Westies 101

Terrier group

The 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.

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Early socialization and manners training along with consistent handling will help to keep these determined dogs from acting on their worst impulses.

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
10 to 11 inches tall
Group Size Small
Lifespan
13 to 15 years
020
Weight
15 to 20 lbs
0150

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Mature adult Westie

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Westie conditions

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Inflammatory bowel disease

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Skin allergies

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Luxated patella

Senior Westie

10+ years

Risk level for common Westie conditions

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Urinary cancer

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Diabetes mellitus

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Gallbladder disease

Westie puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Westie conditions

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Gastritis

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Urinary tract infection

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Ear infection

Young adult Westie

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Westie conditions

risk-level-bar

Skin allergies

risk-level-bar

Gastritis

risk-level-bar

Inflammatory bowel disease

Mature adult Westie

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Westie conditions

risk-level-bar

Inflammatory bowel disease

risk-level-bar

Skin allergies

risk-level-bar

Luxated patella

Senior Westie

10+ years

Risk level for common Westie conditions

risk-level-bar

Urinary cancer

risk-level-bar

Diabetes mellitus

risk-level-bar

Gallbladder disease

Westie puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Westie conditions

risk-level-bar

Gastritis

risk-level-bar

Urinary tract infection

risk-level-bar

Ear infection

Young adult Westie

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Westie conditions

risk-level-bar

Skin allergies

risk-level-bar

Gastritis

risk-level-bar

Inflammatory bowel disease

2-West Highland white terrier standing up GettyImages-188149115

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Westie GettyImages-114166947

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

Loves walks

Exercise level

A lively dog who’s up for anything, the West Highland White Terrier doesn’t want to be left out of family activities. Brisk walks along with indoor play and games will keep Westies happy.

Independent study

Trainability

The spirited Westie may consider commands as mere suggestions. Encourage good behavior with praise and tiny treats.

Westie fun facts

Top girl names for Westies

100%

of Westies are female

0%

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

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