The West Highland terrier was one of several small terriers that originated in Scotland. Used for hunting fox and other small game, the West Highland terrier was developed during the 1800s when a solid white dog was desired in order to differentiate the dog from the prey when the shooters took aim. The American Kennel Club recognized the West Highland terrier as a member of the terrier group in 1908.
The West Highland White Terrier is a small and compact dog with a sturdy appearance. Its body is longer than tall and its legs are short. The head appears rounded with a short muzzle. Westies have wide set, erect, small ears. Their coat is all-white and is slightly coarse to the touch. The coat should be brushed regularly and requires occasional trimming.
Personality
The West Highland White Terrier is a friendly and confident dog breed. They are eager to please and devoted to their human families. Westies get along well with children and make good playmates. Like all terriers, they can be stubborn and independent, especially when they want to explore. Westies enjoy being outdoors and need to be taken for daily walks. They also like to play and dig. If given enough exercise and assertive leadership, the Westie is friendly towards other dogs and strangers. But if they’re lacking leadership, they like to pick fights with other dogs.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Function: | Companion |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Terriers |
| Life Span: | 15-20 Years |
| Nicknames: | Westie |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
West Highland White Terrier Build Information
The sturdy and compact West Highland terrier stands at a height of 10 to 11 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 15 and 22 pounds. The characteristic white coat is medium in length and the hairs are straight and hard. The triangular ears stand erect and the short, tapered tail is carried upward.
| Size: | Small |
| Length (Male): | 8-12 in. |
| Length (Female): | 10-12 in. |
| Weight: | 15 – 25 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 4 – 5 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
West Highland terriers are jaunty little dogs that are confident, intelligent and easy to train. West Highland terriers are sociable toward strangers, and they get along with children, other dogs and cats. They are effective watchdogs. West Highland terriers need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to keep them out of mischief. They make excellent candidates for agility and other dog sport activities.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Noisy |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Moderate Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | Yes |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
The coat of a West Highland terrier sheds very little, but this makes it prone to matting. Daily brushing and combing are essential to prevent mats from forming. The coat should be trimmed every four months by a professional groomer to maintain a neat appearance, and it should be stripped twice a year. The teeth should be brushed daily to prevent tartar accumulation and periodontal disease.
| Colors: | Off White, White |
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Dense |
West Highland White Terrier Common Health Conditions
West Highland terriers live average lifespans of 15 to 20 years. Despite the lengthy average lifespan, West Highland terriers are prone to a number of genetic health conditions, including patellar luxation, Legg Calve Perthes disease, white shaker dog syndrome, Addison’s disease, bladder cancer, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, copper hepatopathy, craniomandibular osteopathy, skin allergies, dry eye and cataracts.
West Highland White Terrier Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The snowy white West Highland terrier will make a charming and sociable addition to any family. The West Highland terrier originated in Scotland. The West Highland terrier is also called a Westie. The West Highland terrier is a spunky and delightful family companion. The West Highland terrier stands 10 to 11 inches tall and weighs 15 to 22 pounds. West Highland terriers have high energy levels. West Highland terriers require moderate grooming. The average lifespan for a West Highland terrier is 15 to 20 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
