People usually look up West Highland White Terriers when they’re weighing up a puppy, trying to understand a new rescue’s behaviour, or checking whether common issues like itchy skin and knee problems are “a Westie thing” or something more urgent.
Westies are small, tough little terriers: bright, self-possessed, and often more independent than their size suggests. The details matter, because the same wiry coat that keeps them weatherproof can hide skin trouble, and the same terrier confidence that charms visitors can turn into stubbornness if training is inconsistent.
Westie snapshot
- Height: around 28 cm at the withers (breed standard guide)1
- Typical weight: often around 7–10 kg (varies by sex and build)2
- Coat: harsh outer coat over a soft, dense undercoat (double coat)1
- Colour: white only in the breed standard1
- Temperament: lively, confident terrier; can be independent and strong-willed3
History and origins
The West Highland White Terrier comes from Scotland, shaped by hard ground and practical work: small enough to follow vermin into rocky places, sturdy enough to keep moving in rough weather. The modern breed standard still reflects that heritage, describing a compact, balanced terrier with a weather-resistant double coat and free, efficient movement.1
Physical characteristics and temperament
A Westie is a small dog with a surprisingly solid frame. The breed standard describes an outer coat about 5 cm long, harsh to the touch, sitting over a close undercoat that feels more like fur.1
In the home, many Westies are social and affectionate, but they are still terriers. Expect curiosity, quick reactions, and moments of selective hearing—especially around birds, possums, or anything that moves like prey. Their independence isn’t a flaw; it’s a working-dog trait that benefits from calm boundaries and repeatable routines.
Grooming and everyday care
Westies shed less noticeably than many breeds, but the coat needs regular attention to stop it felting close to the skin. Good grooming also helps you spot early skin changes—redness, dandruff, chewing, or a sour smell—before they become a bigger problem.
Coat care
- Brush regularly: aim for several short sessions a week, more often if the coat is kept longer.
- Clipping vs hand-stripping: pet Westies are often clipped for practicality; hand-stripping is usually discussed for show coats. If you’re unsure, ask a groomer who works with terrier coats.
- Bathing: keep it gentle and not too frequent. Over-washing or harsh shampoos can aggravate sensitive skin in some dogs.
Teeth, ears, and nails
- Teeth: regular toothbrushing is the most reliable way to reduce plaque and slow dental disease.4
- Ears: check weekly for redness, wax build-up, or a yeasty smell—especially if your Westie is itchy elsewhere.
- Nails: trim little and often. Long nails change foot posture and can make already-wobbly knees work harder.
Training and socialisation
Westies tend to learn quickly, then test whether the rule still applies tomorrow. Training works best when it’s brief, consistent, and worth their while: food rewards, play, and access to what they want (a sniff, a greeting, a trot to the next tree).
Early socialisation matters. It’s not about flooding them with chaos; it’s about calm, controlled exposure—different people, gentle dogs, household sounds, car rides—so the adult dog is less likely to default to barking or bristling when something feels unfamiliar.
Exercise and enrichment
Westies usually do well with daily walking and short bursts of play. They don’t need marathon exercise, but they do need variety: different routes, sniffing time, and small training games at home.
For puppies and adolescent dogs, avoid forced, high-intensity exercise (long runs, repeated jumping, relentless ball throwing). The RSPCA recommends keeping exercise appropriate to age and stopping when a dog shows fatigue.5
Because many Westies are keen diggers and chasers, a securely fenced area and lead skills are practical safety tools, not optional extras.
Diet and nutrition
Choose a complete and balanced diet for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, senior). Westies can be enthusiastic eaters, and extra weight quietly worsens joint strain and can make skin folds and itch harder to manage.
If you use treats for training (which is often sensible with terriers), keep them small and account for them as part of the day’s intake. The WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines are a useful starting point when you’re comparing foods and working out portions with your vet.6
Health concerns seen in Westies
No single Westie will have all of these issues, but the breed has a few patterns worth knowing about—especially if you’re choosing a breeder, insuring a new dog, or trying to interpret symptoms early.
Skin disease and allergies
West Highland White Terriers are among the breeds predisposed to canine atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies). It often begins young (commonly between about 6 months and 3 years) and can show up as persistent itch, paw licking, facial rubbing, and recurring ear infections.7
Itch is not “normal for Westies”. If your dog is chewing feet, rubbing the face, or waking at night to scratch, it’s worth a vet visit—skin disease is usually easier to manage early, before secondary infections become established.7
Knee problems (patellar luxation)
Patellar luxation—where the kneecap slips out of its groove—is common across many small breeds. Signs can be subtle: a skipping step, sudden three-legged hops, then a return to normal as the kneecap pops back in place.8
Hip and other orthopaedic issues
Westies can also develop other orthopaedic problems. If your dog is reluctant to jump, slow on stairs, or stiff after rest, a vet check is worthwhile. Keeping your Westie lean and fit is one of the simplest ways to reduce day-to-day strain on joints.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
This condition affects the hip joint and is classically seen in small-breed dogs, causing hind-limb lameness and pain that tends to worsen over time. Diagnosis and treatment are veterinary-managed, and early assessment matters if a young Westie starts limping without an obvious injury.9
Choosing a Westie (or helping one settle in)
- Ask about skin history: recurrent ear infections, chronic itch, or frequent antibiotics can hint at underlying allergy patterns.
- Watch movement: skipping, bunny-hopping, or uneven gait deserves a proper orthopaedic check.
- Meet the parents where possible: temperament is shaped by both genetics and early environment.
- Plan for grooming: coat maintenance isn’t difficult, but it is regular.
Final thoughts
A Westie is small enough for unit living, but not delicate. They bring a neat, weatherproof coat, a watchful terrier brain, and a steady need for daily contact and routine. When their needs are met—grooming that reveals the skin, training that rewards the right choices, exercise that’s varied rather than extreme—they tend to settle into a companionable, bright presence that lasts for years.
References
- Dogs NSW (ANKC) breed standard: West Highland White Terrier
- Purina: West Highland White Terrier (height and weight range)
- The Kennel Club (UK) breed standard: West Highland White Terrier
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Pet dental care
- RSPCA Pet Insurance: How to safely exercise your dog or puppy
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Canine atopic dermatitis
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Luxating patella in dogs
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom