03/09/2023
What To Expect When Caring For a West Highland White Terrier
Owning a dog is not just a privilege; itâs a responsibility.
TERRIER GROUP
"West Highland White Terrier"
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
11 inches (male)
10 inches (female)
WEIGHT
15-20 pounds
LIFE EXPECTANCY
13-15 years
Breed Traits & Characteristics
FAMILY LIFE
PHYSICAL
SOCIAL
PERSONALITY
ALL TRAITS
AFFECTIONATE WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Not Recommended
Good With Children
(my experience they are excellent with children)
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Not Recommended
Good With Other Dogs (again, I have had great experience. I do have to say it depends on the Westie. Some do prefer to be alone while most prefer a friend. In my experiences though, best 2 fixed males or both fixed/spayed male & female. 2 females will bicker at each other. Just like siblings).
The West Highland White Terrier was recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1908.
The Breed Standard
Breed Standard: A description of the ideal dog of each recognized breed, to serve as an ideal against which dogs are judged at shows, originally laid down by a parent breed club and accepted officially by national or international bodies.
West Highland White Terrier illustration.
VIEW FULL BREED STANDARD >
Breed Colors & Markings
COLORS
MARKINGS
HEAD OVER TO ONLINE DOG REGISTRATION >
About the Breed
Smart, confident, and always entertaining at play, the adorable West Highland White Terrier (Westie, for short) has charmed owners for over 300 years. This diminutive but sturdy earthdog is among the most popular of the small terriers. Standing 10 to 11 inches at the shoulder, with dark piercing eyes, compact body, and a carrot-shaped tail wagging with delight, the Westie's looks are irresistible. Beneath the plush-toy exterior, though, is a true working terrier of gameness and courage. Bred to hunt rats and other underground rodents, Westies are surprisingly strong and tough. The all-white double coat is hard to the touch, not soft and fluffy. Alert and active, Westies exhibit traits of a plucky and self-reliant ratting terrier: They require no pampering, they will chase after anything that moves, and their independence can make training a challenge. But, thanks to their faithfulness and keen intelligence, Westies will train nicely with time and patience.
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National Breed Club & Rescue
Want to connect with other people who love the same breed as much as you do? We have plenty of opportunities to get involved in your local community thanks to AKC Breed Clubs located in every state and more than 450 AKC Rescue Network groups across the country. Founded in 1909, the West Highland White Terrier Club of America is the official AKC Parent Club for the Westie.
WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER CLUB OF AMERICA
What To Expect When Caring For a West Highland White Terrier
Owning a dog is not just a privilege; itâs a responsibility. They depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. When you take a dog into your life, you need to understand the commitment that dog ownership entails.
Health
West Highland White Terriers are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as cardiac disease and patellar luxation. A Westie's teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste formulated for dogs. Regular visits to the vet for checkups and parasite control help to ensure the dog a long, healthy life.
Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
â˘Patella Evaluation
â˘Hip Evaluation
â˘Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Grooming
To keep the Westie looking his best, regular grooming is a must. Stripping (or plucking) the old, dead hair is the traditional way of taking care of the terrier coat, and it is the grooming method that must be used if you're interested in showing your dog. Pet owners often have their dogs' coats clipped for neatness. Most people find a professional groomer who will help keep that beautiful Westie look. Usually a visit to the groomer every 4 to 6 weeks will work just fine. Daily brushing and combing are important. Because the Westie has a hard coat, bathing too often can do more harm than good.
Exercise
Westies love to romp and play, and they enjoy a nice walk. Since by nature they will run after anything that moves, the breed does best in a fenced area or on a leash. With their intelligence, energy, and can-do attitude, Westies excel in a variety of canine sports and activities, including obedience, rally, and agility. True to the breed's original purpose, they have the instinct to go to ground and are superstars at earthdog events.
