West Highland White Terrier
Also known as Westie
- Height at the withers
- 25 to 28 cm
- Weight
- 7 to 10 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Scotland
- FCI group
- 3 · Terriers
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
Less suited to
- a home with cats
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
A small, sturdy and self-assured terrier from Scotland, known for its distinctive dense white double coat, its bright, curious expression and its playful personality.
History and origins
Developed in the Scottish Highlands to hunt fox, badger and vermin. The breeding of the white coat is credited to Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch: legend has it that one of his reddish terriers was mistaken for a fox and killed by accident.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Craniomandibular osteopathy
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Low shedding, high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
West Highland White Terrier FAQ
How big does the West Highland White Terrier get?
The West Highland White Terrier stands 25 to 28 cm at the withers and weighs 7 to 10 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the West Highland White Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs a lot of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the West Highland White Terrier live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the West Highland White Terrier need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the West Highland White Terrier good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the West Highland White Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are atopic dermatitis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
