This good-looking chap is a West Highland White Terrier and he’s full of energy and confidence. He’s not afraid to use his charm and good looks for attention (and treats).
Personality and temperament
A big personality in a tiny body, West Highland White Terriers are cheeky characters. They love their human pack but still have an independent streak that we’ll blame on their terrier genes. Westies love venturing outdoors for adventures and mischief but once they’re tuckered out, they’ll happily spend the afternoon curled up next to you on the couch. This fun-loving breed loves playing with children and will try and take charge of any play session to suit their own needs
Size and appearance
One word comes to mind when describing this Scottish breed – compact. Males weight around 9kg, with females weighing slightly less. Their sturdy little bodies are perfectly proportioned, with strong legs, slightly domed heads, steely eyes (if you can find them under that fur) and a soft black nose. Their pure white double coat consists of a tough water-resistant topcoat and a soft undercoat that can mat and tangle – regular grooming is essential. With their adorable good-looks, dressing them up with a tartan neck bandana (a nod to their origin) should be mandatory.
History
West Highland White Terriers can be traced back centuries to the rocky highlands of Scotland, where they were bred to hunt fox, otter, badgers and small vermin. To do this, they needed to be small but hardy, as well as quick-witted and brave. It’s thought they also came in a reddish-brown colour but were bred white to not be confused with the foxes it was chasing. The first two Westies (“Daisy” and “Piccaninny”) arrived in Australia in 1869, before travelling across to Kiwi shores. Today the breed is a very popular choice for pooch lovers both sides of the Tasman.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
These lively fellows tend to be a healthy breed, however they can be prone to the following health conditions:
- Skin allergies, including ear infections
- Patellar luxation (dislocating kneecap)
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (degeneration of the hip joint in young dogs)
- Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO) (abnormal bone growth of the jaw)
- Cataracts
- Dental disease
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your West Highland White Terrier healthy.
Food and exercise
Being a constant source of energy and activity, Westies need nutrient-dense meals designed for small breeds. They can gain weight easily if not active enough (like most of us), but slow-feeder bowls and limited treats can help.
They need daily entertainment in the form of 45-60 minutes of exercise, playtime and training to keep them from being bored (and a little naughty). While physical movement is important to them, mental challenges are essential.
Grooming and maintenance
Westies have a double coat (with a wiry topcoat and dense undercoat) that lightly sheds year round.
- Bathe: every 4-6 weeks
- Professional groom: every 6-8 weeks for clipping
How to groom your Westie
- Fur: brush twice weekly to remove loose fur
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: check weekly for wax and debris build up
- Eyes: wipe gently with a damp cloth if needed
Training and space requirements
Short fun training sessions are the key to training West Highland White Terriers. They have an intelligence and stubbornness that can make these sessions a little challenging, so consistency and plenty of positive reinforcement is essential.
Westies are adaptable to small-space living as long as they get enough mental stimulation and a fair chunk of exercise. A secure backyard would be ideal for them to roam in but not a deal-breaker.
Best suited for…
If you feel your life could do with a little more excitement and a whole lot more personality, then a West Highland White Terrier could be your perfect match. Westies suit humans who’ll find their liveliness and confident character endearing, and who want a ridiculously good-looking (and cuddly) housemate. Just make sure you get friendly with your local dog groomer – you’ll be spending plenty of time there.
