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West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Origin
Scotland
Size
Small Breed
Ideal Space
Apartment
Ideal Weather
10º-25ºC
Life Expectancy
12-16 years
Cost of buying
₹ 40,000 - ₹ 80,000
Top 5 Traits
Playful
Loyal
Intelligent
Fearless
Energetic
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 3,300 - ₹ 5,400
Introduction to the West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland white terrier, often referred to as the Westie is a courageous small breed dog found in Scotland. The Westie is a small dog bred to hunt small animals and vermin in the Highlands region.
During the 19th century, the breed was perfected by Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch who, having confused a reddish terrier with a fox, started breeding white-coated terriers.
The breed was presented in Crufts in 1907 and accepted by the American Kennel Club in 1908.
How Long Do Westies Live?
With good care, West Highland White Terriers can have an estimated life span of 12-16 years.
Westie Temperament and Personality
Westies are thought to be confident, curious and bold.
- They are active and like the company as well as privacy.
- Very approachable to family members and children.
- Are stubborn yet fast learners with sufficient training.
- They are not aggressive, but very alert and protective, hence good watchdogs.
Characteristics
Barking
Quiet
Loud
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Compatibility with other dogs
Aggressive
Friendly
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
Shop or Adopt a West Highland White Terrier: Make the Right Choice!
Cost of buying
₹ 40,000 - ₹ 80,000
West Highland White Terriers are charming, affectionate and devoted companions, distinguished by their unique appearance. When you adopt a West Highland White Terrier, you provide a loving home to a dog in need and bring a devoted friend into your life. Adoption helps support animal welfare and deters unethical breeding practices.
Prerequisites to pet a West Highland White Terrier
Access to Groomer
Access to Veterinary
Appropriate Climate
Lifestyle Compatibility
Financial Capability
Best Practices to Follow While Shopping or Adopting a West Highland White Terrier
- Try shelters or breed-specific rescues like the West Highland White Terrier Rescue Network.
- Select breeders that provide health clearances and proper care.
- Their breathing issues make regular vet visits important.
- Their thick coat requires constant brushing and care.
- Moderate activity helps prevent obesity.
- Stubbornness is curbed by early training and builds confidence.
- Ideal for apartments but sensitive to extreme temperatures.
- Handle with care, best for families with older children.
Nutrition Care for the Westie
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800
Calories per day
Puppies: 600 kcal
Adults: 400 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Protein
Fats
Carbohydrates
Vitamins
Minerals
Omega3
List of foods
Dry Dog Food
Fresh Meat
Vegetables
Chicken
Home made meals
Fresh Fish
- West Highland White Terriers need a balanced diet to support their size and coat.
- Include protein, healthy fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals for strength and coat health.
- Avoid low-quality food to prevent deficiencies and weight gain.
- Adjust feeding based on age and activity level.
- Mix dry food with lean meats and vegetables for balanced nutrition.
Feeding Guidelines for Westies
Puppies (Under 1 Year): Give 3-4 meals daily. Serving size: 1/4 to 1/2 cup a meal. Seek food with high contents of DHA and Omega-3s.
Adults (1–8 Years): Feed twice a day. Portion size: 1/2 to 1 cup per day, depending upon activity. Select premium grade adult dog food that is of moderate fat but high protein.
Seniors (8+ Years): Change to the senior formulas. Give smaller and more frequent meals. Seek additional joint support and lighter on-the-stomach ingredients
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Best Foods for Westies
- Royal Canin West Highland White Terrier Adult. It is customized to help Westies in terms of their skin condition and coat lustre.
- California Natural Lamb & Rice or Fish & Potato. Works well on sensitive stomachs and has a few ingredients.
- Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet. Perfectly suited to dogs who are allergic or are food sensitive.
- Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Small Breed. Protein rich, chewable, formulated for small dog breeds.
The dry and wet blend is effective. Wet food provides moisture and dry food is good for the teeth.
