West Highland White Terrier

Vital Statistics:

Place of Origin: Scotland

Group: Terrier

Height: males 12 in., females 10 in.

Weight: males 18-22 lbs., females 15-18 lbs.

Life span: 12-14 yrs.

Trainability: moderate

Good with children: yes, with older children

Good with other pets: yes with dogs, will chase small animals

In the 1800s in England, a breeder of Cairn Terriers noticed some white pups in the litters. He went on to breed these white pups and developed the West Highland White Terrier (a white Cairn).

What does the West Highland White Terrier look like?

The Westie is about 10-12 inches tall and weighs in at 15-22 lbs. It is a hardy muscular dog with a scissors bite. Eyes are dark and ears are small and erect. Its tail is carried high. Coat is rough and thick and should be brushed often. As the name indicates, the coat color is white.

What is the West Highland White Terrier’s temperament?

Westies are very intelligent and self-assured and often think for themselves. They are courageous and lively. Westies can also compete in agility, tracking and obedience. They can be trained more easily if they get a food reward. The Westie does well in apartments or country living. They do well with older children and other dogs. They sometimes chase cats.

What are the West Highland White Terrier’s uses?

Originally bred for hunting small game, the Westie has become a companion dog.

Possible Health Issues

Atopic dermititis, patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, dry eye, Addison’s Disease, juvenile cataracts, craniomandibular osteopathy (jaw deformity in pups), pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of lungs), White Shaker Dog Syndrome (entire body tremors), lung disease causing breathing difficulties