West Highland White Terrier: Complete Westie Guide

Temperament and Personality

The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the Westie, is one of the most popular dogs out there , and it’s easy to see why! The Westie temperament is happy, fun-loving, and a little bit cheeky, and their smile could melt even the coldest of hearts.

Known for their bright and lively personalities, the chipper and cheerful West Highland Terrier is sure to provide you with non-stop entertainment. From their quizzical head tilts to hilarious impromptu zoomies, the Westie’s silly antics make them a delight to be around.

Their playful, clownish nature combined with a deep loyalty to their owners makes the West Highland Terrier a popular choice for families. They also ooze self-esteem and are pretty independent, making them less demanding for your attention as other breeds. This is ideal if you need to divide your time and affection with other family members and don’t want a furry shadow glued to your side. They’re also less prone to develop separation anxiety and are happy to play with a toy or interactive puzzle on their own, but no dog should be left alone for too long.

It’s not all fun and games though (although it mostly is). Originally bred to hunt and catch rodents, the Westie is a bold and fearless terrier with a big-dog attitude. They’re ready to protect their kingdom at the drop of a hat, and make excellent watchdogs, alerting their owners loudly if they detect trouble. This could be an intruder, a passerby, or simply a fly that’s found its way inside. Anything that moves is a potential threat in the Westie’s eyes!

Highly energetic with a thirst for action, West Highland Terriers need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy. A bored Westie is a wild one, often resorting to destructive behaviors to entertain themselves, such as digging up the yard or excessive barking.

They’re also very intelligent and had to learn to think on their own four paws when out catching vermin. This can make them a little stubborn and headstrong when it comes to obeying commands.

As with all dogs though, early socialization and consistent training is key to raising a well-mannered dog. So, if you’re looking for a lively, loyal companion that’s full of character, the West Highland White Terrier could be the breed for you.

What are Miniature Westies?

The standard West Highland White Terrier is small, weighing between 13 and 19 pounds, and measuring 10-11 inches in height. However, Miniature Westies are even smaller. They’re not a separate breed, but the term is used to describe a Westie that’s smaller than the breed standard. They’re the result of two naturally small dogs mating, but some breeders have resorted to using unethical practices such as breeding runts or malnourishment to produce these mini breeds.

West Highland White Terrier paw-sonality traits

• Friendly and affectionate

• Outgoing and social

• Cheerful and playful

• Loving and loyal

• Very vocal

• Intelligent

• Cheeky and mischievous

• Bold and courageous

• Assertive and self-assured

• High self-esteem without being overbearing

• Independent with a mind of their own

• Can be stubborn and headstrong

• Can be aloof with unknown dogs

• Needs a lot of physical and mental exercise

West Highland White Terrier pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Loving, affectionate and playful	High prey drive
Adaptable to different living environments	Needs a lot of daily physical and mental exercise
Hypoallergenic	Prone to digging and excessive barking
Good watchdogs	Needs a fair bit of grooming
Highly intelligent and trainable	Independent and a little stubborn

Are West Highland Terriers good family dogs?

Yes, Westies are a wonderful choice for families with slightly older children. They adore human company and are incredibly playful and entertaining. However, they need a lot of physical and mental stimulation each day , a walk around the block isn’t enough , so owners need to dedicate time for exercise and fun games to keep this dog happy. Although separation anxiety isn’t a common trait in the breed, they can still become distressed, bored, or destructive if left alone for too long with nothing to do, so you need to keep this in mind when buying or adopting a dog.

Are West Highland Terriers good with children?

Yes, Westies are generally patient and gentle with most children, and their playful nature goes paw-in-paw with youngsters. However, while they’re more tolerant than other terriers, they don’t always appreciate their personal space being invaded , something toddlers might not understand. This means West Highland Terriers are better suited to households with slightly older children who can respect boundaries and can play sensibly.

You should always teach children how to properly interact with dogs, regardless of breed. This includes no pulling, smacking, poking, or disturbing them while they’re eating and sleeping. Great care should also be taken when introducing dogs and children, making sure to never leave little ones unsupervised no matter how well trained your dog is.

Are West Highland White Terriers good with other pets?

Yes, Westies can get on well with other dogs if they’ve been socialized from a young age, however they can be feisty towards dogs of the same sex. They should only live with cats if they’ve been raised together since puppyhood, however these dogs have a high prey drive and the instinct to chase can kick in at any time. They’re not suited to living with small critters such as hamsters, pet rats, or rabbits.

Introducing new animals into the pack should always be managed carefully. Remember, every West Highland Terrier is unique, so monitor their body language, provide space and reward good behavior.

