West Highland White Terrier Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is a bright white dog with a bold personality. It was developed in Scotland to hunt vermin, and its white coat made it easy to see among the heather and rocks and easy to tell apart from quarry.

Origins and appearance

The breed arose in the nineteenth century in western Scotland, from white pups produced by Cairn Terrier litters and other Scottish terriers. Westies are small, compact and sturdy, with a broad head, dark almond eyes, erect ears and a carrot-shaped tail. The coat is double, with a hard, straight outer layer and soft undercoat, and it is pure white.

Temperament

Westies are friendly, self-confident and busy. They enjoy people, are often good with children and are usually happy and lively. They are also independent and can be stubborn. Digging, chasing and barking come naturally. They tend to be fine with other dogs but may challenge them. They do best when given a job to do and consistent guidance.

Exercise

They need around an hour of daily exercise, including walks, play and training. They enjoy agility, earthdog trials and exploring. They should be kept on a leash outdoors, since prey drive can override recall. See recall training guide.

Training

Westies are intelligent and want to please when training is fun. Use rewards and variety. They can be willful. Socialize early and teach quiet cues. House training usually goes well with a schedule.

Coat and grooming

The white coat needs brushing a few times a week, and a trim or hand-stripping every few months. See wire coat dog grooming guide. Bathe as needed, since white fur shows dirt. Clean the eyes and ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics worth discussing include:

• Skin allergies and atopic dermatitis. See dog skin allergies
• Copper-associated hepatitis. See copper storage disease in dogs
• Pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease in older Westies
• Luxating patella and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
• Craniomandibular osteopathy
• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca. See dry eye in dogs
• Addison's disease. See Addison's disease in dogs

Living with a Westie

They suit homes and apartments with enough exercise. Provide a secure yard, chew toys and companionship. Their coats are easy to stain, so keep paws clean.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are playful and bold. Socialize them to dogs, people and noises, and handle the coat and feet. Use a crate and puzzle toys. Watch for early skin changes and mention them to your vet. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for skin care, grooming, vet visits and possible allergy treatment. Westies often live into their mid-teens. See dog vet cost guide.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include ignoring itching, neglecting coat care, underexercising and leaving them off leash. Avoid unproven diets and ask your vet for allergy management.

Questions to ask a breeder or rescue

Ask about skin problems in the line, liver and eye tests and the parents' temperaments. Ask what screening is done for lung and joint disease.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Westie suits active owners who want a cheerful small terrier and can manage allergy care and grooming. It may not suit someone wanting a calm, easy coat. For a similar cousin, see the Cairn Terrier.

The takeaway

Westies are sunny, stubborn and white, and they need exercise, grooming and allergy awareness.