West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier is known for being hardy, friendly, alert, independent, gay, active, courageous.
Lifespan: 15 - 20 years
🏛️ Breed History
The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the Westie, is a charming Scottish breed that captures hearts with its delightful personality and distinctive snowy-white coat. Sporting a double layer of fur— a harsh outer coat complemented by a softer undercoat— these medium-sized terriers are easily recognizable. Their unique appearance is characterized by a rounded face, which adds to their endearing expression. Known for their intelligence and eagerness to learn, Westies are social creatures that often form strong bonds with their families. While they enjoy the company of children, they do appreciate their alone time and may shy away from overly rough play. With a spirited nature and a high prey drive, these energetic pups thrive on regular exercise, typically needing around an hour of activity each day to keep them happy and healthy. The Westie’s fascinating history begins with a blend of various white terrier breeds in Scotland prior to the 20th century. Much of their development can be attributed to Edward Donald Malcolm, the 16th Laird of Poltalloch, who is credited with establishing what we now recognize as the modern West Highland White Terrier. Although he preferred to keep his breeding efforts low-key, his work laid the foundation for this beloved breed. Related to the Cairn Terrier and other regional terrier varieties, the Westie was officially named in 1908, and soon after, recognition from major kennel clubs followed. Today, Westies enjoy immense popularity, especially in the United Kingdom where they have dazzled at prestigious events like Crufts. In the United States, they have consistently ranked among the top breeds since the 1960s, winning over pet lovers with their playful nature and charming antics. While they may face some breed-specific health issues, such as skin conditions and "Westie jaw," their spirited personality and loyal companionship make them a cherished addition to many households.
Temperament
Grooming Needs
Grooming difficulty: moderate. 2-3 times per week
Exercise Needs
Exercise needs: 30-60 minutes daily.
🏥 Health Information
Common Health Issues:
- allergies
- luxating patella
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
West Highland White Terriers are generally healthy but can be prone to certain conditions such as allergies, which may manifest as skin issues. Luxating patella, where the kneecap dislocates, is also common and may require surgical intervention. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, affecting the hip joint, can occur and may need surgical correction. Regular vet check-ups and maintaining a healthy weight can help mitigate these issues.
Average Annual Vet Costs: $500 - $1500
Recommended Health Screenings:
- hip evaluation
- patella evaluation
🎓 Training & Behavior
Trainability
4/5 ⭐
Intelligence
4/5 🧠
Barking
3/5 🔊
Training Tips:
Westies respond well to positive reinforcement techniques. Consistency and patience are key, as they can be independent thinkers. Early socialization and obedience training can help manage their natural curiosity and energy.
Behavioral Challenges:
stubbornness,digging
💰 Cost of Ownership
👨👩👧👦 Compatibility
Young Children
4/5 👶
Other Dogs
3/5 🐕
Cats
3/5 🐈
First-Time Owners
3/5 🆕
🛁 Detailed Care
Home Grooming:
2-3 times per week
Professional Grooming:
every 6-8 weeks
🏃 Exercise & Nutrition
Daily Exercise:
30 - 60 minutes
Exercise Intensity:
moderate
Daily Calories:
400 - 600 calories
🎉 Fun Facts
- Westies were originally bred for hunting small game.
- They are known for their distinctive white coat.
- Westies have a strong prey drive despite their small size.
Famous Examples:
- Cesar, the mascot of a famous dog food brand
- Jock from Disney's 'Lady and the Tramp'
Nicknames:
- Westie
- Westy
Quick Facts
Apartment-friendly: Yes ✅
Good with kids: Yes ✅
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