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West Highland White Terrier

Westie, Roseneath Terrier, Poltalloch Terrier

Family: CanidaeCanis lupus familiarisPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Lauren Odom

  The versatile West Highland White Terrier is fun and adaptable for all sorts of lifestyles!

  West Highland White Terriers are is very adaptable in its living arrangements. Westies do quite well living in an apartment or living in the country. Westies are spunky, friendly, and easy to train. They are more easy going than most other terrier breeds, though they do enjoy chasing other animals for fun. They also make good watchdogs.

The West Highland White Terrier is also known as Roseneath Terrier and the Poltalloch Terrier. Westies are solid white, medium sized dogs. They are prone to chronic skin problems and hip problems, so it is important to investigate these things when selecting a dog of this breed.

Common Name(s)   West Highland White Terrier, Westie, Roseneath Terrier, Poltalloch Terrier

Breed Type   The Westie is a small terrier that was originally bred to control vermin, fox, and otter populations. This is a lively breed that is fond of people. They are adaptable to various living conditions and climates.

Background   The West Highland White Terrier is a result of selective breeding of Cairn Terriers. They were said to have been bred to be white to keep them easily recognizable to hunters. They are sometimes crossbred with poodles to produce Westie Poos.

Description   West Highland White Terriers are solid white with medium-sized dark eyes. Their coat is rough, and their paws thickly padded. They have pointy, erect ears and a scissors bite. Males average 10-12 inches tall and 15-22 pounds, and females 9-11 inches tall and 13-16 pounds.

Care and Feeding   West Highland White Terriers need foods that are high in protein, such as poultry and lamb. Carbohydrates are also needed, and can be provided in the form of potatoes and wheat. Beef and horse meat are not recommended for this breed. Westies require regular brushing and as-needed bathing. They should be trimmed every three months and stripped every six months.
  There are several health problems that Westies should be monitored for, so annual checkups are crucial. Vaccinations should be given on the following schedule:

• 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
• 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
• 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
• Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster
  

  The West Highland White Terrier sheds very little, and when trained properly, is not destructive indoors. Therefore they do not necessitate a lot of extra cleaning.

Housing Your Dog   Westies are adaptable to a variety of housing conditions. They can do well in apartments or in the countryside. They are independent enough to be left alone for moderate periods of time.

Social Behaviors   Westies get along well with adults and older children that they know. They are also fairly friendly to strangers. They rarely pick fights with fellow canines, but they enjoy chasing other animals for fun.

Handling and Training   Westies are intelligent dogs, and they usually do very well in hunting, chasing, obedience and agility training.

Activities   Daily walks are important to ensure that a Westie gets enough exercise. If they have a safe area in which to do so, it is also good to let them play off the leash regularly.

Breeding/Reproduction   Westies are prone to several health problems, some of which may be hereditary. Therefore it is important to check out any potential mates thoroughly. Breed standards dictate that Westies be solid white, so that is an important thing to look for as well.

Common Health Problems   West Highland White Terriers may develop skin problems, hernias, liver disease, and hip or jawbone problems. Keeping an eye out for signs of these and taking them in for scheduled checkups is crucial.

Availability   Westies are fairly easy to find from breeders, and they may also be found in pet shops. Average prices range from $350 to $700.

References "West Highland White Terrier", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
"West Highland White Terrier", Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
Cusick, William D., "What to Feed a West Highland White Terrier", Referenced online, 2008
"Choosing a West Highland White Terrier", PetPlace.com, Copyright 1999-2008

Lastest Comments on West Highland White Terrier View all 7 comments on West Highland White Terrier Add Your Comment

Krystal Dotson - 2011-08-01 I had a westie growing up. She was THE BEST dog ever! She was very loving and had such a personality! And though we didn't have cats when she grew up she had no problem in her later years when we did get one. I miss her dearly she lived until she was 17. Click For Replies (1) Charlie Roche - 2011-08-01 They are good pups. Very intelligent, even tempered, not barkers, affectionate. Reply

Debbie Danner - 2010-12-06 My Westie is 6 years old and recently started having problems walking when I took him outside to go potty. I called him inside and he had trouble moving his back legs. Today he had problems moving his front legs. It is really cold about 20 degrees. I'm really worried. Please rsvp. Click For Replies (2) Editor's Note - 2010-12-07 Does he have trouble moving his legs while indoors where it is not so cold? I would advise taking him to a vet. Betty - 2011-06-07 Westies are prone to arthiritis. Do you have a regular vet? Ask him/her about this medicine called Rimadyl. My Westie takes it at mealtime, Its a small pill so i give her half in the morning and the other half at night. This drug is meant to drug for provide comfort for dogs with arthritis. Routine monitoring should be done while on any medication. My Westie is almost 13 years old and she is still trotting around like the best in town! She has bouts of stiffness- I do notice that when its cold outdoors it gets extra sensitive. My vet said that it can be because of the quick transfer of warm and cozy indoors to very cold outside. They pee and poop in the oddest positions and the instant warm to cold may stiffen up. Have a sweater for outdoors but take it off inside. Good luck, Betty Reply

Joy - 2011-02-22 Is that beautiful dog for sale? How old is he or she? The dog looks pretty young and I was wondering if it was still a puppy or was a miniature sized Westie? I live in CO and need some advice on where to get a Westie and a Scottie? Please advise! Reply

Shannon - 2010-11-15 I have a west highland white terrier that is after a mouse in my house! If he catches will it hurt him? Give him a disease or anything? Reply

linda speer luck - 2010-09-06 I recently bought a westie for my son. The dog is male, about 12 weeks old. He is in good health, but his head seems small relative to his body. Does the head normally develop more slowly than the body, or is this something we should be concerned about? Thank you very much. Reply

Cris - 2010-07-15 Dr. jungle, can you please put an article about fox terrier? Reply

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