West Highland White Terrier
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You are here: Dogs > Dog Breeds > West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terrier Information

  • West Highland White Terrier Training
  • | Temperament
  • | Health
  • | Origin
  • | Maintenance
  • | Ideal Environment
  • | Photos

West Highland White Terrier

Thank you for using our site to find West Highland White Terrier information. Feel free to add any information about the West Highland White Terrier breed we may have missed. If you have any specific questions about the West Highland White Terrier, feel free to ask them below. We've found that most breeders are more than happy to reply and answer your questions. We love your photos and reviews! We appreciate all additions to the site and we know our users value them as well. If you need help training your West Highland White Terrier check out our dog training reviews.
West Highland White Terrier

General Description

(Westie)The big eyed West Highland White Terrier is a small dog covered in fluffy, white fur. The hair on their bodies is close to the skin while the hair on their legs and under their bellies is loose and thick. One of their most distinguishing characteristics is their shaggy manes which frame their small but always alert faces.  Their short, fur-covered muzzles end in a tiny black nose.  Their tiny ears stand straight up on their head, and their large, dark-colored eyes stand out against the whiteness of the rest of the dog.   At the end of their compact bodies is a 5 to 6 inch tail that, like its ears, sticks straight up as if it is constantly at attention.  Despite its small size, the dog should be muscular and have a deep chest since they were originally designed for running after small vermin.
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Westies have carrot shaped tails that should never be docked.

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Character

The West Highland White Terrier is a friendly breed. They are outgoing with strangers and other dogs. They will play well with children as long, as those children are not overly rambunctious. Westies need moderate exercise but are generally good companion dogs. They are lively in the house, but they do bark frequently as is the case with many small breeds. If allowed, they will dig which can cause problems for owners who value their gardens and landscaping. As with many hunting dogs and terriers, the West Highland White Terrier can be slightly stubborn and difficult to train.
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Westies may become more stubborn as they get older. They are easily motivated by treats. They may tend to be snappy with too much commotion or over active children. It's important to socialize them from birth.

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Size

9-12 inches

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Weight

13-22 pounds

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General Health

West Highland White Terrier run the risk of acquiring a number of health problems such as cataracts, copper toxicosis, craniomandibular osteopathy, deafness, enzyme deficiency, inguinal hernia, and Legg-Perthes disease.  Despite this seemingly long list of health issues, the West Highland White Terrier is generally healthy and can live to be over 15 years of age.

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History

West Highland White Terriers arose after a breeder of Cairn Terriers in Scotland started finding all-white pups in his litter.  He decided to begin specifically breeding for white Cairn Terriers and eventually developed this breed.  The modern West Highland White Terrier’s loyal and self-confident personality developed over time thanks to selective breeding.  Although the dog was originally used to hunt and kill vermin, such as rats, today it is mostly used for companionship.

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Maintenance

Grooming West Highland White Terriers is relatively simple. They need to be brushed once a week which should keep them from needing a bath very often. They need the hair around their ears and eyes trimmed regularly. They should also have their coat stripped twice a year.  Like any dog, they need some exercise. However, many West Highland White Terriers release their energy by just playing in the house.

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Ideal Environment

West Highland White Terriers can live in small apartments or large houses. They are good for families with well-behaved children and other animals. The breed can live in almost every climate without problem. The breed makes especially good companions for the elderly since most of their exercise is obtained simply from playing in the house. If children are around the dog, they need to be supervised so they do not harass the dog.  The breed can become angered and will snap. West Highland White Terriers are protective of their families and love to travel with them.
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This breed is prone to sunburn on the tips of their ears if they live in a sunny environment.

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Dog Training!

If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read our review of DogProblems.com. Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer a lot of the load to his site.

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West Highland White Terrier
Van Buren, AR
A hobby kennel located in the River Valley of Arkansas, halfway between Little Rock and Oklahoma City. We raise Westies for...
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Discuss the West Highland White Terrier breed on our Forum!

Ask a QuestionWest Highland White Terrier Q&A

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How many puppies does a West Highland White Terrier have in a litter?
A westie usually has two or three puppies in a litter. Our westie had three puppies but one was two small to live.
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How much do West Highlands actually shed. I don't want a dog that will leave hair on my clothing. Will this breed do that?
I have had 2 westies now. The first westie I had never shed, however, my little guy now will leave a few white hairs on your clothes but no more then us humans do. I have never had hair balls or anything from them around my house. They are great inside dogs and have the funnest personality! Highly recommend them.
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My westie is doing well, however on her higher back, like 3 inches by her neck her skin is all skabbed and sometimes it oozes or bleeds. Also, that skin has rised a little. What is this?
If it's oozing and bleeding please ring her to a vet! Sounds like skin allergies though ...this is common in Westies.
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I have a girl westie who is about 9 months old and her ears are not standing up yet. Should I be concerned or will they come up eventually?
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Upload a PhotoWest Highland White Terrier Photos

West Highland White Terrier, 6 months, WhiteWest Highland White Terrier, 6 months, WhiteWest Highland White Terrier, 10 mo., WhiteWest Highland White Terrier, 1yr, WhiteWest Highland White Terrier, 4, whiteWest Highland White Terrier, 4, whiteWest Highland White Terrier, 10 months, whiteWest Highland White Terrier, 3 months, whiteWest Highland White Terrier, 4 months, whiteWest Highland White Terrier, 1, WhiteWest Highland White Terrier, 1, WhiteWest Highland White Terrier, 1, white
West Highland White Terrier, 2 years, WhiteWest Highland White Terrier, 1.5 years, WhiteWest Highland White Terrier, 2 years, WhiteWest Highland White Terrier, 2 years, WhiteWest Highland White Terrier, 1 year, WhiteWest Highland White Terrier, 1 year, WhiteWest Highland White Terrier, 1 year, WhiteWest Highland White Terrier, 10 months, whiteWest Highland White Terrier, 2 years, WhiteWest Highland White Terrier, 1 year, WhiteWest Highland White Terrier, 8 months, WhiteWest Highland White Terrier, 4 months, White
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Write a ReviewWest Highland White Terrier Reviews

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Review

we got are one year old westie brewster to initially keep are boxer dog maddie, company they love each other and are so funny and mischevious together.loves to curl up with maddie on the sofa and loves being outside.very protective over their owners and they bark at anything.

Pros: loving, playfull,great companion

Cons: think they are the size of a horse and have the the strength of a tiger, ha ha little dog syndrome


Rating: 
Breed ratingBreed ratingBreed ratingBreed ratingBreed rating

West Highland White Terrier

Westies are smart and playful. They will become part of the family, whether invited to be or not. When you earn the love and loyalty of a Westie, you feel privilidged.

Pros: This is a VERY intelligent breed. While able to learn tricks, they are quite clever and can figure things out. Hypo-allergenic. They use eyebrows, ears, eyes, tails, mouths and body posture to express themselves.

Cons: When they pass on, be prepared to bury part of your heart with them.


Westies

I love my Westie!! He is 8 years old now and still very playful. He is definitely a squirrel dog; he adores them. When we ask him where the squirrel is, he instantly goes to a tree and looks up. He gets food aggressive.

Pros: Adorable, sleep quite a lot, intelligent

Cons: Aggression problems


Westies

I have had Westies for 20 years, males and females. Great companion dogs, traveling dogs and boat dogs. Love water. Fearless and play well with children and other dogs. No shedding, no allergies, just a joy.

Pros: Perfect size, wonderful personality, easy to keep, very trainable. Loves The Dog Whisperer

Cons: Barks when playing sometimes.

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West Highland White Terrier Information

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