West Highland White Terrier
Confident, clever and fun
Westies 101
Terrier groupThe West Highland White Terrier is a stylish and bold little dog, good in city homes, rural residences and everything in between. They are smart but sometimes stubborn, and utterly devoted to their families. Westies are playful and entertaining, and will take all the exercise they can get.
As with many terriers, Westies may be quarrelsome to dogs they don’t know. Developed to keep vermin levels down, Westies are understandably not safe around small pets such as rats and guinea pigs. If allowed to pursue it, Westies consider digging a happy pastime.
What we love about Westies
No breed looks better in a bow tie
Early socialization and manners training along with consistent handling will help to keep these determined dogs from acting on their worst impulses.
Very vocal
Talkative
As needed
My pet’s health plannerSM
Mature adult Westie
Risk level for common Westie conditions
Inflammatory bowel disease
Skin allergies
Luxated patella
Senior Westie
Risk level for common Westie conditions
Urinary cancer
Diabetes mellitus
Gallbladder disease
Westie puppy
Risk level for common Westie conditions
Gastritis
Urinary tract infection
Ear infection
Young adult Westie
Risk level for common Westie conditions
Skin allergies
Gastritis
Inflammatory bowel disease
Mature adult Westie
Risk level for common Westie conditions
Inflammatory bowel disease
Skin allergies
Luxated patella
Senior Westie
Risk level for common Westie conditions
Urinary cancer
Diabetes mellitus
Gallbladder disease
Westie puppy
Risk level for common Westie conditions
Gastritis
Urinary tract infection
Ear infection
Young adult Westie
Risk level for common Westie conditions
Skin allergies
Gastritis
Inflammatory bowel disease
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The white or wheaten color of the West Highland White Terrier came about as a result of a hunting accident. Hunting with a pack of darker-colors dogs, a Scottish landowner accidentally mistook one of his dogs for a fox. In his grief, the man vowed to hunt only with light-colored dogs in the future. The breed was originally recognized in the United States as the Roseneath Terrier.
West Highland White Terrier coat care and colors
The proper grooming of the West Highland White Terrier requires slow, painstaking “hand-stripping,” or plucking, of dead fur to allow for new growth. Hand-stripping is hard to learn and not much fun. That’s why most Westies visit professional groomers regularly to be clipped short, making home care easier – an occasional brushing and combing are all that’s needed between groomings. Additionally, acclimating puppies to having their feet handled will make a lifetime of nail trims easier.
How often should West Highland Terriers be groomed?
Schedule grooming for your West Highland White Terrier every 6 to 8 weeks. Regular brushing, combing and bathing as needed will keep your Westie looking great between grooming appointments.
What type of coat do Westies have?
Like many terriers, the West Highland White Terrier has a wire coat.
How often should I bathe my West Highland White Terrier?
There’s no need to wait until your Westie is filthy or stinky to bathe them. Most do well with 1 to 3 baths monthly, though may be bathed as often as weekly, or as little as a few times a year depending on the dog. Some Westies benefit from medicated shampoos prescribed or recommended by their veterinary healthcare teams. Make sure to comb or cut out any mats before bathing, since water makes mats even more difficult to remove. Keeping your Westie clipped short makes coat care easier on you both.
Westie exercise & training
Westie fun facts
Top girl names for Westies
of Westies are female
of Westies are male
Top boy names for Westies
Nationwide loves West Highland White Terriers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
Other breeds like Westies
Best. West Highland White Terrier insurance. Ever.SM
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
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