West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier is a small, compact dog with a sturdy and well-balanced build. He appears robust and confident, with a square silhouette and a straight back. His bright white coat, combined with his dark eyes and black nose, gives him a striking and expressive appearance. His head is proportionally large with a pronounced stop and a short, powerful muzzle. His eyes are almond-shaped, dark and lively, giving him an alert and intelligent expression. The ears are small, triangular, and stand erect, enhancing his typical terrier look. He has a broad, deep chest and well-muscled fore- and hindquarters without appearing coarse. His coat consists of a rough, harsh outer layer and a soft undercoat that protects him from cold and dirt. The coat stands slightly away from the body and requires regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain its texture. To preserve the coat’s structure, it must be hand-stripped regularly.

The West Highland White Terrier is an active and curious dog who needs sufficient daily exercise to stay balanced. Despite his small size, he has a surprising amount of energy and a lively temperament. A mix of several short walks, playtime, and mental stimulation for at least 60 to 90 minutes per day is ideal. Originally bred as a working dog with a hunting instinct, the Westie enjoys activities that engage his nose, such as scent games, detection, or tracking tasks. He also enjoys retrieving or performing simple obedience exercises. If he doesn’t get enough physical or mental activity, he can become bored, which may lead to excessive barking, digging, or chasing small animals. A Westie thrives best with an owner who actively involves him in daily life and helps channel his energy in a positive way.

His unique coat structure requires regular grooming to prevent matting and skin issues. Weekly brushing is essential, and approximately every three to four months the coat should be hand-stripped to remove dead hairs and maintain texture. Clipping is discouraged, as it can damage the quality of the coat. Although the white coat is striking, it repels dirt relatively well. However, he can still get quite dirty after playing outside or digging. When necessary, he can be bathed using a mild dog shampoo that doesn’t dry out the skin. It’s also important to consistently care for the ears, eyes, teeth, and nails. The Westie’s ears can be sensitive, so regular checks and cleaning if needed can help prevent problems. Brushing the teeth or providing dental care snacks also supports good oral health. Despite his small size, the Westie requires a dedicated grooming routine to keep his coat and overall health in top condition.

The West Highland White Terrier is generally a healthy breed but does have some hereditary conditions. Atopic dermatitis is common and causes itching, redness, and skin infections due to allergies. The Westie is also prone to keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or dry eye, which can lead to irritation and corneal issues. Additionally, copper accumulation in the liver and liver shunts may occur two separate conditions that can severely affect liver function and metabolism. Hip dysplasia and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease are also seen in the breed, both of which can cause joint issues and lameness.

A responsible breeding choice, regular veterinary checkups, and early detection of symptoms all contribute to maintaining a Westie’s optimal health.

Are you charmed by the West Highland White Terrier but also curious about other dogs with a similar size, character, or appearance? While the Westie is a unique breed, there are several other dogs with comparable temperament, energy level, or grooming needs:

• Cairn Terrier: A close relative of the Westie and also from Scotland. The Cairn Terrier is slightly less sturdy in build but just as cheerful, headstrong, and active.
• Scottish Terrier: Also from Scotland, but with a completely different appearance: black, brindle, or wheaten in colour and with a distinctive beard. The Scottish Terrier is independent, courageous, and—like the Westie—has a strong personality.
• Norfolk Terrier: A small, sociable terrier with drop ears and a rough coat. Like the Westie, he is alert, lively, and suitable for active families who enjoy a feisty dog with character.
• Border Terrier: Slightly slimmer than the Westie but with a similar energetic nature. He is friendly, athletic, and loves digging, playing, and chasing.

All these breeds share the Westie’s origins as small hunting dogs, their confident demeanor, and their need for stimulation and companionship.