West Highland White Terrier

also known as Westie (or Westy), Poltalloch Terrier, Roseneath Terrier, White Roseneath Terrier

Pros History


The West Highland White Terrier, also known as the "Westie," is a small, spirited dog breed that originated in Scotland. The breed is known for its friendly and outgoing personality, as well as its distinctive white coat.

The breed's history can be traced back to the early 19th century, when it was developed by Scottish breeders. The breed was originally known as the "Poltalloch Terrier," named after a Scottish estate where the breed was developed. The breed was primarily used for hunting small game such as foxes, badgers, and rodents.

The breed's name was later changed to the "West Highland White Terrier" to distinguish it from other Scottish terrier breeds such as the Scottish Terrier and the Cairn Terrier. The "Westie" was officially recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1907, the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1908, and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1909.

The name "West Highland White Terrier" refers to the breed's origin and physical characteristics. "West" indicates that the breed originated in the western region of Scotland. "Highland" refers to the Scottish Highlands, a mountainous region of Scotland where the breed was developed. "White" refers to the breed's distinctive white coat. "Terrier" refers to the breed's classification as a terrier.

Breed Information


Type

Is West Highland White Terrier a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were West Highland White Terriers originally used for?

fox, badger, and vermin hunting

Lifespan

How Long Do West Highland White Terriers Live? What is average life expectancy for a West Highland White Terrier? How long can West Highland White Terriers live?

12-16 years

The average West Highland White Terrier lifespan is somewhere between 12-16 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

West Highland White Terrier Height & Weight


How big is a full grown West Highland White Terrier?

What is the average height of a West Highland White Terrier? How big is a Purebred West Highland White Terrier height? West Highland White Terrier dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 10-12 inches (25.4 - 30.5 cm) 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) 10.0 inches (25.4 cm) 11.0 inches (27.9 cm)
Female 9-11 inches (22.9 - 27.9 cm) 5.5 inches (14 cm) 9.0 inches (22.9 cm) 10.0 inches (25.4 cm)
What is the average weight of a West Highland White Terrier? How much should West Highland White Terriers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 15-21 pounds (7 - 10 kg) 9.5 pounds (4 kg) 14.0 pounds (6 kg) 18.0 pounds (8 kg)
Female 13-16 pounds (6 - 7 kg) 9.0 pounds (4 kg) 11.5 pounds (5 kg) 14.5 pounds (7 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do West Highland White Terriers get fat easily?

The West Highland White Terrier is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are West Highland White Terriers Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, West Highland White Terriers are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a West Highland White Terrier personality? What are West Highland White Terrier dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Courageous
Friendly
Independent
Alert
Intelligent

Shedding Level

Are West Highland White Terriers heavy shedders? How Much Does a West Highland White Terrier Shed?

West Highland White Terrier will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a West Highland White Terrier dog?

The West Highland White Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do West Highland White Terriers come from?

Scotland

Ancestry

What are West Highland White Terriers descended from?

scottish, skye, dandie dinmont, and cairn terriers

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the West Highland White Terrier breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Club Espanol De Terriers

Date of Birth

When were West Highland White Terriers first bred? How old is the West Highland White Terrier breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a West Highland White Terrier?

Terrier (AKC:1908)(UKC)

West Highland White Terrier Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are West Highland White Terrier eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can West Highland White Terrier nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can West Highland White Terrier coat be naturally?

White

Coat Length

How long is a West Highland White Terriers coat?

The coat of a West Highland White Terrier falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The West Highland White Terrier Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a West Highland White Terrier?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a West Highland White Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can a West Highland White Terrier have in her first litter?

12-16 puppies per pregnancy

A West Highland White Terrier can have a litter of 12-16 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

The adaptability of West Highland White Terrier dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

West Highland White Terrier Health Issues


Health Issues

Do West Highland White Terriers have a lot of health problems?

The West Highland White Terrier is a very healthy breed, with little need for frequent vet visits. However, it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a West Highland White Terrier?

Inguinal Hernias
Copper Toxicosis
Addison's Disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to West Highland White Terriers?