Training
Smart, confident, adaptable, and endlessly entertaining at play, the adorable Westie has charmed owners for more than 300 years. Like all terriers, Westies were bred to work alone. This terrier independence can make training a challenge, but thanks to their keen intelligence Westies take to patient, consistent lessons that are kept upbeat and interesting. Despite their size, Westies are sturdy, no-nonsense dogs who require little pampering.
Nutrition
The West Highland White Terrier should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog's age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog's calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
10 Grooming Secrets From Show Dog Experts
By Aaron Stepanek
Feb 27, 2023
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From sporting dogs to toy breeds, show dogs must look the part.
âMiss America does not just sit on the couch eating potato chips before a pageant,â says Susan Hamil, a veteran of the dog show world. âItâs the same for show dogs.â Hamil, a judge and fancier of Bloodhounds, is one of the four dog show experts that shared their tips and dog care regimen leading up to a show.
The perfectly-coiffed dogs may make it look effortless, but groomers are doing consistent work behind the scenes to prepare for the ring. While your dog may not be strutting their stuff at a Conformation event, we know theyâll always be Best in Show in your heart. These dog grooming tips will help your pup look and feel their best.
1. Letâs Talk Exercise
âThe thing about show dogs is that they learn to enjoy all of the attention, which makes them feel good about themselves. Just like people, dogs feel their best when theyâre in great condition, so they need exercise. For example, a show Bloodhound will do 45 minutes of swimming with a weighted vest on a regular basis to stay in shape.â âSusan Hamil, Bloodhound judge and breeder
Courtesy of Erin Myers
2. Research Your Dog Food
âThe most important advice I give to owners of West Highland White Terriers is to research your dog food. A lot of Westies are prone to skin issues, and people want a formulaic answer to solve whatâs going on, but itâs not that easy. I think some dog foods promote yeast growth, and yeast is a bad thing for Westies. It gets in their armpits, in their pads, and it just grows â I have a couple of friends that have Westies, and they chew themselves raw. Itâs really sad. People assume itâs allergies, but it may not be. It may be something like too much sugar in the food or too many carbohydrates, which produces sugar, which fuels yeast. Always research their food and talk to your vet about what is appropriate.â âVanessa Skou, West Highland White Terrier breeder and fancier. Dog grooming tips. Courtesy of Michelle Jones
3. Teach Your Dog to Love Grooming
âDog owners need to be willing to put in the time to teach dogs to accept grooming. If you can put the dog up on a countertop, touch their feet, and run a brush through their coat, it helps them to get used to being handled, and they learn to enjoy it. My dogs will jump up on the grooming tables themselves and hang out. Theyâll look at me like, âHey, itâs my turn! Brush me.â If you make it enjoyable, it can be very relaxing for the dog.â âLindsey Dicken, Master Groomer, Bichon Frise fancier
4. Get to Know Your Dogâs Coat Type
âUnderstanding what your dogâs coat needs is very helpful. For example, Shih Tzus are known for their long, flowing coats. Sometimes the stronger shampoos that are used to get Shih Tzus clean can dry their skin, so they typically need a conditioner after a bath to put the moisture back in. Keep in mind, itâs essential to use shampoo products that are made for dogs and not people because of the differences in pH balance.â âMichelle Jones, Shih Tzu breeder and fancier
âBloodhounds have an all-weather coat. They secrete sebum that naturally waterproofs their coats, so water doesnât pe*****te the hair, and they can shake it off. When washing your dog, you do not want to remove the natural oils. Use a gentle shampoo on a routine basis. I also use a conditioner or a crème rinse. Before bath time, I brush out the dogâs coat to get the dead hair out. I prefer a rubber brush with individual bristles.â âSusan Hamil, Bloodhound expert
5. Never Skimp on Dental Hygiene
âItâs crucial for large dogs to get used to being handled right at the beginning. You should be able to lift their lip to massage their gums and clean their teeth. For massaging their gums, you can use a finger brush or a toothbrush with soft, rubber bristles. Always make sure you brush the gum line, too. Dogs can get all of the dental issues humans do â except they cannot brush their teeth after a meal.â âSusan Hamil, Bloodhound expert
