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West Highland White Terriers are known for their bold, confident, and friendly nature. They are highly sociable and enjoy being part of family activities. However, they can be stubborn at times, which calls for consistent and patient training. Their terrier heritage means they are alert and can be vocal, making them excellent watchdogs.
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West Highland White Terriers are known for their bold, confident, and friendly nature. They are highly sociable and enjoy being part of family activities. However, they can be stubborn at times, which calls for consistent and patient training. Their terrier heritage means they are alert and can be vocal, making them excellent watchdogs.
Questions To Ask A Breeder
- Are you are registered breeder?
- Can we meet in person?
- Have they been socialised?
Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Exercise
Size Range
The Ultimate West Highland Terrier Guide
About West Highland Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the Westie, is a charming and popular breed known for its distinctive white coat and lively personality. Originating from Scotland, this small but sturdy terrier has won the hearts of dog lovers worldwide.
Lifespan
13 to 15 years
Weight
7 to 9 kg
Height
24 to 28 cm
Grooming
Brush your Westie’s coat at least twice a week using a slicker brush or comb.
Origins
The exact origins of the breed remain unknown, but it is believed that the modern Westie can trace its ancestry back to the early 1700s when a Scottish family began purposefully breeding terriers as earthdogs, adept at finding and dispatching rats.
More than a century of selective breeding by the Malcolms went into ensuring that these dogs had the perfect genetic make-up. This created what became known as the Poltalloch Terrier – named after the estate in Argyll where these dogs were bred.
Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm, of Poltalloch, Argyllshire, Scotland, was said to be the first to develop and popularise the white-coated West Highland Terrier as we know them today – though he certainly did not take credit for it. Rumour has it that Malcolm wanted a small white dog that could easily be spotted while out hunting on misty days in his native Scotland.
It is believed that some of these Poltalloch terriers were then exported to England and helped form the foundation stock for what would become known as the West Highland Terrier. Despite already existing for hundreds of years, the breed was only officially recognized in 1907 when it was shown during the Crufts dog show in England.
Key Characteristics Of West Highland Terriers
Are West Highland Terriers Family-Friendly?
Yes. Westies are excellent family pets. They are particularly good with older children who understand how to interact with small dogs. Their size and adaptable nature make them suitable for various living situations, including apartments. However, early socialization is key to ensuring they get along well with other pets and people.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
West Highland Terriers may suffer from:
Craniomandibular osteopathy
Pulmonary fibrosis
Patellar luxation
Nature / Temperament
Loyal, Confident, Lively, Adaptable, Friendly
Suitable Environment
Westies adapt well to both urban and rural living environments. They do well in apartments as long as they receive sufficient exercise. A secure, fenced yard is ideal for them to explore safely, as their hunting instincts can lead them to chase small animals. Owners with Westies that are especially prone to digging may also opt to devote a sandbox or kiddie pool filled with sand to give their dog a safe place to dig to their heart’s content.
Other Considerations
- Westies have strong wills and a good deal of self-esteem, which can often mean that owners who lack experience in training a self-assured dog may encounter difficulty.
- They are known for being particularly good at digging due to their terrier roots.
- Male Westies are fine in multi-dog homes, unless there is more than one intact male.
How can I take good care of my West Highland Terrier?
Nutrition
The dietary needs of a Westie are similar to those of other small dog breeds, but with some specific considerations. It’s important to choose a high-quality dog food that caters to their age, size, and activity level. Since Westies can be prone to obesity, careful monitoring of their food intake is essential. Overfeeding can lead to a range of health issues, including joint problems and diabetes. Treats should be given sparingly and as part of training or as occasional rewards. Ensuring a balanced diet with the right amount of nutrients is crucial for their overall well-being.
Grooming
During shedding season, brushing should be done more frequently to remove any loose hairs from the coat. Depending on the type of cut you choose for your Westie, their grooming needs may be more or less intensive – the traditional West Highland Terrier cut seen on show dogs will involve hand stripping once a month.
Recommended Grooming Tips
Despite their white coats, West Highland Terriers do not get very dirty – unless they’ve spent a lot of time digging.
Regular brushing with a pin brush or slicker brush is required at least two or three times a week, though daily brushing is ideal.
It’s advisable to brush your West Highland Terrier’s teeth with a vet-approved toothpaste 3 to 4 times a week, if not more often.
Exercise
Despite their small size, Westies are energetic and need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks are essential, and these should be supplemented with play sessions that engage their minds and bodies. Activities like fetch, agility training, and even simple games that challenge them to solve problems or find hidden treats are excellent for keeping them mentally and physically active. A lack of sufficient exercise can lead to behavioral problems in West Highland Terrier puppies, such as excessive barking, digging, or even destructivenes.
Training
Training a West Highland Terrier puppy requires patience and consistency due to their sometimes stubborn and independent nature. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods such as praise, treats, and play. Early socialisation is critical in shaping a well-adjusted dog. Exposing them to different people, pets, and environments helps them become more adaptable and less likely to develop anxiety or aggression. Regular training sessions not only reinforce good behavior but also provide mental stimulation, which is as important as physical exercise.
This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.
Most Asked West Highland Terrier Questions
No, West Highland Terrier puppies should not live outdoors. They require a lot of human interaction and companionship, so it is best for them to live indoors with their owners. They are also small enough that they can be attacked by birds of prey, and while uncommon, there are instances of dogs of this size being carried off by owls, hawks or eagles.
While Westies are generally responsive to most forms of training, they can be resistant to housetraining like other small dogs. It may be beneficial to crate train a West Highland Terrier puppy to speed up the housetraining process.
As with any breed, finding a reputable, experienced breeder is the key to getting a healthy, well-behaved Westie puppy. A West Highland Terrier from a registered breeder has a much better chance of growing into a calm, gentle adult dog. The average cost of a West Highland White Terrier for sale is usually around AUD $3000 to $5000.
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