West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terriers, or Westies, are cheerful small terriers known for a bright white coat and an upbeat, confident personality. They’re often affectionate with family while still maintaining classic terrier independence. Westies enjoy daily walks and play and can excel with reward-based training when sessions are fun and consistent. Their coat needs routine grooming, including brushing and trimming. Socialization and good manners, Westies can be lively, sturdy companions who bring a lot of character to the home.
The West Highland White Terrier is a small dog in the Terrier group, known for Confident, Friendly, Independent. Adults typically weigh 15-20 lbs and stand 10-11 in, with a lifespan around 13-15 years.
Quick facts
- Group: Terrier
- Size: small
- Lifespan: 13-15 years
- Weight: 15-20 lbs
- Height: 10-11 in
- Temperament: Confident, Friendly, Independent, Spirited
Temperament & day-to-day life
Temperament helps you predict what daily life with this breed may feel like. The West Highland White Terrier is often described as Confident, Friendly, Independent, Spirited. Individual dogs vary, but these traits are a solid starting point when you’re planning training, enrichment, and routines.
If you’re researching this breed because you’re trying to identify your own dog, use temperament as supporting evidence—not the final verdict. Compare size, proportions, and behavior patterns, then confirm with a photo using the AI dog breed identifier.
Training & exercise
Terriers were bred to pursue vermin and work with determination. Many are confident, persistent, and surprisingly quick learners when motivated.
Consistency matters: set rules early, reward calm focus, and avoid letting small habits become big ones. Keep training fun to maintain engagement.
Terriers often benefit from energetic play and problem-solving games. A bored terrier will invent its own activities—usually the loud kind.
History
Westies originated in Scotland, bred as hardy working terriers for hunting vermin. Their white coat helped distinguish them from quarry in the field and became a hallmark of the breed.
Care tips
Good care is less about perfection and more about consistency. Start with simple routines you can keep up—daily movement, a predictable feeding plan, and regular check-ins for ears, nails, and skin.
- Brush regularly and schedule trimming to keep the coat neat and healthy.
- Give them daily exercise and training to channel terrier energy.
- Teach leash manners—some can be reactive to small animals.
- Use rewards; independence does best with rewards.
- Monitor skin health; terriers are prone to itchiness.
Similar breeds to compare
Many breeds share similar silhouettes and features. If you’re comparing AI results or deciding between breeds, it helps to read a few profiles side by side. Common look-alikes and close cousins to the West Highland White Terrier include Cairn Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Norfolk Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer.
When you compare, focus on structure (muzzle length, ear set, body proportions) as much as coat color. Then confirm by looking at temperament and daily care needs.
FAQ
How big do West Highland White Terriers get?
Most adult West Highland White Terriers fall around 15-20 lbs and stand 10-11 in. Genetics, diet, and activity level all influence where an individual dog lands within that range.
How long do West Highland White Terriers live?
The typical lifespan is 13-15 years. Preventive vet care, healthy weight, and consistent daily exercise are some of the biggest factors that support longevity.
What is the West Highland White Terrier temperament like?
Many owners describe this breed as Confident, Friendly, Independent, Spirited. Early socialization and reward-based training help those traits show up as calm confidence at home and on walks.
How can I identify a West Highland White Terrier from a photo?
Upload a clear photo (ideally with the full body visible) to our dog breed identifier. Use the results as a starting point, then compare likely matches in the breed directory.