West Highland White Terrier
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
West Highland White Terriers are spunky Scottish ratters in a small white package with oversized confidence. These hardy earth dogs were bred to hunt foxes and vermin in Scotland's harsh terrain, and they maintain that working terrier scrappiness - they're more independent and feisty than their cute appearance suggests, with a tendency to bark, dig, and challenge other dogs.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Terrier
Life Expectancy
13-15 years
Height
10-11 in
Weight
15-20 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 4 hours
Exercise
75 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #41
Terrier context: Terriers were bred to hunt vermin. They are usually bold, energetic, and persistent.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your West Highland White Terrier
🏠Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful West Highland White Terriers are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for West Highland White Terriers in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For West Highland White Terriers, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps them settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games noticeably improve behavior and sleep quality.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routines are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Plan on around 75 minutes of daily activity split between walks and mental games. Consistency matters more than occasional long outings.
High
Very High
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, regular preventive care, and condition-specific monitoring for known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Abnormal hip joint development can lead to pain and arthritis over time.
Environmental allergies can cause chronic itching and recurrent skin or ear issues.
Plaque and periodontal disease are common without consistent home dental care.
Size, exercise demand, and care complexity determine boarding availability and price.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but West Highland White Terriers generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
High
Very High
~6h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Very High
Moderate
Moderate
High
Training & Behavior
Moderate
Moderate
Very High
Very High
Maintenance & Care
Moderate
Moderate
Very High
Very Low
Environment & Adaptability
Low
High
High
Low
Moderate
Grooming & Coat
Moderate
Moderate
Very High
Very Low
Coat care needs depend on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Professional grooming frequency rises sharply for curly, silky, and wire coats.
Shedding varies by coat type; double-coated breeds and many mixes shed heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The West Highland White Terrier originated in United Kingdom.
Original Purpose
West Highland White Terrier lines were developed for vermin control. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Terrier. Terriers were bred to hunt vermin. They are usually bold, energetic, and persistent.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
West Highland White Terriers were developed in Scotland to hunt vermin (foxes, badgers, rats) and are instantly recognizable by their pure white coats.
The breed nearly went extinct after WWI and WWII, and modern Westies descend from a handful of dogs that Scottish breeders saved from obscurity.
West Highland White Terriers have a stubborn streak and will ignore commands if they've spotted prey—they're bred to work independently.
The breed's distinctive white coat was selected because it made them visible to hunters in brush and rock formations while hunting.
West Highland White Terriers are prone to hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), requiring health screening.
Famous West Highland White Terrier Dogs
Fearless mascots
Terrier fame often comes from bold on-screen personalities and brand mascots.
Show-ring crowd favorites
Many modern notable Terriers are recognized through major conformation wins.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Continue consistent training - patience is key with this breed. Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for West Highland White Terriers
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
- • Early "quiet" command training to manage barking
- • Patient, consistent training - this breed needs extra time
Recommended Products
Training Programs
Structured training helps this breed reach its potential and prevents behavior issues.
Explore Programs →Dental Care
Regular dental care prevents costly vet bills and keeps your dog healthy long-term.
Shop Dental Care →Is West Highland White Terrier right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how West Highland White Terrier compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for West Highland White Terrier are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/west-highland-white-terrier/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/west-highland-white-terrier/