West Highland White Terrier
The plucky white 'Westie' was developed in the Scottish Highlands to hunt rats and foxes among the rocks. Confident, friendly and hardy, it packs a big personality into a sturdy little frame. It suits owners who'll keep up with grooming the harsh white coat, train consistently around the terrier independence, and provide enough activity to keep it busy.
West Highland White Terrier scorecard
Overview
The West Highland White Terrier, universally known as the 'Westie', is a small, hardy and confident Scottish terrier instantly recognised by its bright white double coat, dark eyes, black nose and erect, pointed ears. Compact and sturdily built, it stands around 25–28 cm at the shoulder and weighs roughly 6.8–9.1 kg, and is classified by The Kennel Club within the Terrier Group. Bred originally to work, the Westie retains a bold, busy, characterful temperament packed into a small, adaptable frame, and its combination of toughness, friendliness and manageable size has made it one of Britain's best-loved terriers.
Westies are spirited, self-assured dogs with a strong dose of typical terrier personality: they like to be busy, will happily bark to raise the alarm, and many retain an instinct to dig and to chase small animals. At the same time they are generally friendly, sociable and people-loving, which makes them rewarding companions for owners who appreciate terrier character. They adapt well to flats and smaller homes provided they get their daily exercise and mental stimulation. The white coat needs regular grooming to keep it in condition, and the breed can be prone to skin problems, so coat and skin care is an important part of Westie ownership.
Good to know — a West Highland White Terrier is flat-friendly and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The West Highland White Terrier belongs to the family of small working terriers developed in Scotland to hunt and control vermin such as rats, foxes and other small quarry among rocks, cairns and on the rugged Highland terrain. These Scottish terriers, which also gave rise to the Cairn, Scottish, Skye and Dandie Dinmont terriers, were valued for their courage, tenacity and ability to go to ground after their quarry. The white colouring that defines the Westie is generally said to have been deliberately favoured so that the dogs could be easily distinguished from foxes and other game in the field, making them safer to work.
The breed is particularly associated with the Malcolm family of Poltalloch in Argyll, who are credited with developing and promoting a strain of white working terrier, and the breed was historically also known by names such as the Poltalloch Terrier and Roseneath Terrier before the name West Highland White Terrier became established. It was recognised by The Kennel Club in the early twentieth century, and over the following decades the Westie made the transition from working terrier to popular show dog and companion. Internationally the breed is governed by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, which recognises Great Britain as the country of origin. Today the Westie is kept overwhelmingly as a companion, while retaining the temperament of its working past.
Temperament & family fit
The Westie is a confident, friendly and self-possessed little dog with plenty of character. It tends to be more outgoing and people-orientated than some terriers, and many are sociable, affectionate and good with children, which has helped make the breed a popular family companion. Bold and curious, Westies like to be involved in family life and are generally happy, busy dogs that enjoy investigating their surroundings and joining in activities. Their hardy, plucky nature means they are rarely shy or timid.
Alongside that friendliness, the Westie keeps the core traits of a working terrier. Many are alert and quick to bark, making good little watchdogs but potentially vocal, and the breed retains instincts to dig and to chase small animals, a reflection of its ratting and hunting origins. Some Westies can be assertive with other dogs, so good socialisation from an early age is important. They are independent-minded and can have a stubborn streak, which is part of their charm but means training benefits from patience and consistency. Understood and managed well, the Westie is a lively, devoted and entertaining companion.
- Families with children of all ages
- Committed first-time owners
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Training & intelligence
Westies are intelligent and capable learners, but like most terriers they are independent and can be strong-willed, so training calls for patience, consistency and a sense of humour. They respond best to positive, reward-based methods using food, praise and play, and tend to dig in their heels if handled harshly. Keeping sessions short, varied and rewarding helps hold their attention, and starting training and socialisation early — exposing the puppy to a wide range of people, dogs, animals and situations — helps produce a confident, well-mannered adult.