Care Requirements

We all want our dogs to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a West Highland Terrier properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered.

How much exercise does a West Highland Terrier need?

Full grown West Highland Terriers need a minimum of 1 hour of exercise a day, which includes walks, off-lead runs in a secure area, and lots of playtime at home. These dogs are keen and curious explorers who thrive on being busy, so it’s vital they get a good daily workout to burn off all their energy.

They’ll need plenty of enrichment toys and puzzles to keep their sharp minds occupied too. Games of fetch, chasing a ball, and simple scent walks will satisfy your Westie, but their intelligence and energetic nature also makes them good at canine sports like agility, nosework, and flyball.

If these dogs aren’t given the physical and mental exercise they need, it can lead to destructive behaviors such as digging up the yard, excessive barking, and putting on weight.

Due to their high prey drive, it’s not recommended to let your Westie off lead in busy parks or forested areas unless they’ve mastered the art of recall. They love digging and are notorious for squeezing through small holes to chase after a scent. This puts them at risk of being hit by a car or getting lost, so ensure your yard fence is high and thoroughly secure.

How do you train a West Highland Terrier?

West Highland White Terriers are very intelligent dogs, but their independent streak can make them a little stubborn. They can adopt a “what’s in it for me” attitude if they don’t feel the reward is worth the effort. However, as long as training is fun and interesting, your Westie is capable of learning much more than just the basics. With patience, consistency, and lots of positivity, training your West Highland Terrier can be a highly rewarding experience.

Unleash your Westie’s potential with some fun training tips.

2. Be firm but fair. Using harsh tones or corrections can cause your Westie to shut down and ignore commands, especially if they don’t believe the correction fits the crime!

3. Be consistent. If you let your West Highland Terrier on the sofa one day, but not the next, this can become confusing, so make sure your commands are the same and the family is aligned with training.

4. Make it interesting! These dogs need convincing that there’s something in it for them, so motivate them with fun toys to chase or tug at while teaching them important commands.

5. Socialise from the start. socialization is crucial, even for the family friendly Westie , after all, they’re still determined little dogs with a scrappy terrier mentality! Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

6. prioritize recall. Westies are known to run off in search of prey and adventure, so it’s vital they have good recall. Use a long line lead and tempting treats such as these low fat Peanut Butter Probiotic Nutty Treats to master the art of recall and keep them safe.

7. Get them used to a lead. Practice indoors where there are fewer distractions, and gradually move to busier environments as they become more comfortable.

8. Keep the barking at bay. Westies are known to be big barkers, so gradually expose them to their triggers as a way to desensitise them. This could include people walking past the house or the sound of a car door closing. You should also teach them the ‘quiet’ command, remembering to only reward them when they’re silent.

9. Dispel the digging. Bred to dig out and catch rats, Westies love a digging session, so get a sandpit or carve out an area of the yard where they can dig without being destructive.

10. Give them a job to do. Channel their high energy into fun canine sports such as flyball, agility, nosework, and earthdog tests. This will give their brains and bodies a good workout.

11. Prevent separation problems. While the West Highland Terrier is quite self-assured and independent, they’re still capable of developing separation anxiety. Help them feel more comfortable on their own by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do West Highland Terriers need?

The wee Westie has an iconic bright white, double coat, with a soft undercoat and a harsher top coat. They need a fair bit of grooming, but the good news is that these dogs are very low shedding, making them hypoallergenic and a perfect choice for some allergy sufferers.

Show dogs are usually handstripped a few times a year to remove the dead hairs, however most pet owners get their Westie clipped.

Here are some Westie grooming tips to keep them looking their best all year round.

• Brush several times a week using a bristle brush to prevent matting, remove dirt, and get rid of dead hairs. Focus on the feathering around the undercarriage and legs where they’re likely to pick up debris on walks.

• Check their ears for signs of infection and clean regularly; use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.

• Only bathe when absolutely necessary using a dog-friendly shampoo. Westies are prone to allergies so it’s not recommended to bathe them often, as this can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin.

• Trim around their eyes using rounded scissors to ensure their eyes don’t become irritated.

• Their coarse coat can be handstripped a few times a year to remove dead hairs. If you want to handstrip at home, you’ll need a stripping knife and some tips and advice from a professional.

• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.

• Book your Westie in for a professional groom every 4-6 weeks. This will include a bath, haircut, nail trim and the opportunity for a groomer to spot anything that might need your veterinarian’s attention.

• The traditional Westie haircut features a round face with pricked ears, a long skirt, and carrot-shaped tail. For an easier haircut to maintain, go for the puppy cut, where the hair is shorter and the same length all over.

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. These pups are prone to dental disease, so use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste daily to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the dog dentist at bay!

