Terrier group

West Highland White Terrier

The cheerful white terrier — confident, friendly and full of self-esteem.

West Highland White Terriers are small, sturdy white terriers with a happy, confident personality. They are friendly and adaptable companions, but independent diggers with a strong prey drive and some breed-specific skin and lung issues.

Height
10–11 in25–28 cm
Weight
15–20 lb7–9 kg
Life expectancy
13–15 years
Size
Small
Group
Terrier
Origin
Scotland

Coat: Hard, straight outer coat with a soft undercoat. Colours: White.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement3.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability3.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness4.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness3.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive4.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking3.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level1.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden3.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability4.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Westies are cheerful, curious and affectionate. They are usually friendly with people and adapt well to city or country life.

They are independent and can be stubborn, and they love to dig and chase. Many are vocal watchdogs.

Living with a West Highland White Terrier

Exercise

About an hour of walks and play daily; they enjoy digging games.

Grooming

Brush a few times a week and hand-strip or clip every few months. Keep the white coat clean.

Training

Bright but independent; short, fun, reward-based sessions work best.

Kids & other pets

Good with children and usually with other dogs. Unsafe with small pets.

Time alone

Tolerates moderate alone time once exercised, but may bark at noises or dig when bored.

Home fit

Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.

Is a West Highland White Terrier right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a West Highland White Terrier matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a West Highland White Terrier typically lives 13–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Atopic dermatitis

    Westies are prone to itchy skin allergies that often need lifelong management.

  • Pulmonary fibrosis

    Known as “Westie lung disease”, it causes progressive breathing difficulty in older dogs.

  • Craniomandibular osteopathy

    A painful jaw bone disease in growing puppies.

  • Globoid cell leukodystrophy

    A fatal inherited nerve disease; a DNA test identifies carriers.

  • Dry eye (KCS)

    Reduced tear production causing sore eyes; managed with eye drops.

Ask a breeder for

  • Patella evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • DNA test for globoid cell leukodystrophy

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: West Highland White Terrier; West Highland White Terrier Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Westies developed in the Scottish Highlands from Cairn-type terriers. Colonel Edward Malcolm of Poltalloch is credited with breeding white terriers after reportedly mistaking his wheaten terrier for a fox and shooting it.

The AKC recognised the breed in 1908. Westies became internationally famous as the face of Cesar dog food and Black & White whisky.

Did you know?

  • Westies are the long-time face of Cesar dog food.
  • The breed was once called the Poltalloch Terrier.
  • White coats were bred so the dogs would not be mistaken for foxes.

Library guides for West Highland White Terrier owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Westies good family dogs?
Yes — they are friendly, sturdy and adaptable.
Do Westies shed?
Very little.
Do Westies have skin problems?
Many do; atopic dermatitis is common in the breed.