Particular areas to work on reflect the breed's terrier heritage. Recall can be challenged by a strong prey drive and the urge to chase, so reliable recall should be built up carefully and owners should be cautious off-lead near livestock, small animals or roads. Barking and digging are natural terrier behaviours that are easier to keep in proportion if managed positively from puppyhood rather than allowed to become entrenched habits. With consistent, kind training the Westie's intelligence and willingness make it a rewarding dog to teach, and many enjoy and excel at activities such as agility and scentwork.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult West Highland White Terrier typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The Westie has a harsh, straight white outer coat over a soft, dense undercoat, and keeping it in good condition takes regular work. The coat should be brushed and combed several times a week to prevent tangles and to keep it clean, and it needs regular trimming or, for the traditional harsh-textured coat, hand-stripping every few months; many pet owners opt for professional clipping instead. The white coat shows dirt readily and the furnishings on the face and legs need particular attention. Because the breed is prone to skin problems, gentle, appropriate coat and skin care matters, and over-bathing should be avoided. Routine ear checks and cleaning, nail trimming and dental care complete the grooming routine, and owners should be alert to any signs of itchy or irritated skin so they can seek veterinary advice promptly.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
A Westie should be fed a complete, balanced dog food suited to its age and activity level and formulated to FEDIAF nutritional standards, with portions measured to the manufacturer's guidance and adjusted to maintain a healthy body condition. As a small, food-motivated breed it can readily gain weight if overfed or given too many treats, and excess weight strains the joints and overall health, so accurate measuring of meals and regular body-condition checks are important. Treats should be small and accounted for within the daily ration. Because Westies can be prone to skin and allergy problems, some owners and vets pay attention to diet as one factor in managing skin health; any concerns are best discussed with a vet. Fresh water should always be available, any change of diet should be introduced gradually over several days, and your vet can advise on the most appropriate feeding for your individual dog.
West Highland White Terrier health & costs
Before bringing a West Highland White Terrier home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£250–400 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£15–32 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The West Highland White Terrier is generally a hardy, long-lived breed, with a typical lifespan of around 12–16 years, and many remain active companions well into old age. As with all pedigree breeds, there are some conditions seen more often in Westies, and prospective owners should choose a responsible breeder who health-tests their stock — ideally a Kennel Club Assured Breeder — and maintain routine preventive care, including vaccination, parasite control, dental care, weight management and regular veterinary check-ups.
The breed is particularly associated with skin and allergy problems, notably atopic dermatitis, which can cause persistent itching and require ongoing management. Westies are also known for a number of inherited and breed-associated conditions, including the jawbone disorder craniomandibular osteopathy (sometimes called 'Westie jaw') seen in young dogs, the hip condition Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease, luxating patella, and a serious progressive lung condition, pulmonary fibrosis, sometimes referred to as 'Westie lung disease'. Discussing relevant health screening with the breeder, watching for early signs of skin or other problems, and keeping up regular veterinary care give a Westie the best chance of a long and healthy life. Your vet and organisations such as the PDSA are reliable sources of breed-specific health information.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Atopic dermatitis (skin allergy) — the breed is prone to itchy, inflamed skin; persistent scratching, redness or recurrent infections need veterinary diagnosis and often lifelong management.
- Craniomandibular osteopathy ('Westie jaw') — abnormal bone growth of the jaw in young dogs causing pain and difficulty eating; usually self-limiting but needs veterinary assessment.
- Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease — degeneration of the head of the femur in young dogs causing hindlimb lameness and pain, often requiring surgical treatment.
- Patellar luxation — the kneecap slips out of place, causing an intermittent skipping gait or lameness; mild cases are managed conservatively, severe ones may need surgery.
- Pulmonary fibrosis ('Westie lung disease') — a serious progressive scarring of the lungs seen in the breed, causing coughing and breathing difficulty; requires veterinary care.