No dog is completely hypoallergenic, and the amount of allergens a dog produces varies between each individual dog. The Westie coat is considered hypoallergenic as the shed hairs stay trapped in the dense undercoat instead of falling to the floor, meaning fewer allergens are spread around the house.

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the West Highland White Terrier lifespan is 12,16 years. However, like all beautiful purebreds, they’re prone to a few health problems.

Healthy West Highland Terriers should be seen by a veterinarian at least once a year, with senior dogs (seven years and older) needing more frequent visits. Monitor your dog regularly and ensure they’re getting what they need for a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Common Westie health problems

• Skin Problems. Westies are genetically prone to a number of skin problems, and many experience repeated bacterial and yeast skin infections over their lifetime.

• Atopic Dermatitis is a skin disease that affects around a quarter of all Westies. It causes itching that can lead to further skin damage and infections.

• Westie Armadillo Syndrome is brought on by abnormal skin cell growth, but it can be exacerbated by excessive growth of the naturally occurring yeast Malassezia. It causes severe inflammation of the skin, resulting in scabs, crusts, and scales.

• Demodicosis is a disease caused by the parasitic mite, Demodex. It’s itchy and painful and can lead to bacterial infections that can sometimes be fatal.

• Patella Luxation. This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their dog from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from high platforms too frequently.

• Bladder Cancer. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), is a common type of urinary tract cancer, affecting the bladder, urethra, or prostate. Westie cancer symptoms of this type include blood in the urine, straining to urinate, or experiencing pain when urinating. It can be diagnosed with a biopsy or a urine test, and treatment involves medication and chemotherapy.

• Dry Eye. This occurs when a dog can’t produce enough moisture in their eyes, causing painful, irritated and inflamed eyes. Mucus might develop instead of normal tears. There are medications to help keep the eyes moist, but it’s often a lifelong condition.

• Cataracts. This is a hereditary condition that causes the eye lenses to harden. Cataracts can develop as early as six months old, but it’s treatable through surgery.

• Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO). This disease is also known as Lion Jaw, and causes the skull bones to become irregularly enlarged. It’s an inherited condition, typically occurring in puppies between 3 and 8 months old. It causes the jaw bones and glands to swell, making it hard for puppies to open their mouths and eat. CMO is very painful, but it can be treated with anti-inflammatories and pain relief, as well as feeding tubes if they’re really struggling to eat. Fortunately, the abnormal growth tends to stop when puppies are a year old, but some dogs can be left with permanent jaw issues.

• Pulmonary Fibrosis. Also known as Westie lung disease, this is where scarring on the lung’s air sacs and connective tissue prevent oxygen from entering the bloodstream. Your dog might not show any symptoms for years, but signs include reduced stamina, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. There’s sadly no cure, so prevention is pivotal when it comes to your Westie’s respiratory health, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not over exercising them, and preventing infections.

• Dental Disease. This is a common old age health problem for Westies. Their small mouths can cause tartar buildup and gum infections, which eventually lead to tooth decay. Keep on top of their oral hygiene with brushing, veterinary dental checks and Deluxe Pet Dental Spray as directed for fresh breath and help reducing plaque and tartar buildup.

Food and nutrition

Feeding your West Highland Terrier a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so important!

How much should a West Highland Terrier eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Westie will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.

A good suggestion for full grown Westies is 2 times a day, ensuring they’re well fueled for all their activities. However, as these dogs are prone to serious lung conditions, it’s vital they’re not overindulged. Carrying extra weight not only puts pressure on their joints and internal organs, but it can make breathing more difficult too.

The best food for a West Highland Terrier is one that’s been developed with their medical needs in mind. Dog food made especially for small breeds is also recommended as the size of the kibble is smaller , perfect for their tiny teeth!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet

Look after their skin

Protect their joints

Westies are lively terriers who love to run, jump and investigate. Protect joints by maintaining a lean body condition, using sensible exercise progression and asking the veterinary team about persistent limping, stiffness or reluctance to move.

Monitor weight

A healthy West Highland Terrier weight is anywhere between 13 and 19 pounds. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet though, as obesity in dogs can drastically reduce their quality of life.

Look after their eyes

Regular eye tests can detect early signs of cataracts, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health.

Look after their teeth

Westies are prone to dental disease, so a portion of their daily calories should be allotted to yummy dental treats and chews to help keep their teeth nice and healthy. Schedule in a professional clean once a year to remove tartar and plaque build up.

Take them to the veterinarian

It might not be their favorite place in the world, but regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify potential health issues early on.

Always speak to your veterinarian about the best course of action in treating health problems in your dog.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the West Highland Terrier’s dream home.

