West Highland White Terrier
Bold white terrier with a big heart
The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is a small, sturdy Scottish terrier with a bright white double coat and a confident, lively personality. Originally bred to hunt rats and foxes, it remains alert and self-assured, making a charming and spirited companion.
Great points
- Compact size suits apartments and houses
- Friendly, outgoing and full of character
- Low to moderate shedding
- Hardy and generally long-lived
Things to consider
- Coat needs regular grooming and hand-stripping
- Can bark a lot and dig
- Strong prey drive toward small animals
- Stubborn streak makes training a challenge
The story
Bred in the West Highlands of Scotland during the 19th century, the Westie was developed to hunt vermin and burrowing animals. The white coat was deliberately selected so the dog could be told apart from quarry in the field.
Training
Westies are smart but independent, so keep sessions short, upbeat and reward-based. Early socialization and consistent boundaries help curb stubbornness and excessive barking.
Grooming
The harsh double coat needs brushing two or three times a week, plus regular hand-stripping or clipping every few months. Wipe the white coat as needed to keep it bright and check ears and nails routinely.
Food & diet
Feed a quality diet portioned for a small, active dog and watch treats, since Westies gain weight easily. Split the daily amount into two meals.
Exercise
Aim for about 45 to 60 minutes of activity daily through walks, play and sniffing games. They enjoy chasing and digging, so a secure yard is a bonus.
Health to watch
Common concerns include skin allergies and atopic dermatitis, luxating patella, and a hereditary jawbone condition known as craniomandibular osteopathy. Some lines also face deafness and a lung disorder called pulmonary fibrosis.
Fun fact. Westies were famously used in advertising for Black and White whisky and Cesar dog food.
