West Highland White Terrier Breed Guide

West Highland White Terriers, often fondly referred to as Westies, are sturdy small dogs known for their hard white coats, perky ears, and stubby tails. While they present as a lapdog—and many do love to cuddle—they’ve got a working dog background that still comes out in the urge to hunt, chase, and dig.

Known for their friendly nature and moderate exercise needs, Westies make for a great family dog. With their small size, they’re also apartment friendly. Like any other breed, though, they have their quirks: Westies can be stubborn and have a heightened risk of skin allergies.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about this popular dog breed to determine whether adopting a Westie dog is the right choice for you.

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The Origin of the Westie: Scotland’s Spirited Little Hunter

Westies are the descendants of White Scottish terriers which were bred as early as the 1700s. The West Highland White Terrier was officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1908.

Historical Use as a Vermin Hunter and Companion Dog

One of many “earthdog” breeds, Westies were raised to hunt for badgers and kill rodents that burrowed into the ground in the rocky hillsides and rolling pastures of the Scottish Highlands. According to legend, Westies were bred to be white because terriers’ red-colored coats could be mistaken for foxes by their hunting companions.

How the Breed Gained Global Popularity

While Westies were bred out of necessity in their home country, they surged in popularity when they arrived in the United States in the early 1900s. To this day, they’re beloved showdogs and companions thanks to their plucky personality and loyalty.

Size, Weight, and Signature Physical Features

Understanding Westie size and personality starts with their signature look. Westies are known for their hard white coat, compact body, erect ears, and carrot-shaped tail.

Westie Temperament and Ideal Home Fit

Westie Personality: Confident, Alert, Independent, and Affectionate

While all dogs are their own unique individuals, the typical Westie temperament is confident, alert, independent, and affectionate. Some are lapdogs happy to cuddle up the moment you sit on the couch while others might prefer to curl up nearby. Some say once you get a Westie, you’re a Westie person because they’re just so loveable.

Are Westies Good with Kids, Seniors, or Other Pets?

Westies are typically good with children and older adults, but like any dog they should be supervised when spending time with young people and regularly socialized. They’re stronger than they look and could knock down toddlers. They can get along with other animals, but their excellent hunting skills could lead to conflict with smaller pets.

Energy Level and Play Needs (They May Surprise You!)

While Westies are small, they’re bred to be working dogs and may have higher energy needs than expected. They need about 1 hour of movement per day. A game of fetch is a great way to burn off energy, tapping into their inborn desire to chase after a target.

Barking, Prey Drive, and Territorial Behavior

Born to be hunters, Westies have a strong prey drive and may also be territorial. This can look like chasing neighborhood squirrels and bunnies or running along the borders of your fence to sniff out potential intruders. They’re generally not excessive barkers but make for good guard dogs to announce visitors. Early training is important to reduce the risk of excessive barking.

Best Lifestyle Fit: Apartment-Friendly but Need Regular Exercise

Westies make for a good pet for many families. They can be comfortable in an apartment as long as they get regular exercise and mental stimulation with walks and games like fetch.

Grooming, Training, and Daily Care Tips

Coat Type and Grooming Needs: Wiry Double Coat

Westies have a hard outer coat with a softer undercoat for insulation. Daily brushing can help reduce shedding, though they shed less than fluffier breeds.

How Often to Groom and Bathe a Westie

Westies do not need frequent baths and should be groomed every 4 to 12 weeks. Light trimming can help keep their coat neat.

Training: Smart but Strong-Willed—Early Training Is Key

Westies are well-known for their independence which can translate into issues with stubbornness in adult dogs. Proper training from an early age can help pet parents maintain control.

Daily Care: Exercise, Enrichment, and Feeding Recommendations

Westies do well with regular walks and play that taps into their natural instincts to chase and hunt with toys and fetch. Because they could go off on a solo hunt without proper boundaries, they’re best matched with pet parents who will keep them on leash or fenced in. Due to their tendency toward allergies, many Westies benefit from veterinarian-recommended hypoallergenic dog food to support skin health.

Tips for Managing Stubbornness and Prey-Driven Behavior

Essential Westie care tips for behavioral management include:

Westie Health Problems & Insurance Costs

Skin allergies and atopic dermatitis are some of the most common health problems that can arise with Westies due to triggers like dust mites and pollen. About 1 in 4 Westies have skin allergies which can cause redness, swelling, scratching, and biting. Treatment may involve allergy shots or drops, medication, and shampooing.

Other Westie health problems include:

Before adopting a Westie, be sure to ask about pre-existing health conditions. Because Westies are more prone to dental problems, keep in mind that they need daily brushings with a toothpaste specially formulated for dogs.

Life Expectancy and Average Vet Costs

West Highland White Terriers have a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years. Annual vet costs typically range from $800 to $1,500 for routine care, but they can increase significantly if chronic health problems develop.

Do Westies Need Pet Insurance?

Given their predisposition to skin allergies, dental issues, and potential orthopedic problems, pet insurance is highly recommended for Westies.

Insurance may help offset costs for chronic skin treatments, dental cleanings, and emergency surgeries, which can easily reach thousands of dollars per year. It’s essential to enroll as soon as possible, as pre-existing conditions are not covered by most pet insurance plans.

How to Choose the Right Pet Insurance Plan for Westies

When selecting plans for a Westie, prioritize plans that cover:

Look for plans with low deductibles and high annual coverage limits to manage ongoing treatment costs.

Should You Adopt a Westie?

The decision of whether or not to adopt a Westie is a personal one. Here are a few pros and cons to weigh for yourself:

Pros

Cons

Questions to Ask: “Is a Westie right for me?”

Westie Adoption Tips and What to Expect

Finding Westie adoption opportunities starts with reputable sources.

How to Find Westies through Rescues or Breed-Specific Shelters

If it’s time to search for “Westie adoption near me,” start here:

Questions to Ask Shelters or Foster Parents

What to Expect During the Adoption Process

The typical Westie adoption process includes:

Cost of Adopting vs. Buying a Westie from a Breeder

Westie adoption fees typically range from $200-$600, while purchasing from a breeder can cost upwards of $1,000-$3,000.

Westie Cost Breakdown: What It Takes to Raise One

Is a Westie Right for You?

Westies are confident, affectionate companions that thrive with proper training, regular exercise, and attentive health care. Their potential for skin allergies and stubborn streak require committed pet parents, but their loyalty, compact size, and moderate exercise and grooming needs make for excellent family pets.

If you’re considering Westie adoption, reputable rescues offer wonderful opportunities to give a deserving dog a loving home. With the right family committed to their specific needs, Westies can bring joy for years to come.