a handful when it comes to training. Consistent and firm guidance is often required to curb their stubborn streak. Their high energy levels mean they need regular exercise and mental stimulation, otherwise, they might resort to digging and barking out of boredom.

West Highland White Terrier Physical Appearance

West Highland White Terrier Physical Appearance

The sturdy and spirited “Westie” showcases a compact, well-balanced build with solid substance, featuring a short-coupled frame and strong bones. Known for its robust nature, this small dog has a deep chest and a slightly rectangular body shape.

  • Size

Males typically stand around 11 inches tall and weigh between 15 to 20 pounds, while females are approximately 10 inches tall and weigh 13 to 16 pounds.

Dogs size- Small

  • Coat color

Westies possess a White double coat consisting of a short undercoat and a topcoat that can grow close to two inches in length. This dual-layered coat protects against harsh weather conditions and also shields them from the teeth and claws of their prey.

  1. White WestieWhite Westie – Source: AKC.org
West Highland White Terrier Gender Differences

West Highland White Terrier Gender Differences

The primary differences within this breed are based on size and temperamentMale Westies are known for their playful, independent, and relaxed nature. They tend to be slightly larger and more energetic compared to females.

Female Westies enjoy being the center of attention and may bark to ensure they are noticed. They exhibit all the lovable traits of the breed but often see themselves as leaders within their household.

West Highland White Terrier Feed/Nutrition

West Highland White Terrier Feed/Nutrition

Adult Westies typically require 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food per day, split into two meals. The amount your dog needs depends on factors like size, age, metabolism, and activity level.

Just like people, dogs are individuals with varying nutritional needs. Active dogs will likely need more food than less active ones. Choosing high-quality dog food ensures your dog receives better nutrition, requiring less quantity to satisfy their dietary needs.

Broccoli is a healthy snack for dogs in moderation, but too much can cause stomach upset.

West Highland White Terrier Health

West Highland White Terrier Health

Westies are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health problems. Not every Westie will develop these common conditions, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed. When purchasing a puppy, seek out a reputable breeder who provides health clearances for both parents. These clearances confirm that the dog has been tested and cleared of specific conditions.

  • Craniomandibular Osteopathy: This condition affects skull bone growth in puppies, causing irregular enlargement. Symptoms typically appear between four to eight months of age and may include swollen jaw and glands, difficulty opening the mouth, drooling, and recurring fever. While there is no cure, management with anti-inflammatories and pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort. In severe cases, nutritional support and sometimes jaw surgery may be necessary.
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: This condition involves decreased blood supply to the femur’s head, leading to disintegration and symptoms like limping and muscle atrophy in puppies aged four to six months. Surgical intervention can often resolve the issue, providing relief from pain.
  • Cataracts: A common eye condition in Westies, cataracts cause opacity on the lens, resulting in impaired vision and a cloudy appearance in the eye(s). Surgery may be an option to improve vision, especially in juvenile cases.
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis: This disease causes scarring in the lung’s air sacs and connective tissue, reducing oxygen flow and leading to symptoms such as loss of stamina, rapid breathing, and a dry cough. While there is no cure, early detection and management strategies like bronchodilators and maintaining a cool environment can help manage symptoms and improve outcomes.
  • Patellar Luxation: Commonly known as slipped stifles, this condition involves the kneecap sliding out of place, causing pain and potentially hindering movement. Many dogs can live normally with this condition, although severe cases may require surgical correction.
West Highland White Terrier Care and Grooming

West Highland White Terrier Care and Grooming

The Westie’s coat is low-maintenance, needing regular brushing and occasional trimming, especially around the feet, ears, and eyes. Show dogs undergo stripping twice a year, but most pet owners opt for simpler grooming routines. Their shedding is minimal to nonexistent.

To maintain their signature white coat, periodic tidying and wiping down are necessary. Baths should only be given as needed to keep their coat clean.

Westies are energetic dogs that need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks of 30 to 60 minutes are ideal, along with interactive play sessions like fetch or agility training.

Mental challenges, such as puzzle toys or training exercises, can also keep them engaged. Regular exercise helps prevent boredom, promotes good behavior, and maintains their overall fitness.

