use keyboard arrows for additional information about this breed
(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.
User added info
Westies have carrot shaped tails that should never be docked.
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.
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.
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.
Some Westies suffer from a skin condition that affects the underarm. The affected area will become black and gummy. Others may have paws that go bald. Keep this breeds ears cleans as they are prone to ear infections.
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.
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.
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.
This breed is prone to sunburn on the tips of their ears if they live in a sunny environment.
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.
Update: I've been using and recommending DogProblems for three years now. I, as well as my users, value the techniques we've learned. I get weekly emails from users who have become better owners from the information they received.
Yes they will bark, and if it's a puppy it will also chew the heck out of wooden surfaces such as chairs, skirting boards and even low window sills. It's a counsel of perfection I know but no puppy should be left alone for long periods. Like the article says, Westies love to travel with their families. Ours doesn't even mind waiting in the car for up to 45 minutes as long as he is brought along. (Not in hot weather of course.)
Westies have a coarser fur which rarely if ever causes an allergic reaction. In two and half years our Westie has never caused one in a wide range of friends including one with severe nut allergy and asthma.
My Westie is 8 yrs old. His ears did not really stand up till he was about 10-12mo. The right ear stood up a good two months before the left did. Be patient they will.
Our Westie was in full thick double coat by 12 months. Some do take a bit longer though. Consult the dog's breeder to see if their dogs take longer. Also check the Westie's skin ...if it looks reddish, irritated, or has browinsh flakes then it could be skin allergies are preventing the coat from growing in properly. If that's the case, consult your dog's vet.
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.
es una excelente westy , lo tiene todo , ojos , orejas , cola , morro , caracter ...
Age :
8 months
Name:
Doug
Color:
White
Description:
Doug after his first haircut!
Age :
8 months
Name:
Krulli
Color:
white
Description:
Icelandic winter conditions
Age :
6 years old
Name:
Tracey and Ben
Color:
White
Description:
The loves of my life. I have grown up with dogs my entire life. A German Shephard, Papillon, a Pug, and now Westies. By far my favorite !!
Age :
2y 11m
Name:
Hamish and Ella
Color:
White
Description:
Hamish and Ella are brother and sister,Hamish has the floppy ears.
Age :
7 yrs old
Name:
Teddi Jo Lee Marie
Color:
white
Description:
Love of my life and everyone in my family. She loves to sit on the swing outside.
Age :
4.5 years
Name:
Chloe
Color:
white
Description:
Chloe is the second Westie I've owned. She's a pure breed but she was the runt of her litter. She's a registered West Highland White Terrier. She is perfect and very sweet in every single way except for one - she started biting people when she was 2 years old and it's been a problem ever since. She was recently diagnosed with an underdeveloped brain and is now taking anti-depressants in order to help relieve the anxiety she's developed. I hate givng her medication but a team of expert animal behaviorists evaluated her and said I had no option other than putting her down. I would never do that! The medication is helping a bit, although its still too early to know for sure. I love Westies.
Age :
12
Name:
Willie
Color:
White
Description:
12 year old Westie his name is Willie
Age :
12
Name:
Willie
Color:
white
Description:
Willie is now 12 what a great dog I have.
Age :
12
Name:
Wallace
Color:
white
Description:
This a photo of my 9 yr old grand daughter, Hadley Ann, and my 12 yr old Westie, Wallace, while we were on vacation on the Outer Banks. They say a picture speaks a thousand words and this one explains the love in totality between a young girl and a wonderful friend and pet.
Age :
7
Name:
Bonnie
Color:
white
Description:
Bonnie looking over kilmelford loch oban
Age :
Rowdy 5 Macy 2 1/2 months
Name:
Rowdy and Macy
Color:
White
Description:
We have had several dogs in the past. West Highland Terriers are excellent dogs. We always had large dogs in the past, but when retiring and moving to Florida, decided it would be easier to have a small dog. They are smart, do not shed (Macy's hair will sometimes show on clothes), are so very loveable, and play wonderfully together. They share their love with both of us.
