West Highland White Terrier
Other names: Westie, Poltalloch Terrier, Roseneath Terrier, White Roseneath Terrier

This small white terrier that hails from Scotland, is so full of himself, he knows he’s the best thing in the dog world! He is a happy, friendly dog, who will make you laugh at his antics. This breed is meant to work alone, hunting out vermin. This great sense of independence can sometimes cause a problem. Despite this, the West Highland White Terrier is a lively, sturdy dog, who will capture a part of your heart.
Key facts about the West Highland White Terrier
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Origins and history
Dating as far back as the early 1600’s, the West Highland White terrier was previously known by various other names. As the dogs of Argyleshire, these small, robust hunting dogs were greatly admired. Later, in the 1800’s, they were also recognised as the Poltalloch terrier after the name of a Colonel who bred them, and then also as the Roseneath terrier after the name of the Duke of Argyll’s farm.
During the mid-19th century, a Scottish owner of a Cairn terrier bred some pure white pups which were elected to be the first, registered, West Highland White terrier breed. Legend states that the Westie was bred for his distinguishing snowy white coat, so that he was easily noticed when on the hunting field.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 3 - Terriers
Section
Section 2 : Small sized Terriers
Physical characteristics of the West Highland White Terrier
Adult size
Female : Between 11 and 11 in
Male : Between 11 and 11 in
Weight
Female : Between 15 and 22 lb
Male : Between 15 and 22 lb
Coat colour
The only colour coat readily accepted is solid white. However, with breeding, some Westies may have a white coat with darker-coloured paws, or be a wheaten colour.
Type of coat
Their hair is short.
This dog breed has a double thickness coat. The dense, soft undercoat is topped with a hard, straight outer coat that is around 2 inches in length.
Eye colour
Dark eyes with dark hair colouring around the eyes.
Description
The Westie dog is an agile, fast, yet stocky little dog. It’s very easy to spot one of these terriers because of their dense, bright, white coats. He has a harsh, wiry coat that easily sheds dirt, yet gives him protection when he is hunting and pushing through the shrubs. Even though their coat is a solid white colour, they are not albino dogs. The dog’s tail is sturdy and a moderate length and he has upright ears.
Good to know
As a canine breed used for hunting activities, the West Highland White Terrier has a body shape specifically for this. His compact size is necessary to squeeze through the narrow corridors of a fox’s den. His short legs are definitely an advantage when manoeuvring the narrow passageways of the lair. Likewise, when faced with a fox at close quarters, his strong jaws and formidable teeth are an advantage.
Temperament
Behaviour of the West Highland White Terrier
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West Highland White Terrier to adopt

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Compatibility
Price
The average purchase price to buy a West Highland dog can be between £560 for a non KC registered pup to £785 for a fully KC registered dog.
Ongoing costs, to not only feed the dog, but also veterinary bills for vaccinations, boosters and annual check-ups can be costly. Add in the premiums for pet insurance, and the monthly costs to own and keep a Westie will be around £50 to £70. Taking into account that although a small dog, he can live to up to 15 years old, the total costs can be quite expensive.
Grooming
With a straight, dense and shorthaired coat, the Westie is very easy to groom. Frequent brushing with a stiff bristle brush will keep his coat clean and only an occasional bath will be needed, unless he rolls in something smelly when outside. His coat needs to be stripped bi-annually, and professionally trimmed every 4 months.
Shedding
As this breed sheds little to no hair, they make a brilliant choice for people that have sensitivities or mild allergies.
Nutrition of the West Highland White Terrier
Of course depending on their individual needs, the Westie dog will require between 400 to 700 calories each day, of a nutrient-rich food, according to their size and activity levels. Take into account if your dog is working, is pregnant or has been spayed or neutered, as the West Highland White Terrier breed is prone to gaining weight quite easily from over-feeding.
Health of the West Highland White Terrier
Life expectancy
The Westie breed has a life expectancy of between 13 to 15 years, provided they are well cared for, given adequate daily exercise and a healthy, nutritious diet.
Strong / robust
Certainly a small, robust little dog breed with lots of stamina. Capable of hunting all day long when required to.
Withstand heat
Even though he has a double thickness coat, this small terrier is equally happy living indoors, lounging on the sofa or lying next to the radiator, or being outside in all weathers.
Withstand cold
The muscular and sturdy Westie has a strong double coat that provides adequate protection against extreme cold and winter weather.
Tendency to put on weight
Becoming overweight is quite a significant issue with West Highland White terriers. Your dog may look at you with pleading eyes asking for dog treats or left over food, yet you cannot give in. Obesity gives rise to serious health conditions such as heart disease, back pain, digestive and metabolic issues.
Common illnesses
Some of the potential health issues that Westies can be prone to are:
- Skin allergies
- Hereditary bone disorder of the jaw
- Luxating patellas – slipping kneecap
- Dry Eye – Kerato-conjunctivitis sicca
- Addison's Disease
- Legg-Perthes disease (Legg-Calvé-Perthes)
- Westie Lung (Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) – a disease which causes stiffness and scarring of the lungs