West Highland White Terrier

Everything you need to know about West Highland White Terriers

Life Expectancytypically 12+ years
SheddingMedium length with moderate shedding
SizeSmall

West Highland White Terriers, also known as Westies, are generally small dogs. They have a double coat with longer, coarser hair on the outside and a shorter, softer undercoat. The West Highland White Terrier colour is, as you might expect, white. 

There’s lots of doggy behaviour that comes naturally to all breeds of dog, including Westies, from digging and chasing to searching and retrieving. 

Thinking about giving a West Highland White Terrier a forever home? Here are some Westie facts that might help you decide.

Caring for West Highland White Terriers

Every dog is different with their own personality and needs. Here are some areas to think about when taking care of a West Highland White Terrier.

Caring for your chosen breed

Health issues

Before you give a West Highland White Terrier a home, it’s important to know about possible health issues. Remember, not every dog will suffer them but it’s good to be prepared.

To find out more about potential ...

How much food does a West Highland White Terrier need?

The amount of food a West Highland White Terrier needs depends on their:

  • age
  • size
  • activity levels
  • fitness
  • weight.

You can use the information on dog food packets ...

How much exercise does a West Highland White Terrier need?

West Highland White Terriers usually need daily walks, but they might not manage tough exercise like long walks or mountain hikes. They'll need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy,...

How much grooming does a West Highland White Terrier need?

As Westies have thick fur, it can get matted. So they’ll usually need brushing a few times a week. It’s likely they’ll need a trim from a professional groomer around every 6 weeks.

To help your dog feel comforta...

What size crate do you need for a West Highland White Terrier?

When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to: 

  • sit and stand up at their full height 
  • turn around without touching the sides 
  • lie down fully stretched out&...

West Highland White Terrier behaviour and training

Even if you think you know about West Highland White Terriers, it’s important to remember that every dog has their own personality.

Training your chosen breed

What’s the temperament of a West Highland White Terrier?

Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own personality and prior experiences. So every Westie temperament is different. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop their own l...

Are West Highland White Terriers easy to train?

You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! It’s all about positive learning. Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Whether it’s treats, toys or lots of praise, training with ...

Are West Highland White Terriers good with children?

Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. They’ll have their own likes and dislikes and will respond to situations in different ways. However, there are som...

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