Age :
5 years
Name:
skiboo
Color:
white
Description:
skiboo is an extremely lively, effectionate young dog who responds well to any-one who is willing to lavish him with attention.
He has been the best puppy. Spunky and loving and very smart.
Age :
3
Name:
Cooper
Color:
White
Description:
Cooper lounging in his chair!
Age :
8
Name:
Saki
Color:
White
Description:
We found this darling abandoned in Georgia. He's the perfect match for our mixed breed terrier, Simba.
Age :
3 1/2
Name:
FRANKIE
Color:
white
Description:
Frankie is our loving Westie, he never barks, definately is a lap dog loves his strokes and we would hate to be without him. He even lifts his feet to be wiped when he comes in from the rain.
Age :
3 1/2
Name:
FRANKIE
Color:
white
Description:
Our Frankie is so loving, he never barks, loves a cat, when he goes outside in the rain he come in sits on the towel and lifts his paws so that we can wipe them. He is definately a lap dog loves to be stroked , and is just the most loving dog ever.
Age :
9 weeks
Name:
Toby
Color:
white
Description:
This is Bear (white Eskimo) and Peanut's (Lab/husky) cousin Toby. He joined the family with my sister-in-law last week. Sweet little guy with lots of energy and very smart. He is very playful and loves affection. Toby is going to be a great dog. I don't know much about his breed but he sure is a cutie and will be well cared for in our family.
Age :
10
Name:
Peter
Color:
white
Description:
eating our head lettuce!
Prince Edward Island, Canada.
2008
Age :
3
Name:
Maizie & Milo
Color:
white
Description:
Adorable couple who had five pups on June 10,2008. They are parents of 3 males & two females,all of which are in loving homes now.
Age :
Newborn
Name:
AKC
Color:
White
Description:
AKC Registered West Highland White Terriers. Check out our website for more information and pictures!
Age :
6 months
Name:
Samantha
Color:
White
Description:
Ready for a walk
Age :
6 months
Name:
Samantha
Color:
White
Description:
Posing for a photo
Age :
10 mo.
Name:
Lucy
Color:
White
Description:
Just came to us yesterday. She is a little "territorial" with the other dogs right now. But I hope it wears off real soon
Age :
1yr
Name:
Buddy
Color:
White
Description:
Here is Buddy after a haircut (he was about 10 month) I prefer his coat long & shaggy but it's a nightmare for tats if he isn't cut.
Age :
4
Name:
Balie
Color:
white
Description:
Laying on my pillow.
Age :
4
Name:
Balie
Color:
white
Description:
Relaxing wearing Nana's sleeping hat.
Age :
10 months
Name:
ice
Color:
white
Description:
very lovin and money couldnt buy her
Age :
3 months
Name:
Basia & MacKenzie
Color:
white
Description:
Hanging out in Daddy's chair
Age :
4 months
Name:
cassie
Color:
white
Description:
christmas cheer
Age :
1
Name:
Zuzuka
Color:
White
Description:
Criadero modelo de la raza West Highland White Terrier en Argentina, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal. Cria y selección de Westies para show y para compañÃa. Lineas: Argentinas, Españolas y Chilenas. Alpoh FCA Nº484 en servicio de stud. Servicio de handler y peluquerÃa maquina o trimming a domicilio.
Age :
1
Name:
Westie World
Color:
White
Description:
Portal canino dedicado alos amantes de los West Highland White Terrier. Aquà encontraran criaderos, handlers, peluqueras, machos reproductores, fotos, información...y mucho mas. ¡¡¡Manda la foto mas linda que tengas de tu westie gratis, free!!!
Age :
1
Name:
Wessley
Color:
white
Description:
Wessley was supposed to be a gift for a family member, but made himself at home and never left now he is the CEO/Tester of his own company Little Buddy Gifts