West Highland White Terrier
LoyalHappyEntertaining
Scotland · 13–15 years
About the West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the Westie, is a small, confident Scottish terrier bred for hunting foxes, badgers, and vermin in the Scottish Highlands. Their bright white coat was specifically developed so hunters could distinguish them from prey. Westies are bold, friendly, and full of self-importance, carrying themselves with a jaunty confidence that belies their small size. They are sturdy, independent dogs with a big personality packed into a compact frame, making them popular companions worldwide.
Breed stats
- Height
- 10–11 in
- Weight
- 15–20 lbs
- Lifespan
- 13–15 years
- Group
- Terrier
- Coat
- Double coat, hard wiry outer, soft undercoat
- Origin
- Scotland
Coat colors
- White
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
30–60 min
per day recommended
Daily food
0.5–1.5 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Skin allergies
- Patellar luxation
- Craniomandibular osteopathy
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
- Pulmonary fibrosis
Not every West Highland White Terrier will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can West Highland White Terriers eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- West Highland White Terriers are considered a low-shedding breed and are often recommended for people with mild allergies. Their wiry outer coat traps dead hair rather than releasing it into the air, and they produce less dander than many breeds. However, no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Ironically, Westies themselves are prone to skin allergies and can suffer from atopic dermatitis, which may increase their dander production. Regular grooming, including hand-stripping or clipping every six to eight weeks, helps minimize allergens. People with severe allergies should spend time with a Westie before committing to ownership.
- Westies have a strong terrier prey drive and may chase cats, rabbits, and other small animals. They were bred to hunt small game, and this instinct remains strong. They can learn to coexist with cats if raised together from puppyhood, but supervision is always recommended. With other dogs, Westies generally get along well but can be feisty and assertive despite their small size — they don't back down from confrontations with larger dogs, which can lead to problems. Early socialization helps temper their prey drive and improves their interactions with other animals.
- West Highland White Terriers are one of the breeds most commonly affected by atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin condition triggered by environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold. Symptoms include itching, redness, hair loss, and recurrent skin infections. Up to 25% of Westies may develop some form of skin allergy during their lifetime. Management typically involves identifying triggers, medicated shampoos, antihistamines, and in severe cases, immunotherapy or immunosuppressive medications. Regular bathing with hypoallergenic shampoo and keeping the coat clean and well-groomed can help manage symptoms.
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