Group: Terrier Group
Purpose of Breed: Hunting rats
Country of Origin: Scotland
Average Size: Ranges from 10-11 inches and 15-22 pounds.
Color(s): White
Coat Type: A double coat-wiry and flat on the outside and soft on the inside.
Grooming: This breed is an average shedder with a coat that should be brushed daily to stay in top condition. Special grooming is necessary if the dog is to be shown. Standard care is required for eyes, ears, pads and nails.
Exercise Needs: West Highland White Terriers require a moderate amount of exercise, but adapt well to apartment living if given daily opportunities to romp and play. They are hunters by nature and should be turned out in a safely enclosed area or exercised on a lead.
Temperament: The West Highland White Terrier is an active and assertive breed that is best suited to living with adults and older children. This breed can be very independent and strong-willed. It is alert and courageous and makes a wonderful watchdog. They make good obedience dogs with proper training and will get along with most other companion animals if introduced properly.
Common Ailments: Susceptible to patellar luxation, skin problems, hernias and liver disease.
Life Expectancy: Averages 12-14 years Trivia: There is a legend that says West Highland White Terriers were developed to be seen easily in the field after a hunter mistakenly took his red colored terrier for a fox and shot it.
More Information: West Highland White Terrier Club of America
Check out these photos.
This is Leyla, my 4 month old West Highland White Terrier. She really likes to meet other people and other dogs. She also eats a lot of food, she would eat anything that comes in her mouth.
Sparky is an 11 year old Westie. We bought her when she was 10 weeks old because my 6 year old son wanted a sibling and we were unable to have another child.
Simon is 9 years old. He is a West Highland Terrier. We bought Simon from a breeder in AR. He flew all the way to CT to be with us!
Maxwell is a 4 year old Westie. He likes to cuddle, chase next doors cat, and watch TV.
ChaCha Coconut King is 5 years old. She is a West Highland Terrier who I got the pet store when she was a puppy.
A friend could not give her the attention she needed so he gave her to us in Feb 2010. She loves to chase anything she can find to chase.
Riley, the Wonder Westie is 2 1/2 year old West Highland White Terrier. We got Riley as a 3 month old puppy from Scottie Kingdom Rescue.
I rescued her from someone who was taking her to an animal shelter. She likes to lay with her squeaky toy Baxter the Bull.
Pudgy was 10 years old on Valentine's Day, He is a Westie (West Highland White Terrier). My dear, late husband insisted for years that he really wanted a dog.
Jackson is a three year old West Highland Terrier - Poodle Mix. :) He was a gift from my ex boyfriend who has since passed. My ex instilled in me a passion for the mountains and hiking, Jackson loves hiking as well.