Category	Details
Type of owner	Individuals, couples, and families who spend a lot of time at home, enjoy playing with their dog, and have time for training and grooming.
Outdoor space	A small, secure back yard is desired, but not essential, as long as they get daily outdoor walks. Housetraining can be a problem, so they’ll need access to a safe place to do their business outside.
Adaptability	They’re highly adaptable to different living environments and family dynamics. They can comfortably live in flats, as long as their exercise needs are met and they have a safe space to do their business outside.
Multi-pet home	They can live nicely with other animals as long as they’ve been socialized and trained well.

Cost of ownership in the United States

The cost of caring for a Westie varies by region, age, health, source and the level of professional support needed. Plan for more than the adoption fee or breeder price. Before committing, request a written estimate from a local veterinary clinic and groomer, then build a monthly budget with a separate emergency reserve.

One-time setup costs

Initial expenses can include an adoption fee or purchase price, a veterinary examination, recommended vaccines, parasite prevention, microchip registration, spay or neuter guidance, a secure harness and leash, identification, bedding, bowls, a crate or gate, grooming tools and safe enrichment items. A responsible breeder or rescue should provide records and explain which care has already been completed.

Ongoing monthly and annual costs

Budget for a complete-and-balanced diet, routine veterinary care, vaccines based on individual risk, parasite prevention, grooming, training, replacement equipment and pet care during travel. Westies need regular coat maintenance, and dogs with skin, dental, eye or orthopedic problems may need additional examinations or treatment. Prices differ widely across the United States, so local quotes are more useful than a national average.

Insurance and emergency planning

Compare insurance policies carefully for deductibles, reimbursement limits, waiting periods, exclusions and rules for preexisting conditions. If insurance is not suitable, fund a dedicated savings account. Neither option guarantees every expense will be covered. The practical goal is to make urgent decisions based on the dog's medical needs rather than a sudden cash shortage.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Get to know the West Highland Terrier even more with these tidbits and tales about one of the most beloved family pets!

• Ever wondered the difference between a Westie vs Scottie? While they’re both earth dogs originating from Scotland, they’re quite different in looks and temperament. The Westie has more round features and is social, silly, and happy-go-lucky, while the Scottie dog has square features and is quite serious, aloof, and assertive.

• Pumpkin the paralysed Westie is a disabled dog advocate and therapy dog who is internet famous. Her family have set up a charity called Pumpkin and Friends to help raise awareness and support disabled animals and their owners.

• Originally, West Highland Terriers weren’t always pure white. Back in the 19 century, you could get cream, red, brown or black Westies, however after a tragic hunting accident where a dog was killed after being mistaken for a fox, white was the way forward to protect these loyal dogs.

• Their tail isn’t just for wagging. The Westie was bred to have an extra sturdy tail that could be used to yank them out of holes if they got stuck!

• These dogs are prone to sunburn, especially on their ears, so make sure to use dog-friendly sunscreen to protect their sensitive skin.

• You can get Westie cross breeds. A Westie crossed with a Poodle is called a Westiepoo. The Westie Jack Russell cross is called a Westie Jack or Jack Highland Terrier, and the Westie Bichon Frise mix is called a Wee-Chon.

History and Origin

The origins of the West Highland White Terrier can be traced back to the reign of King James I of England (who was formerly King of Scotland) in the 17th century.

Sharing the same ancestry as the Dandie Dinmont, Skye, and Cairns Terriers, these wee little dogs were mainly bred by the Malcolm family in Poltalloch, Scotland. Their fearless spirit and high energy made them effective hunters, chasing down foxes, badgers, and otters, as well as killing vermin.

Originally called the Poltalloch Terrier after the Malcolm family’s estate, or the Roseneath Terrier after the Duke of Argyll's estate, West Highland Terriers could be black, white, red, brown, or cream. However, tragedy sparked the need for these dogs to be diamond white. While out on a hunt, Colonel Edward Malcolm accidentally shot and killed one of his beloved dogs by mistaking it for a fox. To prevent this happening again, he vowed there and then to only breed white dogs that couldn’t be confused for foxes.

When they first appeared in a dog show in the late 1800s, they were known as Roseneath Terriers, however they were registered by the Kennel Club in 1907 as West Highland White Terriers.

Adored for their entertaining antics, expressive faces, and rugged character, the beloved Westie remains one of the most popular family pets today.

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a West Highland White Terrier.

1. Research the breed. Westies need a lot of physical and mental stimulation, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited.

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings.

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Westie puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old.

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on West Highland Terriers and don’t prioritize their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a West Highland Terrier, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organization, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Westies in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.

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