fellfolioTerrier
West Highland White Terrier
A small, sturdy terrier who enjoys exploring with its people and keeps a close eye on its surroundings. The white double coat needs regular care.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height at shoulder
- 28 cm
- Weight
- 6 to 9 kg
- Lifespan
- over 12 years
- Activity
- High
- Grooming
- Several times weekly
- Training
- Patience & clear guidance
- Owner experience
- First dog with support
Curiosity behind the white coat
The West Highland White Terrier was bred in Scotland to hunt small animals. You can still see its curiosity when a rustling hedge becomes more interesting than the path ahead. Many Westies are friendly and playful, but also independent and alert. Some bark readily. Practise recall and calm passes by other dogs with rewards before you need those skills in a busy place. Small pets such as rabbits are often a poor match for this breed's hunting instincts.
Everyday life
The UK veterinary charity PDSA suggests about an hour of exercise a day. Two walks with time to sniff, plus a run or game in a securely fenced area, suit this inquisitive terrier. A garden does not replace outings; a Westie may otherwise make its own entertainment at the fence or under the shrubs. Add short scent games and recall practice. It can enjoy lively play with children, but an adult should stay nearby and end the game if it becomes too rough.
Staying home alone
Dogs learn to stay home alone in small steps. The RSPCA advises no more than four hours at a time. Puppies and dogs that become unsettled when left alone need shorter absences and gradual practice. Arrange someone to care for your dog when you will be away longer.
Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗
Day-to-day care
A harsh white outer coat sits over a soft, dense undercoat. Brush through to the skin several times a week, especially around the face and legs where mats can form. PDSA suggests a groomer visit as often as every six weeks. If your Westie has itchy skin, ask your vet about suitable products rather than trying a new shampoo at random. Redness between the toes, frequent ear scratching or sore patches can point to a skin problem that needs attention.
Size and build
A Westie stands about 28 cm tall and usually weighs 6 to 9 kg. Beneath the rounded white head is a solidly built terrier: the body is compact, the back level, the chest deep and the short legs well muscled. Small upright ears and dark eyes give it an alert expression. The coat has a soft underlayer and a harsh outer layer roughly five centimetres long, without curls. The short tail is carried upright.
From puppy to senior: caring for your dog through every life stage ↗
Health
Skin allergies deserve particular attention in Westies. Persistent itching, red paws or recurring ear trouble should not be dismissed as a grooming nuisance. PDSA also lists dry eye, slipping kneecaps and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic scarring of the lungs sometimes called “Westie lung”. Dry eye can be painful and damage the surface of the eye. Have a recurring cough checked by a vet. If your dog is struggling to breathe, call your vet or an emergency vet immediately. Before taking on a dog, ask about skin, eye, knee and breathing problems in its parents and close relatives. Actual health records are more useful than a general assurance that a dog is healthy.
Could this breed fit your life?
Could work well if …
- You enjoy a small dog with a confident, independent streak.
- You can provide grooming, enrichment and positive training.
May be less suitable if …
- You need a particularly quiet or low-maintenance dog.
- You have little time for regular grooming, training around barking or dealing with a possible skin condition.
Similar needs, different dogs.
Selected by shared size, activity, grooming and training characteristics.
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Sources and photograph credit
- Teaching your dog to be left alone
Used in this profile for: Staying home alone
- West Highland White Terrier · Breed Standard
Used in this profile for: Size and build
- What to Do in a Dog or Cat Emergency
Used in this profile for: Health
- West Highland White Terrier · breed guide
Used in this profile for: Size / Weight, Temperament, Everyday life, Day-to-day care, Size and build, Health, Lifespan, Could this breed fit your life?
Photo credits
Portrait · West Highland White Terrier face portrait May 2023 · Dominic Nelson · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Edited
Side view · Michelle Chadwick · Pexels License
In action · Kostas Konidakis · Pexels License
Puppy · Luc AVE · Pexels License