The Westie, or West Highland White Terrier, is one of the most popular small dog breeds. The breed’s bright white coat, energetic nature, and spunky personality are all traits that make this breed an amazing dog for families, singles, and seniors. In this guide, find the Westie’s temperament and coat care, as well as the nutritional and general health needs of the breed and what you can expect from Westie ownership.
What Is a Westie Dog?
The Westie, as the name suggests, is a dog breed from the West Highlands of Scotland and was originally used to hunt small nuisance animals like badgers and foxes. They are a favorite for companion animals because, despite their small size, Westies are energetic, smart, and devoted.
Westies are a compact size typical of the dog breed at 10 to 11 inches tall and around 15 to 20 pounds. Their compact size is also perfect for apartment living as long as they get their daily exercise in.
Westie Dog Breed Traits
Among small terriers Westies stand out for their many signature characteristics.
Some of the most appreciated traits of Westie dogs are:
- Friendliness
- Affection
- Intelligence
- Quick learners
- Confidence
- Strong prey drives
- Ability to live in large homes or small apartments
- Watchdog instincts
Westie dog trait searches, like dog breed Westie or dog breeds Westie, show that this breed is known for being loyal and independent.
Westie Dog Personality and Temperament
Cheerful and outgoing personalities are one of the greatest traits that dog owners appreciate in westie dogs. Playfulness, curiosity, and confidence are the dog traits that describe the typical Westie. Westies love to be with family and often love to play with kids.
Westies are great dogs! They are great because they love to play and be active, and they love being walked and trained. They are stubborn like all terriers, so it is very important that they are socialized and trained as early as possible.
Westies are friendly with other dogs, but small animals that are not dogs may be in danger of being their lunch.
Are They Hypoallergenic?
Many people ask if Westies are hypoallergenic dogs, and the answer is that, while all dogs are a little bit of a problem for allergies, Westies are not a bad choice to help with allergies.
Compared to other dogs, their double coats shed almost nothing. The answer to the burning Westie dog question, “Do Westie dogs shed?” is that they do, just a little. Dander and loose hair are minimized with the proper brushing and professional grooming.
Westie Dog Grooming and Haircuts
The gorgeous coat of the West Highland White Terrier requires attentive care. Here is what a full grooming schedule looks like:
- Brushing 2– 3 times a week
- Groomers every 6-8 weeks
- Trimming nails
- Cleaning ears
- Bathing regularly with dog shampoo
There are 3 popular Westie dog haircut styles: breed cut, puppy cut, and teddy bear cuts. For those looking for dog grooming tips, remember the texture of the coat is best preserved with hand-stripping. For easier maintenance at home, clipping is preferred.
Best Westie Dog Food
Quality dog food assists Westies with skin, digestion, and energy. The best food dogs contain:
- Animal proteins
- Omega 3’s and 6’s
- Easy-to-digest carbs
- Vitamins
- Antioxidants
- Nutrients for joints
- Westies are prone to obesity, which increases health risks and decreases the dog’s lifespan.
Westie Dog Health Problems
Every dog has health concerns Westies have a few more that are common. Typically Westies suffer from:
- Skin allergies
- Atopic dermatitis
- Patellar luxation
- Dental disease
- White Shaker Syndrome
- Liver disease
- Westies benefit from preventive health care, a healthy diet, and active lifestyles.
Westie Dog Lifespan
One popular inquiry is what’s the lifespan of a Westie dog?
A well-cared for Westie’s life expectancy is 13-16 years. Good nutrition, active lifestyle, and care from a vet will assist a Westie having an expected lifespan.
Westie Dog Color Variants
While there is a breed standard for an all-white West Highland White Terrier, some people look for black or brown Westies. Black or brown West Highland White Terriers do not exist because West Highland White Terriers can only be all-white. Dogs that are advertised as black or brown Westies are mixed breed dogs or are not Westies at all.
Buying Westie Dogs
Responsible Westie dog breeders will not have puppies available all the time because they breed on a limited basis. Purchasing from a puppy mill means your puppy will not have been bred with care, will not have had health checks, and will not have been socialized. Health records will not be provided.
Westie dogs can also be found through Westie dog specific rescues. Breeding-specific rescues are a great option for families wanting to give an older dog a second chance because adopting is usually inexpensive and provides a great experience for the family.
Westie dogs for sale, Westie dog for sale, and Westie dog puppies for sale advertisements should have verifiable breeders, health guarantees, and certifications for the health of the parents.
How Much Does a Westie Dog Cost?
A well-bred Westie dog costs between $1,000 and $3,000. Along with the purchase price, prospective Westie dog owners should consider the costs of food, grooming, health care, training, and supplies.
Do You Want a Westie Dog?
The Westie dog is perfect for families who want a dog with a big personality. Westies are easy to train, shed very little, and are very affectionate. Because they are easy to care for, they are one of the most popular terriers.
Searching for images of Westie dogs? Wanting to know Westie dog traits and characteristics? Maybe you’re weighing the pros and cons of dog adoption or purchasing a dog from a reputable dog breeder? Knowing the dog breed requirements will promote a good relationship for years to come.
With the essentials: time, love, proper care, good nutrition, and regular grooming and training, West Highland White Terriers can live to be a part of your family and can be a loyal friend for over a decade.
