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.

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.

Energy level
Bark level
  • Very vocal
Size
10 to 11 inches tall
Lifespan
13 to 15 years
Weight
15 to 20 lbs

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My pet’s health plannerSM

Mature adult Westie

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Westie conditions

Inflammatory bowel disease

Skin allergies

Luxated patella

Senior Westie

10+ years

Risk level for common Westie conditions

Urinary cancer

Diabetes mellitus

Gallbladder disease

Westie puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Westie conditions

Gastritis

Urinary tract infection

Ear infection

Young adult Westie

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Westie conditions

Skin allergies

Gastritis

Inflammatory bowel disease

Mature adult Westie

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Westie conditions

Inflammatory bowel disease

Skin allergies

Luxated patella

Senior Westie

10+ years

Risk level for common Westie conditions

Urinary cancer

Diabetes mellitus

Gallbladder disease

Westie puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Westie conditions

Gastritis

Urinary tract infection

Ear infection

Young adult Westie

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Westie conditions

Skin allergies

Gastritis

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.

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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