West Highland White Terrier
Summary
The West Highland White Terrier — universally known as "Westie" — is one of the most popular terriers in the world, recognizable by its immaculate white coat and lively expression. Developed in Western Scotland (hence "West Highland") to hunt foxes and rodents in rocky terrain, the Westie was selected with a white coat after a tragic accident in which a breeder (supposedly Malcolm of Poltalloch) shot at what he thought was a fox and killed his own brown terrier. Legend or not, it resulted in one of the most beloved breeds in the world.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Small
- Height (male)
- 28 cm
- Height (female)
- 26 cm
- Weight (male)
- 7–10 kg
- Weight (female)
- 6–9 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 12–16 years
- Coat
- double; straight, hard, and white outer coat; abundant and soft undercoat
- Common Colors
- pure white (only accepted color)
Temperament & Personality
The Westie is active, self-confident, cheerful, and with an almost universal appeal. It is much more sociable with strangers than most terriers, while remaining determined and courageous when needed. It likes to play with children, adapts well to apartments (with adequate exercise), and is generally good with other dogs. It has the terrier tendency to bark and dig, but to a more manageable degree.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- High
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 45–60 minutes
- Suitable for Apartment
- Yes
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- High
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 3–4 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Atopic dermatitis (very common; \"Westie Armpit Disease\" or White Shaker Dog Syndrome)
- Hereditary deafness
- Hip dysplasia
- Portosystemic shunt
- Westie interstitial pulmonary disease (WIPD)
- Recommended Health Tests
- Dermatological evaluation
- Hip evaluation
- Pulmonary evaluation in senior adults
Compatibility
- With Children
- Excellent
- With Other Dogs
- Good
- With Cats
- Moderate
- For First-Time Owners
- Recommended
Is a West Highland White Terrier right for you?
A West Highland White Terrier may suit you if:
- You can provide at least 45 to 60 minutes of engaging exercise daily for their high energy.
- You enjoy playful interactions and can integrate an active, cheerful companion into your daily life.
- You appreciate a self-confident, lively personality with a sociable yet determined terrier spirit.
- You are prepared to consistently train a smart, independent terrier, channeling their natural instincts positively.
- You are willing to commit to regular grooming, including brushing and professional trims, to maintain their distinctive coat.
- You are prepared to manage typical terrier behaviors like occasional barking and digging with patience and understanding.
Think twice if:
- You expect unwavering obedience, as their independent terrier nature values their own ideas.
- You have a routine that leaves a dog alone for long hours, as Westies thrive on companionship and activity.
- You have small, vulnerable pets like hamsters, as their natural prey drive can be a strong instinct.
- You are unwilling to dedicate consistent time to their daily exercise and high grooming requirements.
- You do not have a securely fenced yard or are unprepared for their digging tendencies.
- You are not prepared to guide a spirited, confident puppy through their boisterous adolescent phase.
The Westie is a charming and adaptable companion, excellent with families and apartment living. However, they are true terriers, bringing a lively, independent spirit that requires consistent guidance and engagement. Their delightful personality comes with a need for daily activity and dedicated coat care, making them a joy for those ready to embrace their unique zest for life.
Training a West Highland White Terrier
Westies, with their active, self-confident, and cheerful nature, thrive on positive reinforcement and engaging training sessions. They are intelligent and motivated by play and tasty rewards, making learning a fun experience. Keep sessions short and upbeat, perhaps 5-10 minutes, to match their high energy levels and prevent boredom. If training becomes repetitive or handler corrections are harsh, a Westie's determined spirit might lead to stubbornness or disengagement, making progress much slower. Consistency, patience, and making training a game are key to harnessing their lively disposition for effective learning.
Begin with:
- Attention and response to name around distractions
- Recall on a long line
- Loose-leash walking
- Leave it and drop it
- Calm greetings without jumping
- Settling on a mat or bed
- Cooperative handling for grooming, ears, feet and teeth
- Waiting at doors and gates
Prey drive and recall
Westies were originally bred to hunt foxes and rodents, and this strong instinct means they can be easily distracted by scents or movement, especially small animals. This can make recall challenging, particularly in open areas. Start recall training in a quiet environment, gradually introducing distractions. Always use a long line in unfenced areas until your Westie's recall is rock-solid, and make coming back to you the most rewarding thing ever.
To build a reliable recall, practice frequently with high-value treats and enthusiastic praise. Make sure your Westie associates coming to you with something incredibly positive. This guide offers excellent tips for a truly reliable recall, which is vital for their safety and your peace of mind.
