Dog Breed · Scotland
West Highland White Terrier
The sunny Westie — a white terrier with a plucky attitude and minimal shedding.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
In brief
The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is a small, sturdy Scottish terrier with a bright white double coat and a famously plucky, cheerful character. Bred to hunt rats and other vermin among the rocks and earth of the Highlands, its defining trait is bold, confident terrier spirit packed into a compact, friendly companion.
West Highland White Terrier: At a Glance
| Origin | Scotland |
|---|---|
| Size | Small (7–10 kg) |
| Weight | Around 7-10 kg (15-22 lb) |
| Lifespan | 10–14 years |
| Coat | A harsh, straight white outer coat over a soft, dense undercoat, designed to shed dirt and resist weather. Westies shed very little but need regular care: weekly brushing, and the harsh coat is traditionally hand-stripped or, more commonly for pets, clipped every few months. Occasional baths and routine attention to the face and feet keep the white coat looking its best. |
| Temperament | Confident, cheerful, hardy |
| Good with | A good choice for families, first-time owners and flat-dwellers alike, given its small size and adaptable, sociable nature. Westies are confident and friendly but retain a feisty terrier streak, so they need consistent training and early socialisation. They suit active owners who can provide a couple of brisk walks and play daily. Their strong prey drive can make them unreliable around small pets like rodents, and some are vocal, so a watchful approach to barking helps. |
History & Origins
The West Highland White Terrier shares ancestry with several Scottish terrier breeds developed to hunt vermin among the rocky terrain of the Highlands. According to popular tradition, white-coated dogs were deliberately favoured by breeders so that they could be told apart from quarry and not mistaken for game during hunts. The breed was promoted in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, notably associated with Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch, and was recognised under its current name in the early 1900s. From its working roots it has become one of the most popular and recognisable companion terriers in the world.
West Highland White Terrier Fun Facts
- Tradition holds that Westies were bred white so hunters could distinguish them from foxes and other quarry in the field.
- The breed's instantly recognisable image has long featured in advertising, including as one half of a famous Scotch whisky branding pair with a black Scottish Terrier.
- Beneath the tidy white coat, Westies are robust, rugged working terriers built to go to ground after rats and foxes.
- Their double coat is naturally somewhat dirt-shedding, which historically helped keep the white dogs presentable after working underground.
West Highland White Terrier Common Health Issues
Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Skin allergies
Itching, ear infections, and paw licking may reflect food or environmental allergies.
Care: Your vet can diagnose triggers and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Patellar luxation
The kneecap slips out of place, causing intermittent skipping or lameness.
Care: Mild cases may need weight control only; severe cases can require surgery.
Dental disease
Plaque and tartar build-up leads to gum infection and tooth loss.
Care: Brush teeth regularly and schedule professional dental cleanings as your vet advises.
Every dog deserves a chance
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