West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is a small but sturdy and spunky breed that originated in Scotland. They were originally bred to hunt rodents like rats and mice.

West Highland White Terrier Breed overview

West Highland White Terriers are a small, energetic breed that make great family companions. They are loyal and affectionate to their owners, but can be wary of strangers. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior and obesity. Regular grooming and veterinary check-ups can prevent certain health issues. They may not get along with other dogs, and may exhibit a strong prey drive due to their hunting background.

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What To Expect When Caring For a West Highland White Terrier

Nutrition

Westies should be fed a healthy and balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. It's important to monitor their weight and adjust their food intake as needed to prevent obesity, which can lead to health problems. Treats should be given in moderation, and table scraps should be avoided to prevent overfeeding and digestive issues.

Training

Westies are intelligent but can be stubborn, so training and socialization from a young age is important to prevent bad habits and aggressive behavior. Positive reinforcement training is effective with this breed, and they respond well to treats and praise.

Health

Westies are generally a healthy breed, but can be prone to certain health problems like allergies, skin issues, and respiratory problems. They may also be susceptible to genetic conditions like hip dysplasia and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Regular veterinary checkups and a healthy diet and exercise routine can help prevent or manage these issues.

Exercise

Westies are an energetic breed and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks and playtime are important, as well as training and socialization to help channel their energy in a positive way.

Grooming

Westies have a double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. They should be brushed at least once a week to remove dead hair and prevent matting. They should also be bathed and trimmed regularly to keep their coat looking neat and clean.

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West Highland White Terrier Traits & Characteristics

Westies are a small breed, typically weighing between 15 and 20 pounds and standing about 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a double coat, with a soft undercoat and a wiry, white outer coat. Their ears are pointed and stand straight up, and their tails are usually docked to about 4 inches in length. They are energetic and enjoy exercise and playtime, but also enjoy snuggling up with their owners on the couch.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

West Highland White Terriers are known for their loyalty and affection to their families. They crave attention and love to be around their owners, making them a great family companion. They are energetic and playful, always eager to please their owners.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

West Highland White Terriers get along very well with children. They enjoy playing games and participating in family activities. They can be active and a little feisty, but with proper socialization and training, they can be a great playmate for kids of all ages.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

West Highland White Terriers tend to be territorial and can be aggressive toward other dogs. They may not get along with other dogs unless they are well socialized and introduced properly. They do best as the only dog in the household.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

West Highland White Terriers tend to be wary of strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Socialization and training can help them warm up to new people and situations, but they will always be reserved with strangers.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

West Highland White Terriers are playful and energetic, making them great playmates for children. They have a lot of energy to burn, so regular exercise and playtime is important to prevent destructive behavior.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

West Highland White Terriers are alert and attentive, making them good for tasks that require focus. They have a tendency to bark and can be easily distracted by sounds and movements.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

West Highland White Terriers are adaptable to different living situations as long as they receive enough exercise and attention. They can live in apartments or larger homes, but they need a lot of socialization and activity to prevent destructive behavior.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

West Highland White Terriers have a double coat, which means they shed minimally year-round. However, they do require regular grooming to prevent matting and to keep their coats healthy and shiny.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

West Highland White Terriers require frequent grooming to keep their coats in good condition. They need to be brushed at least once a week to prevent matting, and their coats need to be trimmed every few months. Their ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent infections.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

West Highland White Terriers are not heavy droolers, but they can occasionally drool when excited or nervous. Owners should keep a towel handy to wipe their mouths during these instances.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

West Highland White Terriers are a small breed, weighing between 13 and 22 pounds and standing about 10 inches tall at the shoulder. They are compact and sturdy, making them a good match for owners who want a smaller dog.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

West Highland White Terriers are energetic and require a lot of exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. They enjoy walks, playtime, and other physical activities, and are a good match for active owners.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

West Highland White Terriers are an active breed and require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Walks, playtime, and other physical activities can prevent destructive behavior and obesity.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

West Highland White Terriers were originally bred as hunting dogs, and may still exhibit some of these traits. They can perform tasks such as tracking and scenting, but may not be suitable for rigorous working environments.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

West Highland White Terriers have a strong prey drive and are natural hunters. They excel at tasks such as tracking and scenting, and can be trained for hunting activities.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

West Highland White Terriers are energetic and have high levels of physical stamina. They require a lot of exercise and playtime to maintain their energy levels, and are a good match for active owners.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

West Highland White Terriers are generally healthy, but may be prone to certain health issues such as skin allergies, ear infections, and dental problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper grooming can help prevent these issues.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

West Highland White Terriers can be prone to obesity if they do not receive enough exercise or if they are overfed. Owners should monitor their weight and maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

West Highland White Terriers can tolerate colder temperatures due to their thick, double coat. However, they should still be provided with adequate warmth and protection during harsh weather conditions.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

West Highland White Terriers are not well-suited for hot climates because of their thick coat. They require cool, shaded areas and access to water to prevent heatstroke.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

West Highland White Terriers can adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive enough exercise and socialization. They are small, so they don't require a lot of indoor space, but they still need regular outdoor activity.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

West Highland White Terriers have a tendency to wander and explore their surroundings. They can become lost or injured if allowed to roam freely, so they should always be kept on a leash or in a secured area.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

West Highland White Terriers can be sensitive to harsh training methods and may become anxious if scolded or punished. They respond well to positive reinforcement and consistency, and are eager to please their owners.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