Foods to Avoid for Westies
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Alcohol
Avocados
Almonds
Cinnamon
Coffee / Tea
Dairy
Fruit seeds
Garlic
Milk Products
Mushrooms
Lemon
Salt
Sugar
Onions
- Corn, wheat, soy – Common allergens. They can cause itching, stomach upset or chronic ear infections.
- Artificial colours, flavours, preservatives. May cause hyperactivity, allergies or long term effects on health.
- Meat by-products – These are of low quality. Always go for real meat, as by-products lack nutritional value.
- Garlic, onions, chocolate – These are highly toxic. Even minute amounts can seriously harm your dog.
- Sugary treats – These may trigger serious diabetes and obesity. Go for food that's low in sugar and pick natural alternatives.
Healthcare for the Westie
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 900 - ₹ 1,800
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Hip Dysplasia
Canine Influenza
Parasites
Heartworm
Skin Allergies
Patellar Luxation
Canine distemper
Well being
Exercise
Agility Training
Bonding
Games
Socialization
Energy Level
Medium
Exercise routine
30 - 60 minutes
Recognising Stress
Changes in appetite
Excessive Barking
Pacing
Excessive Panting
Reluctance to move
Common Health Problems of Westies
- Skin disorders (atopic dermatitis, allergies, epidermal dysplasia). They are often associated with itching, redness, and constant infections.
- Pulmonary fibrosis (Westie Lung Disease). Causes coughing, shortness of breath and lack of stamina.
- Luxating patella and hip dysplasia. Result in pain and instability of the joints, which hamper mobility.
- Craniomandibular osteopathy (Westie jaw). Affects the jaw development of the puppy, which causes pain during meals.
- White Shaker Syndrome. Neurological tremor disorder observed in miniature white canines.
General Healthcare Tips for Westies
- Regular vet checkups once a year, and once every 6 months for an elderly dog. Assists in the early identification of health problems, particularly in old dogs.
- Dental brushing or daily dental treats. Helps to prevent plaque and maintain long-term oral health.
- Make sure the pets are up to date with vaccinations and deworming. Immunises against the prevalent illnesses and parasites.
- Observe weight to avoid obesity. Sustains the health and well-being of the joints.
- Apply mild shampoos for sensitive skin. Calms itching and makes their coat healthy.
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6-8 Weeks
Distemper, Parvovirus
10-12 Weeks
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
14-16 Weeks
DHPP Booster
Annually
DHPP Booster, Rabies
Senior Westie Care
As Westies age:
- Decrease the amount of exercise and continue walking daily. Light exercise maintains flexibility of joints without straining.
- Give orthopaedic bedding to support joints. Alleviates the pressure points and enhances sleep.
- Keep the mind stimulated using puzzle toys. Keeps old minds sharp and avoids boredom.
- Visit the vet every 6 months. Gives an early warning of age-related problems.
Westie Grooming Routine
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800
Shedding Level
Moderate Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Bathing
Ear Cleaning
Brushing
Nail Trimming
Eye Care
Teeth Care
Benefits of Grooming
Cleanliness
Low Shedding
Odourless
Prevents infections
Quality of life
Prevents Bad Breath
Westies require regular grooming to maintain coat health and avoid matting.
- Daily brushing to prevent tangles
- Professional grooming every 8–12 weeks
- Hand-stripping is preferred to maintain coat texture
- Bath every 4–6 weeks
- Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing as part of routine care
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Westies good with children?
Yes, they are loving and playful. Younger kids should be supervised and handled gently.
Do Westies get tear stains?
Most Westies do not develop permanent tear stains due to the dominant white gene, unlike many white breeds.
Do Westies bark a lot?
They bark, but not too much. Barking behaviour can be controlled with proper training and stimulation.
How much grooming do Westies need?
They require daily brushing and professional grooming after every 8-12 weeks. Coat texture can be maintained by hand stripping.
