The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

The Purebred West Highland White Terrier

Information and Pictures

The front left side of a West Highland White Terrier dog that is standing across a concrete surface. Its mouth is open, its tongue is out and it is looking up. The dog's tail is up and its nose is black.

Cody the Westie at 5 years old

Other Names
  • Westie
Pronunciation

west HAHY-luhnd wahyt TAIR-ee-uhr speaker

Description

The West Highland White Terrier, often simply called the Westie, is a small, sturdy dog. The head is in proportion to the body and when viewed from the front gives off a round appearance. The blunt muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull and tapers toward the nose. There is a defined stop. The nose is black. The teeth meet in a scissors bite with teeth that are large in proportion to the dog. The almond-shaped, deep-set, dark brown eyes are set wide apart. The ears are erect, set wide apart on top of the head and triangular in shape, coming to a point. The legs are somewhat short but not too low to the ground. The undocked tail is relatively short, about 5-6 inches (12.5-15 cm) long, thicker at the base and tapering to a point. Dewclaws are sometimes removed. The double coat has a straight, hard outer coat that is about 2 inches long (5 cm) and a soft, dense undercoat. The coat color is solid white.

Temperament

The West Highland White Terrier is a game and hardy little terrier that is easy to train. It is fairly friendly toward strangers and gets along well with children. Easy dog to travel with. These dogs are lively and extremely self-assured toward other dogs, but will not pick fights if their owners know how to display proper leadership. They may chase a cat for fun, and need to be corrected if they do attempt this. Robust, friendly and spirited, Westies just love companionship. Despite their size, they make a very good watchdog. The Westie likes to dig and bark. If a Westie is allowed to become the pack leader, it may snap when irritated and be combative with other dogs. A lack of leadership on the owner’s part can cause many behavior problems, such as biting, guarding food and furniture. A Westie that has an owner who knows how to display firm, confident, consistent, leadership will not experience these behavioral problems. These problems can be corrected once the owner becomes the dog’s true pack leader. Do not allow the Westie to develop Small Dog Syndrome.

Height, Weight

Height: Males 10 - 12 inches (25 - 30 cm) Females 9 - 11 inches (23 - 28 cm)
Weight: Males 15 - 22 pounds (7 - 10 kg) Females 13 - 16 pounds (6 - 7 kg)

Health Problems

Prone to chronic hernias, liver disease Legg-Cavé-Perthes syndrome (hip problems), jawbone calcification, cherry eye and skin problems.

Living Conditions

West Highland White Terriers are suitable for people in towns and cities as well as in the country. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Exercise

These little dogs need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard.

Life Expectancy

About 15 or more years.

Litter Size

About 2 to 5 puppies

Grooming

The harsh, straight, shorthaired double coat is fairly easy to groom and sheds little to no hair. Simply brush regularly with a stiff bristle brush. Brushing should keep the coat clean, so bathe only when necessary. Trim around the ears and eyes with blunt-nosed scissors. The whole coat should be trimmed about every four months and stripped twice a year.

Origin

The West Highland White Terrier originates from Poltalloch, Scotland, and was once called the Poltalloch Terrier and later was called the Roseneath Terrier, named after the Duke of Argyll’s estate. The breed came about in the mid-19th century when a Scottish breeder of the Cairn Terrier whelped some white pups in his litters. Those pups were selected and bred to obtain the West Highland White Terrier, which is simply a white Cairn. The West Highland was first shown in the USA in 1906 and first recognized by the AKC in 1908. In 1909 the breed’s name was changed from the Roseneath Terrier to the West Highland White Terrier. Like the Cairn, the Westie was originally bred for controlling the population of rats, fox, badger, otter and other vermin.

Recognition
  • ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
  • ACR = American Canine Registry
  • AKC = American Kennel Club
  • ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
  • APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.
  • CET = Club Español de Terriers (Spanish Terrier Club)
  • CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
  • CKC = Continental Kennel Club
  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
  • FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
  • KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
  • NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
  • NKC = National Kennel Club
  • NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
  • UKC = United Kennel Club
The left side of a small white West Highland White Terrier dog that is laying across a concrete surface. It is looking forward and there is a fireplace behind it. It has fringe hair coming off of its head and a big black nose.

Brody the adult West Highland White Terrier

The front left side of a sitting West Highland White Terrier that is in grass. The puppy looks very soft and pure white. It has small perk ears, a black nose and small black eyes.

"Oscar is a Westie (West Highland Terrier). In this photo he is 6 months old. Oscar does not shed, loves to play with other dogs and is totally fearless. His favorite pastime is eating bugs—including bees, which he catches and spits out. He is very mellow for a terrier and likes to cuddle with us. A little dog (20 pounds) with a big personality!"

The front right side of a West Highland White Terrier that is wearing a red collar. It is standing across a grass surface and there is a dismantled brick building behind it. The dog has small perk ears and longer hair on its face with a black nose and dark almond shaped eyes.

Madison the Beautiful Westie

Two West Highland White Terriers are on top of a rock. One is looking down with its mouth open and the other one is sitting and looking up. There is a view of a blue sky and a valley behind them.

West Highland White Terriers Susie (left) at 12 years old and Rosie (right) at 9 years old

A white West Highland White Terrier is sitting on a red rug and to the right of it is a sliding glass door. It has fringe hair on its perk ears and a black nose and black eyes.

Brody the Westie sittin’ pretty!

A blonde-haired girl is leading a small West Highland White Terrier dog on a walk down the middle of a road.

Brody the Westie going for a walk

The left side of a West Highland White Terrier that is posing in a show dog stack on a concrete surface.

WHWT breeding station, Al-Moktar kennel, photo courtesy of Lekesova

Top down view of a West Highland White Terrier that is sitting on a carpeted floor and it is looking up. It has a very soft white coat, round dark eyes, a dark nose and small perk ears.

Figo, a 4 year old Westie has done a lot of travelling with his owners. He was born in Slovakia, lived in Austria and Egypt, and he is now living in Ireland!

A West Highland White Terrier puppy is sitting on top of a bed and it is looking forward. It has dark round eyes, a black nose and black lips. It has small fold over ears.

This is Grace, a 2-month-old Westie puppy residing in Greece.

See more examples of the West Highland White Terrier