West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier — universally known as the Westie — is one of Britain's most beloved terrier breeds, instantly recognisable for its striking white double coat, compact build, and bold black eyes and nose.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
13–15 years
Weight
6.5–10 kg (14–22 lbs)
Height
25–28 cm (10–11 in)
Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — quality kibble; avoid artificial additives which can exacerbate skin allergies
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The West Highland White Terrier — universally known as the Westie — is one of Britain's most beloved terrier breeds, instantly recognisable for its striking white double coat, compact build, and bold black eyes and nose. Developed in the Scottish Highlands to hunt vermin in rocky terrain, the Westie's white colour was specifically selected so that hunters could distinguish the dog from foxes and other prey in poor visibility. The breed has become a cultural icon — the face of a leading Scotch whisky brand, Cesar pet food, and countless other products that leverage its bright-eyed, button-nosed appearance.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Westie is a compact, balanced terrier with a short, sturdy body and a characteristic round head with a blunt muzzle. The pure white double coat has a hard, straight outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. The large, dark round eyes and jet black nose against the white coat create an irresistible face. The tail is carrot-shaped and never docked.
Grooming
High
Shedding
Low
Brushing
3-4x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-3-4-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Westies are confident, friendly, and boldly independent — terriers in every sense, they approach life with cheerful determination. They are naturally curious and can be mischievous, following their nose and hunting instinct into situations. They are friendly with strangers once introduced and generally good with older children. Their independence means training requires patience and positive motivation. They are vocal dogs — alert to every sound.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
5/5Attention Need
3/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
3/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Ideal Weather
0°C to 25°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
50%
Attention
30%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
excessive barking, digging, skin scratching increase, stubbornness, snapping
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Moderate exercise of 45–60 minutes daily suits most Westies. The distinctive white coat requires professional hand-stripping or clipping every 6–8 weeks and brushing several times weekly. White coats show tear staining and debris readily. Skin monitoring is important as Westies are highly prone to skin allergies.
Nutrition Notes
Skin allergies (atopic dermatitis) are the breed's #1 issue — hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets often essential. Avoid common allergens (corn, wheat, soy). Omega-3/6 supplementation critical for skin health. Copper toxicosis risk — some lines need copper-restricted diet.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Atopic dermatitis is lifelong — itching, skin infections, ear infections. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ("Westie lung disease") — progressive, fatal, no cure. Addison's disease. Luxating patella. Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO) in puppies. Copper toxicosis (liver). Despite issues, many live 12-16 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
600 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
450 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Westie Lung Disease (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or CIPF) is a progressive lung condition unique to the breed causing breathing difficulties. Skin allergies (atopic dermatitis) are the most common health complaint — affecting a significant proportion of the breed. Patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (a hip condition), and Copper toxicosis are also seen.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Only white colour accepted — hence the name. Skin allergy treatment is a major ongoing cost (₹3,000-8,000/month India for chronic cases). Cesar dog food brand mascot. Hand-stripping preferred over clipping for show coat.
Purchase Price
$800 to $2,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The white colouration of the Westie was deliberately selected after the Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch accidentally shot one of his wheaten-coloured terriers mistaking it for a fox — he subsequently bred only white dogs to prevent such accidents.
The Westie is the face of Cesar dog food internationally — an association that has made the breed one of the most commercially recognisable dogs in the world.
Westies are featured on the label of the famous Scottish whisky Black & White — depicted alongside a Scottie dog, symbolising the contrast of the two popular Scottish terriers.