- Dental disease — common in small breeds; regular tooth-brushing and veterinary dental checks help prevent painful gum and tooth problems.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the West Highland White Terrier; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a West Highland White Terrier puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior West Highland White Terrier
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Bold, friendly and adaptable to flat living
- Sturdy with modest exercise needs
Things to consider
- White coat needs regular grooming and they can be prone to skin allergies
- Typical terrier traits — likes to bark, dig and chase
West Highland White Terrier health & care guides
In-depth, vet-sensible guides written for West Highland White Terrier owners:
Compare the West Highland White Terrier
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Frequently asked questions
How long do West Highland White Terriers live?
Westies typically live to around 12–16 years, which is a good lifespan for a small terrier. Keeping your dog lean, managing the breed's well-known skin issues promptly, looking after the teeth, and staying on top of routine vet care all help yours reach the upper end of that range in good health.
What health problems are Westies prone to?
Westies are best known for atopic dermatitis (chronic itchy skin allergies), which is very characteristic of the breed. Puppies can develop craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO, or 'Westie jaw'), and the breed is prone to luxating patella, dental disease and, in some older dogs, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Prompt vet attention to itching or breathing changes really helps.
Are Westies good family dogs?
Yes — Westies are bold, friendly and sociable little dogs that suit active families and first-time owners willing to put in training. They generally enjoy people and older children, but their strong terrier prey drive means care is needed around small pets, and play with young children should always be supervised to keep things calm and gentle.
Do Westies need a lot of grooming?
Yes. The harsh white double coat ideally needs hand-stripping every few months to keep its texture and colour, plus brushing several times a week to prevent matting. Many pet Westies are clipped instead, which is easier but softens the coat. Regular face and beard cleaning and routine skin checks are also part of the grooming routine.
Why is my Westie so itchy?
Itchy skin is the classic Westie problem. The breed is strongly predisposed to atopic dermatitis — an allergic skin condition triggered by environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites and grass. Fleas and food sensitivities can also play a part. Persistent scratching, licking, red skin or recurring ear infections always warrant a vet visit to diagnose and manage the cause.
How big do West Highland White Terriers get?
Westies are a small breed, standing roughly 25–28cm at the shoulder and typically weighing around 6–10kg. They're compact, sturdy and surprisingly strong for their size. Their small stature makes them adaptable to flats or houses, but they still need proper daily walks and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.
Do Westies bark a lot?
Westies can be vocal — they were bred to hunt and alert, so they often bark at visitors, noises and movement outside. With early training, plenty of exercise and mental enrichment, barking is very manageable. Rewarding calm behaviour and not accidentally reinforcing attention-seeking barks helps keep a Westie's voice in check.
At what age is a Westie a senior?
As a small breed Westies often stay sprightly into double figures, but they're generally considered senior from around eight to ten years old. It's a sensible point to move to twice-yearly vet checks, keep a close eye on the teeth, skin and mobility, and watch for any new coughing or reduced exercise tolerance in older dogs.
Are Westies easy to train?
Westies are bright and eager but also independent and a touch stubborn, like most terriers. They respond best to short, fun, reward-based sessions and consistency. Early socialisation and recall training matter, especially given their prey drive. They're a good choice for motivated first-time owners who'll keep training positive and engaging.
How can I help my Westie live longer?
Keep them lean, look after the teeth with regular brushing, and stay alert to skin and ear problems given the breed's allergy predisposition — early treatment makes a real difference. Add sensible daily exercise, good grooming, and routine vet check-ups, and choose a puppy from health-conscious parents for the best start in life.
Are West Highland White Terriers good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, West Highland White Terriers tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a West Highland White Terrier need?
As a healthy adult, a typical West Highland White Terrier needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do West Highland White Terriers shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are West Highland White Terriers easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. West Highland White Terriers are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do West Highland White Terriers bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are West Highland White Terriers good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do West Highland White Terriers suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A West Highland White Terrier can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — West Highland White Terrier breed information (https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breeds/west-highland-white-terrier/)
- PDSA — Dog breeds and health advice (https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs)
- Blue Cross — Dog breeds and care advice (https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog)
- RSPCA — Dog welfare and care (https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs)
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — West Highland White Terrier breed standard (https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/WEST-HIGHLAND-WHITE-TERRIER-85.html)
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.