Leash training your dog is essential for safe walks and better control. Start with short, positive sessions, rewarding good behavior to build a strong foundation.

weekly grooming- high energy needs of dogs. thepetworld.org

West Highland White Terrier Rescue Groups

West Highland White Terrier Rescue Groups

Rescuing a West Highland White Terrier offers a chance to provide a loving home to a dog in need. Many rescued Westies are beloved pets seeking new families due to unforeseen circumstances. Adopting a rescued Westie means gaining a loyal and affectionate companion while giving them a second chance at a happy life.

Westie Rescue USA

Maryland Westie Rescue

West Highland White Terrier Price

West Highland White Terrier Price

The price of a West Highland White Terrier typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on factors such as breeder reputation, pedigree, and location.

When considering purchasing a West Highland White Terrier, it’s important to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. Responsible breeders will provide health clearances and ensure proper socialization of the puppies.

AKC Marketplace

Good Dog

Interesting Facts

Interesting Facts

  • They have appeared in The Dog Breed Judging Show 2023.

  • They have starred in a movie called “ Game Night”.
  1. Game NightGame Night- Source: Vulture
Best For

Best For

The West Highland White Terrier (Westie) is perfect for those who want a small, sturdy, and playful companion. They are intelligent, easy to train, and thrive in homes where they receive moderate exercise and regular grooming to maintain their distinctive coat. Their loyalty and compatibility with children and other pets make them excellent family pets.

Best For- Families

Top Names

Top Names

Male West Highland White Terrier Names Female West Highland White Terrier Names
Max Daisy
Charlie Lucy
Buddy Bella
Toby Molly
Teddy Lily

Pet Ratings

Adaptability

For first-time pet owners, these dogs can be a fine choice, but not so much. If you are going to have a pet for the first time and have no prior experience with dogs, you should look for a dog with the best temperament. Also, prefer the dogs you know through a friend or acquaintance so they can help you if needed.

Friendliness

There are different types of friendliness. Some dogs may be friendly to humans but not to other dogs. Other dogs may be friendly to both humans and other dogs. The breed is not the only factor that determines how friendly a dog will be. Dogs who have spent time with their siblings and mother until they are six to eight weeks old and have played with other dogs a lot during puppyhood are more likely to be friendly to other dogs.

Health and Grooming Needs

Some breeds of dogs such as this one, are more likely to have certain health problems. This doesn't mean that every dog of that breed will have those diseases, but they are more likely to. If you're adopting a puppy, it's a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed.

Trainability

Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world, and it's not hard to see why. They provide us with companionship, love, and security. But when it comes to training, some dog breeds are definitely easier to work with than others. This breed is known for being particularly easy to train.

Exercise Needs

Many people choose to get a dog based on their exercise needs. If you live an active lifestyle and are looking for a dog that can keep up with you, there are a few breeds that might be a good fit. This breed is one of them as it also requires extensive exercise and likes to stay active.

Key Takeaways

Small and sturdy: West Highland White Terriers are compact dogs, typically 10-11 inches tall and weighing 15-20 pounds.

White coat: They sport a dense, harsh, white coat that aids visibility, reflecting their history as hunting dogs.

Playful and intelligent: Westies are playful, intelligent, and good with children and other pets. They are trainable but can show stubbornness.

Loyal: Known for their loyalty, Westies make devoted companions who enjoy cuddling with their owners.

Generally healthy: While generally healthy, Westies may face issues like cataracts, allergies, and ear infections.

What are the disadvantages of the West Highland White Terrier?

Westies can be prone to certain health issues like skin allergies and joint problems. Their strong prey drive may lead to chasing small animals, and they can be stubborn during training.

Do Westies bark a lot?

Westies are known for being vocal dogs and may bark to alert their owners or express excitement. Proper training can help manage their barking tendencies.

Is a Westie a good family dog?

Yes, Westies are generally good family dogs. They are affectionate and loyal, and get along well with children and other pets when socialized properly.

Are Westies cuddly dogs?

Yes, Westies are known for their affectionate and cuddly nature. They enjoy spending time with their owners and often seek out cuddle sessions.

What are the negatives of a Westie?

Some potential drawbacks of owning a Westie include their tendency to dig and their independent nature, which can lead to stubborn behavior. They also require regular grooming to maintain their coat.

Are Westies aggressive?

Westies are not typically aggressive dogs. They can be assertive and may exhibit dominant behaviors if not properly trained and socialized from a young age.

Frequently Asked Questions

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