Craniomandibular Osteopathy

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for West Highland White Terrier breed?

Hip
Knee
Blood Test
X-Rays
Physical Examination

West Highland White Terrier Needs and Activities


Energy

Do West Highland White Terriers have a lot of energy?

West Highland White Terriers are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do West Highland White Terriers need socialization? How social are West Highland White Terriers?

West Highland White Terrier have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should West Highland White Terriers get?

The West Highland White Terrier dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a West Highland White Terrier have? Do West Highland White Terriers sleep a lot?

West Highland White Terriers dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a West Highland White Terrier drool a lot?

The West Highland White Terrier is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

West Highland White Terrier dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.

Territorial

Do West Highland White Terriers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are West Highland White Terriers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a West Highland White Terrier running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do West Highland White Terrier dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do West Highland White Terriers enjoy doing? How do I keep my West Highland White Terrier busy?

Belly rubs, Walking, Petting, Playing, Nap, Walk, Play, Run, Walking slow, Daily walks, River rafting, Camping, Hike

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a West Highland White Terrier? How much energy does a West Highland White Terrier have?

Medium

West Highland White Terriers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a West Highland White Terrier walk each week? How many miles should a West Highland White Terrier walk every week?

6 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For West Highland White Terrier, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a West Highland White Terrier should exercise a day? How much activity does a West Highland White Terrier need?

30 minutes

In general most West Highland White Terriers usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a West Highland White Terrier?

The West Highland White Terrier is a breed of dog that requires a significant amount of grooming. They will also require regular trims, and a professional groomer's help is often necessary to keep their coat in good condition. They may also need regular baths to maintain their coat and skin.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a West Highland White Terrier?

Weekly

West Highland White Terrier should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for West Highland White Terriers?

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a West Highland White Terrier eat?

1.8 cups

For an average 15-21 pound (7 - 10 kg) West Highland White Terrier feed 1.8 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a West Highland White Terrier Cost Daily?

$1.40 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a West Highland White Terrier is somewhere $1.40 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a West Highland White Terrier Cost Per Month?

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a West Highland White Terrier is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

West Highland White Terrier Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a West Highland White Terrier?

West Highland White Terriers has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The West Highland White Terrier is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a West Highland White Terrier dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are West Highland White Terrier dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do West Highland White Terrier do well in apartments? Are West Highland White Terriers good indoor dogs?

West Highland White Terriers are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are West Highland White Terriers good with kids? Are West Highland White Terriers good around children?

West Highland White Terriers are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are West Highland White Terriers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are West Highland White Terriers good with cats? How friendly West Highland White Terriers are toward cats?

West Highland White Terriers are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do West Highland White Terrier dogs get along with other dogs? Are West Highland White Terriers OK with other dogs?

West Highland White Terriers are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do West Highland White Terrier dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are West Highland White Terriers friendly with strangers?

West Highland White Terriers are friendly dogs and won't commonly bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this, training them is easy. With their intelligence, teaching this breed to do anything is pretty simple.

Playfulness

Do West Highland White Terriers like to play? Are West Highland White Terriers playful?

West Highland White Terriers are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older West Highland White Terrier for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are West Highland White Terrier easily trained?

West Highland White Terrier dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Lack of odor
    An odor issue is unlikely with the West Highland White Terrier.
  • Hypoallergenic
    Due to their hypoallergenic properties, West Highland White Terriers may be a safer option for those with allergies.
  • Friendly
    West Highland White Terriers are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them great companion dogs.
  • Compact Size
    West Highland White Terriers are a small breed, making them a good choice for people with limited space.
  • Intelligence
    West Highland White Terriers are intelligent dogs, which can make them easy to train.

Cons

  • Barking
    This breed of dog tends to be loud.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    Not paying attention to a West Highland White Terrier's weight can cause it to become overweight.
  • Exercise Needs
    West Highland White Terriers have high energy levels and need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    West Highland White Terriers may find an office setting too stressful.
  • Grooming Needs
    West Highland White Terriers have a thick, wiry coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance.