what they are likeWest Highland White Terrier temperament
A small dog with a big personality: lively, alert, bold and very sure of itself, but friendly with its people. Westies are clever and pick things up quickly, though their independent terrier streak means training goes best when it is patient, short and fun. They still carry a keen hunting instinct, so chasing small animals, digging and sounding the alarm come naturally. They tend to prefer gentle, respectful handling.3215
how to spot oneWest Highland White Terrier coat and colours
double coat: harsh, straight outer coat over a soft, dense undercoat
The Westie's outer coat is wiry and straight, roughly 5 cm long and without curl, sitting over a short, furry undercoat that keeps the dog weatherproof. Under the coat is a compact, sturdy little terrier with a deep chest, level back, strong hindquarters and short muscular legs. The head is framed by a fuller coat that gives the breed its well-known rounded face, with dark eyes, small pointed upright ears and a short, straight, carrot-shaped tail.345
A typical home-care rhythm for a West Highland White Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseAbout 90 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
what to watchWest Highland White Terrier health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the West Highland White Terrier. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Atopic dermatitis (allergic skin disease) Itchy, inflamed skin from allergies that needs lifelong management; the biggest day-to-day issue in the breed.Westie Foundation of America: a leading reported condition, rising between the 2000 and 2005 surveys; no published rate ↗
Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO) Extra bone grows on the jaw of puppies, making eating painful for a while; a DNA test finds carriers.CMO DNA test required for CHIC by the WHWTCA; no published rate ↗
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease The top of the thigh bone loses blood supply in a young dog and crumbles, causing limping; surgery usually fixes it.Screened by hip X-ray under the WHWTCA; reported rising in the WFA survey; no published rate ↗
Pulmonary fibrosis (Westie lung disease) Scarring in the lungs of older dogs that causes a cough and tiring easily.Listed by the Westie Foundation of America; no published rate ↗
Addison's disease The adrenal glands stop making enough hormone, causing vague illness; lifelong treatment works well.Listed by the Westie Foundation of America; no published rate ↗
Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation Hip and kneecap problems that cause limping in the back legs.WHWTCA: 12% of Westies in the OFA database have abnormal hips ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
Hip X-ray (OFA) at 2 years or older CHIC / West Highland White Terrier Club of America ↗
Patella exam CHIC / West Highland White Terrier Club of America ↗
Eye exam by a board-certified ophthalmologist CHIC / West Highland White Terrier Club of America ↗
CMO DNA test CHIC / West Highland White Terrier Club of America ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a West Highland White Terrier costs
Running costs for a West Highland White Terrier, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the West Highland White Terrier legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the West Highland White Terrier in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
how busy a day looksWest Highland White Terrier exercise needs
Moderate. The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour of exercise a day, while Hill's says 20-40 minutes of daily activity is a minimum. Brisk walks, play sessions, and games that use its nose and digging instinct keep a Westie content.621
the hands-on bitsWest Highland White Terrier grooming and care
Brush more than once a week to keep the harsh coat and soft undercoat free of tangles. Pet Westies are often clipped by a groomer a couple of times a year, while show dogs are hand-stripped to keep the correct wiry texture, which takes more time. The coat does shed.62
where they are happiestWest Highland White Terrier at home
Adapts well to flats or houses thanks to its small size, provided it gets daily walks and play. A securely fenced garden is useful, since a Westie may dig or dash after small wildlife.25
who they like aroundWest Highland White Terrier with people and other pets
Affectionate and sociable with its own family. Because of its hunting background it may be unsure of unfamiliar dogs and keen on chasing small pets, so early socialisation and supervised introductions help.21
where it all beganWest Highland White Terrier history
