All breeds › West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
A small white Scottish terrier bred to hunt foxes and rodents.
♥ Swipe on the West Highland White TerrierQuick facts
- Origin
- Scotland
- Size
- Small
- Energy
- Medium
- Bred for
- Hunting vermin
- Lifespan
- 12–16 years
- Temperament
- Happy, confident, feisty
- Exercise
- 45 min/day
- Grooming
- High
- Shedding
- Low
- Training
- Moderate
- With children
- Good
- Apartment
- Yes
Where the West Highland White Terrier comes from
Westies come from the west of Scotland, where they were bred to hunt rats and foxes among rocks. Their white coat was chosen to make them easy to see.
Personality and daily life
Happy, confident and feisty. Westies are friendly and busy, and they dig and bark.
Westies are bright, busy little terriers. They dig and bark and need regular coat care.
Exercise, grooming and health
Moderate walks and play. The harsh double coat needs brushing and trimming or hand stripping. Skin allergies and liver problems occur.
Is a West Highland White Terrier right for you?
Apartments and houses, for owners who like a busy terrier.
- Copes well with apartment living
- Sheds little
- Needs regular grooming
Similar breeds
Profiles are general guides. Individual dogs vary, so always meet the dog and talk to a breeder, shelter or vet.