West Highland White Terrier (Westies) Information, Personality, and Characteristics
The West Highland White Terrier dog breed were originally bred in Scotland to hunt rats and other rodents. These furry energy powerhouses were used in homes and farms to keep pest population under control. West Highland Terriers are spirited, jolly puppies who need daily exercise and regular grooming. If you are someone who is looking for a companion for everyday walks, a quick workout, and more, then you’ve met your perfect match. Let’s learn more about these playful dogs that love nothing more than having fun with their pet parents and living their best lives.
Physical characteristics
These are small dogs that stand 10 to 11 inches tall and weigh around 4 to 6 kg. These dogs have a life expectancy of around 13 to 15 years and are perfect for families looking for an active pet. You can recognize a Westie from far away, thanks to its strong compact body, unmissable white coat, sharp pointed ears, and beautiful little eyes. These dogs feature a double coat with a rough outer coat and a softer undercoat that is found only in white color.
Temperament and personality
Don’t let this breed’s small size fool you. These dogs pack a lot of energy in their small frame. They are friendly, cheerful, smart, and confident. They are also extremely loyal, and outgoing, and they love to be the center of attention. They will do anything to entertain their parents, and they’re always up to some energetic antics. These little furballs love to play games— whether it’s chase and fetch, a friendly game of hide and seek, or just a playful race. They love exercise in any form.
These dogs can be easily be socialized at a young age, which will make them perfect for families with younger kids. Westies get along extremely well with children and new friends and will happily volunteer to entertain them. However, these dogs also love their personal space and will throw a fit if someone invades their peace too often.
Care Requirements
Here is how you can care for your West Highland White Terrier:
Grooming needs:
If you’re a Westie parent, you have to commit to grooming your pet regularly. Brush your pet’s fur with a pin brush two to three times a week, trim its nails every two weeks, brush its teeth every single day, and take it for a professional cleaning and check-up every now and then. If you’re looking to spend some quality time with your doggo, you can also take it for a spa day out once every four to six weeks.
Exercise requirements:
These dogs have high energy levels, and it is crucial for you to meet your pet’s exercise needs to steer clear of any unwanted behavior. They are usually satisfied with 30-minute walks, as long as they’re allowed to roam around and sniff their surroundings freely. Just make sure that they’re doing so on a leash so that you’re well aware of your pet’s activities. They love to play fetch, so if you’re looking to tire them out, just take them to an open space and play some good old fetch with your Westie.
Nutritional needs and diet recommendations:
Westies are not picky eaters and are satisfied with high-quality commercial dog food. It’s best to make sure that the food you choose is nutritionally right and provides appropriate benefits for your dog's age. That being said, you should choose your dog's food based on its age, weight, and activity level. This will help you maintain their ideal body weight and provide them with the right amount of protein that they need to grow into healthy canines. At CESAR®, we offer a range of dog food that is made with finest ingredients to offer best-quality nutrition and flavors.
Health Concerns
Westies have a lifespan of over 13 to 15 years and are generally referred to as a healthy breed. However, like every canine breed, the West Highland White Terriers dog breed can also develop certain diseases such as:
Craniomandibular Osteopathy:
This condition is an inherited condition that leads to the growth of noncancerous bones in the lower jaw. Symptoms such as difficulty in opening the mouth, jaw swelling, excessive drooling, and more start showing within 1 to 10 months of age.
Luxating Patella:
Luxating Patella occurs when there is a shift in the knee’s stability caused by the movement of the patella above the joint. If your doggo is walking softly, limping, extending its leg while resting, or kicking its leg repeatedly, take it to the vet for early diagnosis and treatment.
Hip Dysplasia:
The instability of the hip joint causes this degenerative disease. Symptoms of this condition include difficulty in running, standing, or jumping. If you suspect that your doggo is showing these symptoms, take it to the vet immediately.
The best way to make sure that you stay on top of your dog’s health is to take it for regular checkups and make sure that you’re feeding it the right foods.
Training and socialization
Training can be an excellent way for you to bond with your pet. It is also a brilliant way to keep your dog's mind and body stimulated. However, it is best to know that training a West Highland Terrier requires a lot of patience and persistence because of their extremely energetic personalities.
It is very common for Westies to get derailed from their training sessions because of their natural and strong prey drive. This is why you must take your dog to an open field where there aren’t many distractions. Taking your furry pet to a park that has a lot of kids, squirrels, and other distractions can trigger its prey drive and set it off in a frenzy. In fact, even without distractions, these confident dogs can decide to lead the session and take off. The best way to keep them on track with their training is to encourage them and award them with their favorite treats. Since these furballs love being around people, socializing them at a young age is highly recommended and should not be much of a challenge.
Living environment
This breed can live their best life in any type of home. Whether it's a townhouse or an apartment, these dogs can stay anywhere as long their daily exercise and activity requirements are met with. The only drawback of an apartment is that these dogs bark a lot, which your neighbors may not appreciate. Due to their short undercoat and topcoat Westies can adapt well to both hot and cold climates, but their double coat helps them thrive better in colder conditions. While the West Highland White Terrier would be comfortable in the tropical climate, it would require additional hydration especially after strenuous activities and exercise.
Adequately trained and socialized West Highland White Terriers make for the perfect family dogs. Your Westie Bestie will always be ready for a game of fetch, a quick run, and most importantly, some cherished family time.