West Highland White Terrier Breed Guide

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 to hand regarding their exact origin in history but the breed can be traced back to the 17th century when James I of Argllyshire 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.

Who are West Highland White Terrier dogs best for?

The West Highland Terriers are 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.

How much grooming does a West Highland White Terrier need?

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 his coat, which you can do yourself or get a professional groomer to do it for you.

With low to zero shedding, this makes for a great hypoallergenic dog. Their coat, despite being 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 Terrier bark much?

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.

Do West Highland White Terrier bite?

All dog breeds are prone to nipping or biting if given the opportunity. They're just like humans in that they'll get defensive and protective over their property as and when it's needed.

The best way to approach biting is to make sure it's taught to them from an early age that biting is a big no-no. You must introduce the dog to the family, especially with young children. Young children should also be taught to be gentle and careful around dogs.

Never leave any dog unsupervised with a child, no matter how much you trust the dog.

What is the temperament & personality of a West Highland White Terrier?

Westies have a lovely personality that is 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.

What is the weight & size of a West Highland White Terrier?

An adult dog stands at 27 cm tall for males and 25 cm for females. The males will typically weigh around 8 to 11 kilos and the females will weigh between 6 to 8 kilos.

How much training does a West Highland White Terrier need?

With training, it's important to provide this from an early age. However, they are smart dogs, meaning 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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a West Highland White Terrier?

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.

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 should you feed a West Highland White Terrier?

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.

What is the price of a West Highland White Terrier in Australia?

The Westie is a fairly popular breed without having the designer breed price tag that can often come with some of the dog types available nowadays. The average price of a Westie puppy from a breeder will likely set you back by about $1,000.

For rescue centres and shelters, you may find them for a more affordable cost.