West Highland White Terriers can become anxious and destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They enjoy being around their owners and thrive on attention, so they should not be left alone for too long.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

West Highland White Terriers love to bark and tend to be vocal, which makes them good watchdogs. They may bark and howl excessively if not properly trained, so it's important to teach them the appropriate times to bark.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

West Highland White Terriers are intelligent and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Games, training sessions, and puzzle toys can keep them mentally engaged.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

West Highland White Terriers are friendly and easy to train, making them a good choice for novice dog owners. They require regular grooming and exercise, but are otherwise fairly low-maintenance.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

West Highland White Terriers are intelligent and eager to please their owners, making them fairly easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and consistency, but may be stubborn at times.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

West Highland White Terriers are known for their loyalty and affection to their families. They crave attention and love to be around their owners, making them a great family companion. They are energetic and playful, always eager to please their owners.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

West Highland White Terriers get along very well with children. They enjoy playing games and participating in family activities. They can be active and a little feisty, but with proper socialization and training, they can be a great playmate for kids of all ages.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

West Highland White Terriers tend to be territorial and can be aggressive toward other dogs. They may not get along with other dogs unless they are well socialized and introduced properly. They do best as the only dog in the household.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

West Highland White Terriers tend to be wary of strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Socialization and training can help them warm up to new people and situations, but they will always be reserved with strangers.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

West Highland White Terriers are playful and energetic, making them great playmates for children. They have a lot of energy to burn, so regular exercise and playtime is important to prevent destructive behavior.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

West Highland White Terriers are alert and attentive, making them good for tasks that require focus. They have a tendency to bark and can be easily distracted by sounds and movements.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

West Highland White Terriers are adaptable to different living situations as long as they receive enough exercise and attention. They can live in apartments or larger homes, but they need a lot of socialization and activity to prevent destructive behavior.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

West Highland White Terriers have a double coat, which means they shed minimally year-round. However, they do require regular grooming to prevent matting and to keep their coats healthy and shiny.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

West Highland White Terriers require frequent grooming to keep their coats in good condition. They need to be brushed at least once a week to prevent matting, and their coats need to be trimmed every few months. Their ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent infections.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

West Highland White Terriers are not heavy droolers, but they can occasionally drool when excited or nervous. Owners should keep a towel handy to wipe their mouths during these instances.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

West Highland White Terriers are a small breed, weighing between 13 and 22 pounds and standing about 10 inches tall at the shoulder. They are compact and sturdy, making them a good match for owners who want a smaller dog.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

West Highland White Terriers are energetic and require a lot of exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. They enjoy walks, playtime, and other physical activities, and are a good match for active owners.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

West Highland White Terriers are an active breed and require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Walks, playtime, and other physical activities can prevent destructive behavior and obesity.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

West Highland White Terriers were originally bred as hunting dogs, and may still exhibit some of these traits. They can perform tasks such as tracking and scenting, but may not be suitable for rigorous working environments.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

West Highland White Terriers have a strong prey drive and are natural hunters. They excel at tasks such as tracking and scenting, and can be trained for hunting activities.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

West Highland White Terriers are energetic and have high levels of physical stamina. They require a lot of exercise and playtime to maintain their energy levels, and are a good match for active owners.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

West Highland White Terriers are generally healthy, but may be prone to certain health issues such as skin allergies, ear infections, and dental problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper grooming can help prevent these issues.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

West Highland White Terriers can be prone to obesity if they do not receive enough exercise or if they are overfed. Owners should monitor their weight and maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

West Highland White Terriers can tolerate colder temperatures due to their thick, double coat. However, they should still be provided with adequate warmth and protection during harsh weather conditions.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

West Highland White Terriers are not well-suited for hot climates because of their thick coat. They require cool, shaded areas and access to water to prevent heatstroke.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

West Highland White Terriers can adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive enough exercise and socialization. They are small, so they don't require a lot of indoor space, but they still need regular outdoor activity.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

West Highland White Terriers have a tendency to wander and explore their surroundings. They can become lost or injured if allowed to roam freely, so they should always be kept on a leash or in a secured area.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

West Highland White Terriers can be sensitive to harsh training methods and may become anxious if scolded or punished. They respond well to positive reinforcement and consistency, and are eager to please their owners.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

West Highland White Terriers can become anxious and destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They enjoy being around their owners and thrive on attention, so they should not be left alone for too long.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

West Highland White Terriers love to bark and tend to be vocal, which makes them good watchdogs. They may bark and howl excessively if not properly trained, so it's important to teach them the appropriate times to bark.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

West Highland White Terriers are intelligent and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Games, training sessions, and puzzle toys can keep them mentally engaged.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

West Highland White Terriers are friendly and easy to train, making them a good choice for novice dog owners. They require regular grooming and exercise, but are otherwise fairly low-maintenance.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

West Highland White Terriers are intelligent and eager to please their owners, making them fairly easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and consistency, but may be stubborn at times.

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History of the West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier was developed in Scotland in the mid-19th century. They were originally bred to hunt rats and other rodents, and were particularly prized for their ability to work in rough terrain. The breed was recognized by the Kennel Club in 1907, and has been a popular family pet ever since.

West Highland White Terrier Puppies

Westie puppies are small and adorable, with soft white fur and bright, curious eyes. They are energetic and playful, but also need plenty of rest. They should be socialized and trained from a young age to avoid developing bad habits or overly aggressive behavior. It's important to choose a reputable breeder when looking for a Westie puppy, to ensure that they are healthy and well-socialized.