West Highland White Terrier
Confident, clever and fun
Westies 101
Terrier groupThe West Highland White Terrier is a stylish and bold little dog, good in city homes, rural residences and everything in between. They are smart but sometimes stubborn, and utterly devoted to their families. Westies are playful and entertaining, and will take all the exercise they can get.
As with many terriers, Westies may be quarrelsome to dogs they don’t know. Developed to keep vermin levels down, Westies are understandably not safe around small pets such as rats and guinea pigs. If allowed to pursue it, Westies consider digging a happy pastime.
What we love about Westies
No breed looks better in a bow tie
Early socialization and manners training along with consistent handling will help to keep these determined dogs from acting on their worst impulses.
Energy level
Energy level: 100% (Very high)
Bark level
- Very vocal
- Talkative
- As needed
Bark level: Very vocal. This breed is very vocal and barks frequently
Size
Size: 10 to 11 inches tall. This is a Small sized Dog.
- Energy level
- Very high (100%)
- Bark level
- Very vocal
- Height
- 10 to 11 inches
- Lifespan
- 13 to 15 years
- Weight
- 15 to 20 lbs
The West Highland White Terrier stands 10 to 11 inches tall and weighs 15 to 20 lbs. West Highland White Terriers have a lifespan of 13 to 15 years. They are known for a very high (100%) energy level and a very vocal bark.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big do West Highland White Terriers get?
- West Highland White Terriers stand 10 to 11 inches tall and typically weigh between 15 and 20 pounds.
- How long do West Highland White Terriers live?
- The average lifespan of a West Highland White Terrier is 13 to 15 years.
- Are West Highland White Terriers good for first-time dog owners?
- West Highland White Terriers are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Do West Highland White Terriers bark a lot?
- West Highland White Terriers are very vocal — they bark frequently and use their voice to communicate.
My pet’s health plannerSM
This West Highland White Terrier health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.
Mature adult Westie
Risk level for common Westie conditions
Mid-life West Highland White Terriers should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health.
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Above Average Risk
- Skin allergies
- Above Average Risk
- Luxated patella
- Above Average Risk
40% on risk scaleSenior Westie
Risk level for common Westie conditions
Senior West Highland White Terriers face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Urinary cancer and Diabetes mellitus and Gallbladder disease pose very high risk.
- Urinary cancer
- Very High Risk
- Diabetes mellitus
- Very High Risk
- Gallbladder disease
- Very High Risk
Westie puppy
Risk level for common Westie conditions
West Highland White Terrier puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastritis and Urinary tract infection are at moderate risk.
- Gastritis
- Moderate Risk
- Urinary tract infection
- Moderate Risk
- Ear infection
- Above Average Risk
Young adult Westie
Risk level for common Westie conditions
As West Highland White Terriers grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant.
- Skin allergies
- Average Risk
- Gastritis
- Average Risk
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Average Risk
Mature adult Westie
Risk level for common Westie conditions
Mid-life West Highland White Terriers should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health.
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Above Average Risk
- Skin allergies
- Above Average Risk
- Luxated patella
- Above Average Risk
Senior Westie
Risk level for common Westie conditions
Senior West Highland White Terriers face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Urinary cancer and Diabetes mellitus and Gallbladder disease pose very high risk.
- Urinary cancer
- Very High Risk
- Diabetes mellitus
- Very High Risk
- Gallbladder disease
- Very High Risk
Westie puppy
Risk level for common Westie conditions
West Highland White Terrier puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastritis and Urinary tract infection are at moderate risk.
- Gastritis
- Moderate Risk
- Urinary tract infection
- Moderate Risk
- Ear infection
- Above Average Risk
Young adult Westie
Risk level for common Westie conditions
As West Highland White Terriers grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant.
- Skin allergies
- Average Risk
- Gastritis
- Average Risk
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Average Risk
Nationwide can help you save on your West Highland White Terrier's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
- Puppy (0 to 6 months)
- Gastritis: Moderate Risk, Urinary tract infection: Moderate Risk, Ear infection: Above Average Risk
- Young Adult (7 months to 5 years)
- Skin allergies: Average Risk, Gastritis: Average Risk, Inflammatory bowel disease: Average Risk
- Mature Adult (6 years to 9 years)
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Above Average Risk, Skin allergies: Above Average Risk, Luxated patella: Above Average Risk
- Senior (10+ years)
- Urinary cancer: Very High Risk, Diabetes mellitus: Very High Risk, Gallbladder disease: Very High Risk
The white or wheaten color of the West Highland White Terrier came about as a result of a hunting accident. Hunting with a pack of darker-colors dogs, a Scottish landowner accidentally mistook one of his dogs for a fox. In his grief, the man vowed to hunt only with light-colored dogs in the future. The breed was originally recognized in the United States as the Roseneath Terrier.
West Highland White Terrier coat care and colors
The proper grooming of the West Highland White Terrier requires slow, painstaking “hand-stripping,” or plucking, of dead fur to allow for new growth. Hand-stripping is hard to learn and not much fun. That’s why most Westies visit professional groomers regularly to be clipped short, making home care easier – an occasional brushing and combing are all that’s needed between groomings. Additionally, acclimating puppies to having their feet handled will make a lifetime of nail trims easier.
How often should West Highland Terriers be groomed?
How often should West Highland Terriers be groomed?
What type of coat do Westies have?
What type of coat do Westies have?
How often should I bathe my West Highland White Terrier?
How often should I bathe my West Highland White Terrier?
Westie exercise & training
Westie fun facts
Top girl names for Westies
of Westies are female
of Westies are male
Top boy names for Westies
Nationwide loves West Highland White Terriers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
| Gender | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male | 0% |
| Female | 100% |
Among West Highland White Terriers insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.
West Highland White Terrier statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.
Other breeds like Westies
Best. West Highland White Terrier insurance. Ever.SM
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
- Visit any licensed veterinarian, anywhere
- Cancel at any time, risk-free