The Westie grew out of the short-legged working terriers of the Scottish Highlands, the same pool that produced the Cairn, Scottish, Skye and Dandie Dinmont terriers, whose coats once came in shades from black and red to cream and white. These tough little dogs were used to hunt fox, badger, otter and rats both above and below ground. In the mid-19th century the Malcolms of Poltalloch in Argyll began selecting for white dogs, which were easier to spot on the moors; family lore says Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm switched to white after one of his reddish terriers was mistaken for a fox. Around the same time George Campbell, 8th Duke of Argyll, kept a similar strain known as the Roseneath Terrier, and a line in Fife was called the Pittenweem Terrier. The first breed club was formed in 1904. In 1907 the breed appeared at Crufts and was recognised by The Kennel Club under the name West Highland White Terrier, and the AKC followed in 1908. The West Highland White Terrier Club of America was founded in 1909, UKC recognition came in 1919, and the FCI gave definitive acceptance in 1954. The Westie went on to win Best in Show at Westminster in 1942 and 1962 and at Crufts in 1976, 1990 and 2016.861547
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Legend says Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch chose to breed only white terriers after one of his reddish dogs was mistaken for a fox in the field.8
2
The Westie's short, sturdy, carrot-shaped tail could be used as a handle to pull the dog back out of a burrow.5
3
A Westie is the long-running mascot of Cesar dog food, and one appears with a black Scottish Terrier on Black & White Scotch whisky labels.5
4
Westies have taken Best in Show at Crufts three times, in 1976, 1990 and 2016, and at Westminster twice, in 1942 and 1962.1
5
The breed got its official name, West Highland White Terrier, at Crufts in 1907.8
6
Before the name settled, the same white terriers were also called Poltalloch or Roseneath Terriers, after the estates where they were kept.1
7
In the US the Westie has ranked in the top third of AKC breeds since around 1960.1
told by a West Highland White TerrierA day in the life
I wake up and stretch, my white fur catching the morning light. I trot to the kitchen and give a little yip, breakfast time! After that, I patrol the garden, digging a hole just for fun. I spot a squirrel and bark, my tail high. My human laughs and calls me a wee rascal. We go for a walk, and I sniff every blade of grass. Back home, I curl on her lap, a small, bold bundle of love. That's my day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
the official bitsRecognised by
FCI
Standard No. 85, Group 3 (Terriers), Section 2 (Small-sized Terriers); definitive acceptance 29 Oct 1954; current standard published 13 Oct 2010; no working trial7
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my West Highland White Terrier, and at what times?
Adult Westies do best with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. The exact times can fit your schedule, but regular feeding helps their digestion. For portion sizes, check the food label and ask your vet.10
What should a West Highland White Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for its age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as noted by the ASPCA. Always avoid giving human treats like these.11
How often should I bathe a West Highland White Terrier?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Westie gets very dirty or has skin issues, and always use a dog-safe shampoo.12Pet Wiki plan
How often does a West Highland White Terrier need brushing?
Brush your Westie more than once a week to keep its double coat free of tangles. Pet Wiki's plan suggests brushing every 7 days, but weekly is a good minimum. This helps manage shedding and keeps the coat healthy.62Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a West Highland White Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 3 weeks or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink area) to avoid pain. If unsure, ask a vet or groomer for a demonstration.12Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a West Highland White Terrier need?
Westies need moderate exercise, with the Royal Kennel Club suggesting up to an hour daily and Hill's saying 20-40 minutes as a minimum. Pet Wiki's plan recommends about 90 minutes a day, including brisk walks and play. They also enjoy games that use their nose and digging instinct.621Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a West Highland White Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush your Westie's teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks. Never push anything into the ear canal; just wipe the outer ear gently. For dental care, the ASPCA recommends brushing two to three times a week if daily isn't possible.12Pet Wiki plan
How long does a West Highland White Terrier live?
Westies typically live between 12 and 15 years, according to breed sources. With good care, regular vet check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long, happy life.256
Is a West Highland White Terrier good with children and other pets?
Westies are friendly with their family and can be good with gentle, respectful children. However, their hunting instinct may make them chase small pets, so early socialisation and supervised introductions are important. They may also be unsure of unfamiliar dogs.21
Can a West Highland White Terrier be left alone?
Westies are sociable and affectionate with their family, so they may not enjoy long periods alone. How well they cope varies by individual; it's best to ask your vet or a good breeder for advice tailored to your dog. Gradual training can help them feel more comfortable.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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