West Highland White Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

8-11 kg

Height

25-27 cm

Lifespan

12-16 years

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About the West Highland White Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

A breed that’s brimming with self-esteem, dog owners can’t get enough of this adorable, wee pup from Scotland. The West Highland Terrier is a popular breed with many from older couples looking for a companion to young families who are looking to add to their brood with a fur baby.

Whilst they’re loveable, they’re also fiercely independent and will be more than happy to spend time entertaining themselves… and you, for that matter!

Fans of the breed will call these dogs Westies for short. They’ve become a household pet for many across the world. Fancy learning more about this terrier? Here are some helpful tips worth knowing about the West Highland Terrier.

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What is the history & origin of the West Highland White Terrier?

The West Highland White Terrier was used historically as a hunting dog for foxes, otters and badgers to name but a few. Despite them being small dogs, they were notorious for catching such wildlife and for also killing vermin like rats – perfect hunting dogs, then!

There’s not a huge amount of evidence regarding their exact origin in history, but the breed can be traced back to the 17th century when James I of Argyllshire gave a breed of these dogs to the King of France.

It seems the Westie’s white colour coat was a result of an accident where Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch accidentally shot and killed one of his wheaten-coloured Cairns. As a result, he bred only white dogs so as not to get them mixed up with foxes.

Fast forward to 1906 and the West Highland White Terrier was finally recognized by the Kennel Club of England. They were also referred to as a Roseneath terrier in the US before they eventually got the name we know today. It wasn’t until 1904 that the Westie was given its modern name at the Scottish Kennel Club.

What is a West Highland White Terrier breed?

The West Highland White Terrier is a Scottish dog breed. Before being given the Westie name, they were called the Poltalloch terrier. They have a distinctive white coat and a soft white undercoat. As a medium-sized terrier, it has longer legs than other Scottish terriers, which makes them stand out more.

With deep-set almond-shaped eyes that are dark in colour, they have pointed ears and a joyful face that you’ll be happy to wake up to every morning!

Who is a West Highland White Terrier best for?

A West Highland Terrier is an active and fun breed to have in your home. They’re independent and inquisitive in everything they do, meaning they’ll be great for those families who have younger children.

They’re both friendly and happy dogs that have great temperaments towards both dogs and humans, making them great for households with multiple pets. They’re small enough that they’ll adapt to most environments whether it’s a four-bed house to a studio apartment. As long as they’re given enough exercise and attention, they’ll certainly provide plenty of love in return.

West Highland White Terrier Grooming & Shedding

Westies have a double coat, which makes for great protection during harsher weather conditions. There’s a short undercoat and a top coat that is often around two inches long.

The coat itself should be easy enough to groom and requires regular brushing whenever you’re able to. You should also trim your dog’s coat, which you can do yourself or get a professional groomer to do it for you.

With low to zero shedding, the breed makes for a great hypoallergenic dog. Their coat, despite being a stark white, stays clean and should only need bathing when necessary. It’s good to wipe down the Westie regularly to keep their coat bright.

Other grooming duties include checking his ears for dirt and wiping them out with a cotton ball whenever needed.

Do West Highland White Terriers bark a lot?

No dog, or human for that matter, is perfect. When it comes to the terrier group, they do tend to be a vocal lot and the Westies are no different. As opposed to other dogs, they do tend to bark a lot and as a Scottish terrier, they have a reputation for being fairly vocal.

If you want to keep their barking to a minimum, then we’d suggest making sure you’ve socialized them from an early age and that they’re told when not to bark. This should keep barking to a minimum.

What is the average weight & height of a West Highland White Terrier dog?

On average, an adult male is 27 cm tall and an adult female is 25 cm tall. The males will typically weigh around 8 to 11 kilos and the females will weigh between 6 to 8 kilos.

Are West Highland White Terriers easy to train?

Training is important when it comes to Westie even from the earliest of ages. These are smart dogs, so they’ll be able to pick up the tricks and commands regardless of their age.

They also love to swim, so it’s great to get them accustomed to swimming too if you enjoy going to a nearby lake or beach on vacations.

How do West Highland White Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Westies have a lovely personality that’s confident and fun-loving. Intelligence is also something they have in bucket loads, which they’ll likely test you with over the years. A friendly dog that gets on with everyone, their temperament is perfect for anyone that’s looking for an easy-going pup.

Does the West Highland White Terrier have any common health issues?

Westies are prone to a few health issues that are worth mentioning. These include the following:

Cataracts – A common eye condition for a lot of dogs as they age and this causes a cloudy look in the lens, affecting their vision. They can typically be surgically removed to help improve the vision.
Craniomandibular Osteopathy – Affecting the skull bones whilst a puppy is growing, the affected dogs can usually have symptoms between four and eight months. It’s a heredity disease that causes the dog’s jaw and glands to swell. This can be treated with anti-inflammatories and pain relief.

Other diseases of the same breed range from IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) to hip dysplasia and a cleft palate. Two very common conditions are lower respiratory tract disease and cancer, which can account for up to 10% of deaths in the breed. Get your dog checked out by a vet twice a year.

What is the lifespan of a West Highland White Terrier?

The Westie has quite a great lifespan, which can be great for those who are wanting a dog that they can love and enjoy for many years. The average Westie will likely live between 12-16 years, which is a great amount of time on earth in dog years!

How much does a West Highland White Terrier need to be fed?

When it comes to feeding your dog, it’s best to make sure you speak to your vet about the recommended amount needed to keep them fit and healthy. For Westies, as they’re smaller dogs, you’ll want to keep a close eye on what they’re eating.

Ideally, getting them involved with dog sports can help keep them fit but make sure to give them between half a cup to 1.5 cups of dog food per day.

How much can you expect to pay for a West Highland White Terrier in Australia?

The Westie is a fairly popular breed without having the designer breed price tag other dogs these days. The average price of a Westie puppy from a breeder will likely set you back by about $1,000.

In rescue centres and shelters, you may find them at a more affordable cost.

West Highland White Terrier FAQs

Are Westies hypoallergenic?

Due to their multiple coats, any hair that drops off is likely going to be collected by its undercoat. They also produce low to zero shedding in general, making them perfect for those with dog allergies. Westies are hypoallergenic and make a suitable choice for those who need a dog that can cater to common pet allergies.

Do West Highland White Terriers like to cuddle?

Despite their independence, Westies are one of the most friendly breeds you’ll come across compared to other dogs. As a pet owner, you’re sure to get plenty of cuddles from the Westie and they make for a great lap dog, too.

Are Westies good for first-time dog owners?

Westies are considered to be one of the best for first-time dog owners because they’re fairly easy to train and they don’t require any specialist approach to keep them in check. They respond well to obedience training compared to other breeds.

Any first-time dog owner will enjoy having a Westie as part of the family. Even as adult dogs, they’re great for those who have little to no experience with dogs.

What should I look for in a West Highland White Terrier puppy?

When looking for any type of terrier, whether it’s a Cairn terrier to a Westie, a firm but fair attitude is required to help train the dog properly. They’re clever, which means they’ll pick up the tricks easily but push back to some degree too.

It’s worth taking them to training classes where possible to help iron out any problems as they grow.