âIn addition to brushing, I give my dogs a chew that is a hardened cheese to help keep their teeth clean. I like them because theyâre easy for the little dogs to hold between their paws. They donât make a big mess or leave residue on their coat. Iâve also recently been turned on to dried duck feet. My dogs only get them twice a week. They love them, and for some reason, their teeth are spotless.â âMichelle Jones, Shih Tzu expert. Courtesy of Rhonda Cassidy
6. Keep Nails and Foot Hair Trimmed
Nails
âMy dogsâ nails are checked with every single bath. Because breeds like Shih Tzus and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a lot of foot hair, people forget about trimming their nails. But they shouldnât. When nails are overgrown, it affects their feet and their ability to walk and move.â
Foot Hair
âOn Shih Tzus and other toy breeds, you need to trim the hair thatâs between the pads of their feet on the bottom side. Keeping that area trimmed and clean can reduce their chances of getting irritation between the pads of the feet. It also helps with traction so they can use the pads of their feet when theyâre on different surfaces.â âMichelle Jones, Shih Tzu expert. Bichon Frise grooming. Courtesy of Lindsey Dicken
7. Keep Up With Grooming
Brush Between Grooming Appointments
âIâm a pet groomer by trade, and I think the biggest thing that we tell our owners is brushing out the coat. Itâs the biggest favor you can do for your dog because they have to learn, first of all, that itâs not a bad thing. Then, when they get to a groomer, they wonât have to brush out four to eight weeks of knots. Thatâs not fun for the groomer or the dog. When an owner brushes their dog at home, it not only keeps the coat in good shape, it also gets the dog used to being handled and brushed. It makes the groomerâs job a lot easier, and itâs more comfortable for the dog.â âLindsey Dicken, Master Groomer and Bichon Frise expert
Maintain Cuts
âThere are many cute puppy cuts out there for Shih Tzus, but owners need to make sure that the cuts are maintained. It is important to trim the hair over the nose on a regular basis. People donât always realize that as the hair grows, it can poke the dog in the eye and give them eye irritation.â âMichelle Jones, Shih Tzu expert. Courtesy of Lindsey Dicken
8. Quick Health Check
âIâm always touching my dogs. I carry them in my arms. Iâm grooming them often, and Iâm always looking at them. This way, I can find out: Do they have a growth? Do they have something going on? Iâm always aware of whatâs going on with my dogsâ bodies. You can catch many issues before they become bad by being observant.â âVanessa Skou, West Highland White Terrier expert
9. Special Care for Certain Features
Floppy Ears
âGet your vet to recommend a gentle ear cleaner and clean their ears according to how much wax build-up or debris there is. Keep their ear tips clean and dry. If you live in a city, their ears will pick up a lot of dirt from the sidewalk.â
Droopy Eyes
âMake sure the eyes are clear of any matter or discharge. The breed has droopy eyes so that you can see lower lids and they may be a little pink. They should never be fiery red or angry-looking. There should not be persistent tearing or discharge. If this is the case, consult your vet.â âSusan Hamil, Bloodhound expert
10. Specially Treat White Coats
âI bathe my dogs that are showing once a week, and I make sure theyâre dried well. I wash them in a clear shampoo â no color. Westie hair absorbs color. So if you use a purple shampoo, then eventually theyâll become purple.
âClean and dry is the name of the game. And itâs hard when you have a pet. Even if you use a hand towel to wipe their feet every time they come inside, it will help a lot.â âVanessa Skou, West Highland White Terrier Expert
âI mix it up, depending on each dog because if they have a dry coat, you donât want to use one that has a lot of bluing in it because it will make them purple. I sometimes use the brand Artero. They have a booster called âBlanc,â that you can mix into other shampoos. It makes it like an optical brightener. I like that one because itâs not so obvious and not so purple or blue.â âLindsey Dicken, Master Groomer and Bichon Frise expert
Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports.
Š The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. All rights reserved.
The AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health and training information for dogs.