Leash pulling and barking
Despite their small size, Westies possess a determined spirit and high energy, which can translate into pulling on the leash or barking at perceived threats or exciting stimuli. Early and consistent training is crucial. Teach your Westie that a loose leash means rewards, and practice in various environments. For barking, identify the trigger and work on redirection or desensitization.
Remember, a well-exercised Westie is generally a calmer Westie, so ensure they get their recommended 45-60 minutes of daily exercise. For leash pulling, consistent positive reinforcement for walking politely can make a huge difference. Our plan to stop leash pulling can help you establish good habits from the start.
Boredom and mischief
Westies are active and intelligent dogs that require both physical and mental stimulation. If under-exercised or left alone for too long, their natural terrier tendencies like digging and barking can become problematic. These behaviors are often a sign that your Westie is bored or has pent-up energy.
Ensure your Westie receives their daily 45-60 minutes of exercise, split into walks and playtime. Provide puzzle toys or engage in short training sessions throughout the day to keep their minds busy. A well-exercised and stimulated Westie is less likely to invent their own "fun" activities, and will be a much happier companion.
West Highland White Terrier — Frequently Asked Questions
Are Westies good family dogs?
West Highland White Terriers are confident, affectionate, and spirited little companions who generally do well in family settings. They're sturdy enough for play with older children and bring a lot of personality and entertainment to a household. However, their terrier independence means they won't tolerate rough handling, and they have a prey drive that can make them unpredictable around very small pets. Early socialisation and clear boundaries from puppyhood produce the most reliable, balanced Westie.
Do Westies have skin problems?
West Highland White Terriers are particularly prone to skin conditions — in fact, 'Westie skin' is a recognised term for their tendency toward Malassezia (yeast) dermatitis, atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies), and epidermal dysplasia. Signs include itchy, red, greasy skin; a musty odour; and recurring infections. Diet plays a significant role — many Westies improve significantly on a hypoallergenic or grain-free food trial. A vet or veterinary dermatologist can diagnose the specific cause and create an appropriate management plan.
Are West Highland White Terriers easy to train?
Westies are intelligent and can be trained well, but their independent terrier personality means they learn on their own terms. They respond to positive reinforcement and are quick to pick up what benefits them — which means training needs to make it genuinely worthwhile for the dog. They can be stubborn when bored, dismissive of commands they find pointless, and easily distracted by interesting smells. Short, engaging sessions with high-value treats produce the best results. Recall training is particularly important given their prey drive.
Do Westies bark a lot?
Westies are alert, watchful terriers who bark readily — at strangers, sounds, other animals, and sometimes seemingly at nothing. Their vocal nature made them effective working dogs (signalling their location underground), but in domestic life it can be disruptive, especially in apartments or houses with close neighbours. Early training to a 'quiet' cue, sufficient daily exercise, and mental stimulation all help manage barking. Some vocalism is simply part of the breed and should be accepted alongside the Westie's many delightful qualities.
What health issues do West Highland White Terriers have?
Beyond skin conditions, Westies are prone to pulmonary fibrosis ('Westie lung disease') — a progressive, incurable scarring of the lung tissue that typically affects middle-aged to older dogs and causes exercise intolerance and breathlessness. Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO) affects young Westies, causing painful jaw bone overgrowth that often resolves at adulthood. Patellar luxation and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease are also seen. Annual vet check-ups and prompt attention to any respiratory changes are important for the breed.
How much exercise does a West Highland White Terrier need?
Westies need moderate daily exercise — around 45–60 minutes split across two walks, plus off-leash play in a secure area when possible. They have genuine terrier stamina and enjoy brisk walks, sniffing expeditions, and play sessions. A Westie with insufficient exercise becomes bored and more likely to bark, dig, and be destructive. Their recall can be unreliable around prey, so a secure garden and on-leash walking in unfenced areas is important for their safety.
How long do Westies live?
West Highland White Terriers typically live 12–16 years, with well-cared-for individuals regularly reaching their mid-teens. Their terrier hardiness and small size contribute to a naturally good lifespan. Managing their skin conditions (often the most quality-of-life-affecting issue), watching for early signs of pulmonary fibrosis, dental care, and keeping them at a healthy weight all support longevity. Regular vet visits give the best opportunity to catch any health changes early.
What is the personality of a Westie like?
Westies are spirited, self-confident, and full of character — they know exactly who they are and are not shy about it. They're affectionate with their family but not clingy, independent without being cold, and brave despite their small size. They have a wonderful sense of humour that makes them entertaining daily companions. Their terrier stubbornness is balanced by genuine warmth and loyalty. Westies tend to have strong opinions about things and aren't afraid to express them — which is either charming or exasperating depending on the day.
Community
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