Is a West Highland Terrier a good apartment dog?

They can do well in a smaller home provided their exercise needs are genuinely met with regular walks and some off-lead exploration time, rather than relying on indoor space alone. A Westie left under-exercised in a flat is more likely to develop barking or destructive habits.

How much exercise does a Westie puppy need?

Considerably less than an adult, and in short, frequent bursts rather than long walks, to protect their developing joints. A commonly used guide is around five minutes of structured exercise per month of age, given twice a day, alongside free play.

Do Westies need off-lead time?

It helps a great deal, since sniffing and exploring off-lead uses up mental energy that a straight on-lead walk does not. Only let them off in a securely fenced area or where their recall is genuinely reliable, given their strong hunting instinct.

My older Westie seems to want shorter walks than before — is that normal?

It can be, as dogs naturally slow down with age, but a noticeable or sudden change in how far your dog wants to walk is worth mentioning to your vet rather than assuming it is simply old age, since joint pain or another condition can look the same from the outside.

How much exercise does a West Highland Terrier need?

A West Highland Terrier typically does well on around an hour of exercise a day, usually split across two walks, plus some time to sniff, dig and explore off-lead somewhere safe. They are an energetic small breed bred to work, not a lapdog that only needs a short stroll.

Why Westies need more than a short stroll

The West Highland Terrier was bred to hunt vermin, which shows up today as a dog with real stamina for their size, a strong nose, and a tendency to dig and investigate anything interesting on a walk. A five-minute toilet break around the block does not come close to using up that energy.

A bored, under-exercised Westie is more likely to develop problem digging, barking or other attention-seeking behaviour at home, so the exercise is doing double duty — physical fitness and heading off boredom-driven behaviour.

What a good day looks like

Two walks of twenty to thirty minutes each, at least one of them somewhere they can safely sniff and explore rather than just heel alongside you, generally suits an adult Westie well. Mental stimulation matters as much as distance covered — a walk that lets them use their nose properly tires a terrier out faster than a fast walk on a short lead.

Off-lead time needs a securely fenced area or a very reliable recall, since their hunting instinct means an interesting scent can override a less experienced recall in an open space.

Adjusting for age and health

Puppies need much shorter, more frequent bursts of activity rather than long walks, since too much exercise too young can put unnecessary strain on developing joints. A commonly used rule of thumb is roughly five minutes of structured exercise per month of age, twice a day, though free play in a safe space is fine on top of that.

Older Westies, or those with any joint or health condition, may need shorter, gentler walks rather than less exercise outright — speak to your vet if your dog is slowing down or seems reluctant to walk as far as they used to, since that is worth checking rather than assuming it is just old age.

Rainy day and low-exercise alternatives

On days when a full walk is not possible, a scent-based game indoors — scattering treats around a room or using a snuffle mat — taps into the same nose-led instinct a walk would use and can take the edge off a Westie's energy far more than the time it takes might suggest.

Short training sessions, even just a few minutes of practising sit, stay or a trick, also work this breed's sharp mind in a way that helps tire them out mentally alongside whatever physical exercise they do get that day.

Kit for this breed

Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.

Padded No-Pull Dog Harness Vest

A soft padded vest harness that spreads pressure evenly across the chest for comfortable, no-pull control. Adjustable straps, breathable mesh lining and reflective trim make everyday walks safer.

From£35.99

Faux-Leather Dog Harness & Lead Set

A smart faux-leather harness and matching lead set with gold-tone hardware and quick-release buckles. The padded, adjustable harness spreads pressure comfortably for stylish, secure walks. Suits small dogs and cats.

From£13.99

Dog Car Seat Belt Safety Tether

An adjustable nylon car safety tether that clips into your seatbelt buckle and onto your dog's harness, keeping them safely restrained while you drive. Strong metal clasp and durable webbing.

£24.99

Waterproof Dog Harness, Collar & Lead Set

A sturdy waterproof harness, collar and lead set that keeps walks tidy and your dog under control.

From£7.99

Browse all of Knowledge Hub →

Common questions

Is a West Highland Terrier a good apartment dog?: They can do well in a smaller home provided their exercise needs are genuinely met with regular walks and some off-lead exploration time, rather than relying on indoor space alone. A Westie left under-exercised in a flat is more likely to develop barking or destructive habits.
How much exercise does a Westie puppy need?: Considerably less than an adult, and in short, frequent bursts rather than long walks, to protect their developing joints. A commonly used guide is around five minutes of structured exercise per month of age, given twice a day, alongside free play.
Do Westies need off-lead time?: It helps a great deal, since sniffing and exploring off-lead uses up mental energy that a straight on-lead walk does not. Only let them off in a securely fenced area or where their recall is genuinely reliable, given their strong hunting instinct.
My older Westie seems to want shorter walks than before — is that normal?: It can be, as dogs naturally slow down with age, but a noticeable or sudden change in how far your dog wants to walk is worth mentioning to your vet rather than assuming it is simply old age, since joint pain or another condition can look the same from the outside.

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

PDSA — Pet Health Hub

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.