Their playful energy and zest for life ensure there's never a dull moment when a Westie is around. Additionally, they are generally easy to train and adapt well to various living situations, whether in a bustling city or a quiet countryside home, making great family pets. With proper care, attention, and love, a Westie can be a delightful and loyal addition to any family.
Top 6 vital stats about West Highland Terriers...
1
Social
Good with other kids and other pets
2
Exercise
40+ mins per day
3
Grooming
4-6 weeks
4
Feeding
2 times a day
5
Training
Requires frequent exercise and stimulation
6
Shedding
Light
How do West Highland Terriers interact?
Good with children?
Yes, their lively and friendly nature makes them ideal playmates, and their robust build ensures they can keep up with energetic youngsters. Westies are known for their affectionate and loyal disposition, which helps in forming strong bonds with family members, including children.
Good with other pets?
Yes, Westies tend to have a strong prey drive, so it's best to avoid housing them with smaller pets. If they've been raised with a cat in the household, they should get along with that particular cat, but it's important to always supervise your dog when they're around other animals.
Good with people?
Yes, West Highland Terriers are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them wonderful companions for people of all ages. These small yet robust dogs are incredibly affectionate and enjoy engaging with their human families.
West Highland Terrier interaction summary
The West Highland Terrier, or "Westie," is renowned for its spirited and charming personality. These small dogs are incredibly confident. Westies are known for their intelligence and curiosity, making them quick learners and eager participants in various activities. Their playful nature ensures they are always up for an adventure, whether it's a game of fetch or exploring new surroundings.
Caring for your West Highland Terrier
Do West Highland Terriers need a lot of grooming?
Yes, their distinctive white coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain its pristine appearance; brushing at least twice a week is ideal.
Do West Highland Terriers dogs have common health issues?
Yes, Westies can suffer from skin conditions and hip dysplasia. Regular vet check-ups are essential to monitor their health, and a balanced diet tailored to their needs will keep them in optimal condition.
How many times do Westies eat per day?
West Highland White Terriers generally thrive on a routine of two meals per day.
West Highland Terrier care summary
Caring for a Westie involves a blend of love and attention. These spirited dogs thrive on regular exercise, so ensure daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy. Westies are intelligent and respond well to training, so engage them with mental stimulation and positive reinforcement techniques.
West Highland Terriers personality & temperament
Do West Highland Terrier dogs need a lot of training?
While they may not require extensive training compared to some breeds, they do benefit immensely from consistent and structured training sessions. Their innate curiosity and high energy levels mean that they can sometimes be a handful without proper guidance.
What energy levels do Westies have?
Their energetic disposition means they thrive in environments where they can engage in activities such as walks, playtime, and interactive games. Despite their small stature, Westies have a big personality and an enthusiasm that can brighten any household.
Do Westie dogs bark a lot?
While they can indeed bark a fair amount, this characteristic stems from their history as hunting dogs, originally bred to alert their owners to the presence of game. Their keen senses and lively disposition mean they are quick to respond to any unusual noises or movements.
Did You Know?
West Highland White Terriers and their distinctive white coat is not just for aesthetics; it was historically bred to help hunters easily spot them in the Scottish Highlands.
They hail from Scotland, where they were bred to hunt small game like rodents and foxes.
These dogs are surprisingly hardy and have a robust constitution, making them excellent companions for active individuals who enjoy outdoor adventures.
Package available for your West Highland Terrier includes
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Complementary treatment
Up to
£500
per illness/injury
Up to
£750
per illness/injury
Up to
£1000
per illness/injury
3rd Party Liability (dogs only)
Up to
£1M
per illness/injury
Up to
£2M
per illness/injury
Up to
£2M
per illness/injury
Death from Illness*
*Death from illness does not apply to dogs aged 9 and over & cats aged 11 and over
£1,000
£1,500
£2,000
Death from accident
£1,000
£1,500
£2,000
Westie Training & Exercise
Training tips
- Start with basic commands such as "sit", "stay", and "come", using treats and praise to encourage good behaviour.
- Patience is key, as Westies can be a bit stubborn. Keep training sessions short and engaging to maintain their interest and enthusiasm. With dedication and love, your Westie will grow into a well-mannered and happy companion.
Separation anxiety
- These affectionate and social creatures thrive on human companionship and may feel distressed when left alone for extended periods.
- Symptoms of separation anxiety in Westies can include excessive barking and destructive behaviour.
Training frequency
- Ideally, short but frequent training sessions work best for Westies.
- Engaging your Westie in daily 20-25 minute training routines can be highly effective, ensuring they stay mentally stimulated and well-behaved.
Socialisation
- Early socialisation and basic obedience training are essential to ensure they grow into well-mannered companions
West Highland Terrier personality traits
Grooming
- Their dense, double-layered coat is prone to matting and tangling, necessitating frequent brushing, ideally several times a week.
- Regular baths using dog-specific shampoos help keep their coat clean and healthy.
- Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is advisable to trim and shape their fur, ensuring they look their best.
Suitability for a first time owner
- Their friendly and outgoing nature makes them easy to bond with, and their moderate size ensures they are manageable for those new to dog ownership.
- Westies are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, which makes training relatively straightforward.
- Their cheerful disposition and playful energy can bring a lot of joy and companionship to a household.
Feeding
- Feeding them once in the morning and once in the evening is ideal, ensuring they receive the right balance of nutrients throughout the day.
- It's also important to monitor their portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and related health issues.
Health conditions
- Common issues include skin disorders, allergies, which can cause itching and discomfort, and are often triggered by environmental factors or food sensitivities
- Westies may suffer from hip dysplasia, a genetic disorder affecting the hip joints.
- Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are vital in managing these conditions. With proper care and attention, Westies can lead healthy and happy live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with short, gentle walks to help them get used to the world around them. Most Westies are lively and love to play, so engage them with a variety of games like fetch or tug-of-war.
Interactive toys can also keep their minds stimulated. Additionally, basic obedience training sessions can be both mentally and physically engaging for your pup.
These energetic little dogs thrive on walks, playtime, and interactive toys that challenge their intelligence. Socialisation is also crucial; regularly introduce them to new people, pets, and environments to keep them well-adjusted and content. A balanced diet tailored to their specific needs will keep them healthy and energetic.
These dogs are typically energetic, intelligent, and highly curious, making them both engaging and entertaining companions. They have a strong prey drive, a trait that harks back to their origins as hunters of vermin.
Westie puppies are intelligent and quick learners, making training a delightful experience. Their friendly and affectionate demeanour ensures they fit in well with families and other pets. Despite their small size, Westies have a bold and confident personality, often displaying a charming mix of independence and loyalty.
Their light-coloured coats tend to show dirt and stains more readily than darker ones. Regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and to keep their fur looking bright and clean.
The Poltalloch Terrier and the Roseneath Terrier are both historical names for what we now commonly refer to as the West Highland White Terrier, or simply the Westie. These names originated from different estates in Scotland where the breed was developed.
