West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terrier dog

Sturdy little Scottish terrier known for its white coat and confident personality.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Small 15 - 20 lbs 10 - 11 inches 13 - 15 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: United Kingdom



Own a West Highland White Terrier? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a West Highland White Terrier? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • Coat maintenance may require significant regular grooming.

The West Highland White Terrier developed in Scotland from the small working terriers used to hunt and control foxes, badgers, otters, and vermin around farms and estates. These early Scottish terriers came in several colours and were valued mainly for toughness and the ability to pursue quarry into rocky ground. The Westie's famous white coat eventually became an intentional feature. One story credits Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch with strongly favouring white terriers after a reddish dog was reportedly mistaken for a fox and accidentally shot while hunting. Whatever the exact origin of that story, pale working terriers were deliberately selected because they could be distinguished more easily from quarry in the field. The developing dogs were known by names including Poltalloch Terrier and Roseneath Terrier before West Highland White Terrier became established. The breed was recognized in Britain in the early 20th century and soon spread internationally. Selective breeding eventually produced the compact, bright-white show dog familiar today, but the Westie retains much of its working-terrier character. Its confidence, digging instinct, alertness, and willingness to investigate small animals all reflect generations spent doing practical pest-control work in the Scottish countryside.

Frequently Asked Questions About West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The West Highland White Terrier tends to shed relatively little, although coat care is still important.

The West Highland White Terrier tends to need significant regular grooming and coat maintenance.

The West Highland White Terrier is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The West Highland White Terrier tends to need plenty of regular physical activity and mental stimulation.

The West Highland White Terrier is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The West Highland White Terrier generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The West Highland White Terrier generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The West Highland White Terrier is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The West Highland White Terrier may live in an apartment if its exercise, space, and enrichment needs are met.