West Highland White Terrier
Also known as: Westie, Westy
A bold little white terrier with a big personality and a big opinion of itself.
- Confident
- Cheerful
- Independent
- Alert
- Curious
The West Highland White Terrier was bred in Scotland to hunt foxes and vermin among the rocks. Westies are confident, cheerful and independent, with the classic terrier willingness to dig, bark and chase. They adapt well to family life and make excellent companions for owners who enjoy a characterful small dog — but their skin needs more attention than most breeds.
At a glance
- Origin
- Scotland, UK
- Breed group
- Terrier
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 13–22 lb (6–10 kg)
- Height
- 9.8–11 in (25–28 cm)
- Lifespan
- 12–16 years
- Coat
- Harsh, straight outer coat with soft undercoat
- Colours
- White
- Average cost
- $80–$150 / month
Breed ratings
Rated 1–5 on the same scale as every other entry, so scores are comparable between breeds. Amber stars mark things that cost you effort rather than things that benefit you.
Temperament
Westies are friendly and self-assured, with a strong terrier spirit. They can be bossy with other dogs and will chase small animals.
Care & upkeep
Exercise
An hour a day of walks, play and scent work. Prey drive is strong, so use secure areas off lead.
Grooming
Hand-strip a few times a year or clip, and brush 2–3 times weekly. Avoid over-bathing sensitive skin.
Training
Independent and sometimes stubborn. Keep sessions short and fun, and work on recall and quiet cues early.
Feeding & diet
- Typical diet
- Quality small-breed diet
- Daily amount
- 150–250 g of dry food
- Meals per day
- 2 meals a day
Skin allergies are common and diet can play a role. Work with your vet on a structured diet trial rather than random food changes.
Foods to avoid
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onion and garlic
- Xylitol
- Fatty table scraps
Who this breed suits
A good match for
- Families with older children
- Apartments with daily walks
- Owners who enjoy a characterful dog
Probably not for
- Homes with small pets
- Owners wanting a quiet dog
- People unwilling to manage skin care
Common health problems
This section describes conditions the breed is known to be predisposed to, so you know what to ask about. It is not veterinary advice and is not a diagnosis — always speak to a vet about your own animal.
- Atopic dermatitisVery common. Itching, red skin and ear infections warrant a vet plan rather than repeated shampoos.
- Craniomandibular osteopathyPainful jaw bone growths in puppies, usually resolving with age.
- Pulmonary fibrosisScarring of the lungs in older dogs, causing exercise intolerance and coughing.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes diseaseHip joint degeneration in young dogs.
- Dry eyeReduced tear production; signs include sticky discharge and red eyes.
Skin disease is the most common reason Westies see a vet. A long-term plan with your vet works better than short-term fixes.
Interesting facts
- Bred white so hunters would not mistake them for a fox.
- Famous as the face of a well-known Scottish whisky brand.
- Westies carry their tails high — historically used to pull them out of burrows.
Diet & Feeding
Feed around 150–250 g of quality small-breed food daily across two meals. Westies are prone to allergic skin disease, and diet can play a part — if itching becomes a pattern, discuss an elimination diet with your vet rather than switching foods at random. Keep them lean.
Exercise Needs
About an hour a day of walks and play. Westies are active, curious terriers and enjoy scent games, earthdog and exploring. Prey drive is strong, so off-lead walks need secure areas or reliable recall. They love to dig — a sandpit can save the garden.
Grooming
The harsh double coat is best maintained by hand-stripping a few times a year, though most pet owners clip it. Brush 2–3 times a week. Bathe only when needed with a gentle shampoo, because over-bathing aggravates sensitive skin. Trim nails every three weeks and clean ears weekly.
Health & Vet Care
The main concern is atopic dermatitis (allergic skin disease), which is very common in the breed. Also watch for craniomandibular osteopathy (jaw bone growths in puppies), pulmonary fibrosis in older dogs, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, patellar luxation and dry eye. Ask breeders about skin and health history in the line.
Training Tips
Westies are clever and independent, with a terrier's stubborn streak. Short, fun, reward-based training works best. Teach a reliable recall in safe areas and a quiet cue for barking. Socialise early with other dogs.
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