West Highland White Terrier: Temperament and Everyday Care
Who a Westie Suits
Westies are friendly, confident and lively, and they adapt well to apartments or houses. They suit owners who enjoy a characterful dog and don't mind some barking and digging.
They are a harder fit for homes with small pets such as rabbits or rodents, and for anyone wanting a lapdog that follows every instruction.
Terrier Drive
Westies were bred to go after vermin, so digging, chasing and barking come naturally. Give the instincts an outlet with scent games, a digging spot and short training sessions. Recall around squirrels takes work; practice on a long line.
The White Coat
Brush and comb a few times a week to stop tangles and keep the coat clean. Many owners have the coat hand-stripped, which keeps it harsh, or clipped, which is easier but softens it. Bathe only when needed with a gentle dog shampoo, and rinse and dry thoroughly.
Skin Checks
Run your hands over your Westie during grooming and look at the skin. Redness, scratching, a smell or greasy patches are reasons to see your vet; see skin and coat care.
Gear for a Westie
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A slicker brush and metal comb handle the coat, and a stripping knife helps if you learn to hand-strip. A tough small ball and a long line suit a busy terrier, and a gentle dog shampoo keeps the white coat clean.
Health: What to Ask the Breeder and Your Vet
The Royal Kennel Club's breed page lists no specific screening tests for the West Highland White Terrier. Ask the breeder what health checks the parents have had, and ask your vet to check the skin, ears, teeth and kneecaps at routine visits.
Book a check-up soon after your dog comes home, keep it lean, and ask your vet about vaccinations, neutering and a parasite prevention plan for where you live.
Worming, flea and tick products and any medicines: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. They can tell you what suits your dog.
Finding a Puppy or a Rescue
Meet the puppy with its mother and ask about the parents' skin and general health. Westies also come into breed rescues. See rescue vs breeder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Digging, barking and keeping white come up most.
Are Westies good with children?
Usually, with older, gentle children. They are sturdy but won't tolerate rough handling.
Do Westies shed?
A little. Regular brushing and trimming or hand-stripping keep the coat in good order.
Are Westies barkers?
Many are alert and vocal. Training and enough exercise help.
Can a Westie live with a cat?
Some do if raised together, but many chase. Never leave a Westie unsupervised with small pets.
Related Reading
- Jack Russell Terrier: another busy small terrier.
- Dog enrichment ideas: digging and sniffing games.
- Recall training: for dogs that chase.
Breed traits are tendencies, not promises. If anything about your dog's health or behavior worries you, call your vet.