West Highland White Terrier Dog Breed… Everything You Need to Know at a Glance!

This little white Scottie twin is a picture-perfect dog and a great friend to have. But just because he’s oh so cute doesn’t mean he’s the right lil’ guy for every family. So, before you invite a Westland Highland White Terrier to live with you till death do you part (yep, that’s what it means to get a dog!) read this.

So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!

West Highland White Terrier Fast Facts

Country of Origin: Scotland

Original Purpose: Small game hunter

Height: 9 to 12 inches at shoulder

Weight: 12 to 25 pounds

Dog Breed Classification:  Terrier group

Lifespan: 11 to 16 years

Origin of the West Highland White Terrier Dog Breed

This dog, also known as the Westie, is a terrier from Scotland. Though now white, they used to come in a bunch of colors like black, cream and red. They became white when a guy by the name of Colonel Edward Malcolm of Poltalloch, Argyllshire, Scotland, bred them to be such.

That’s why…

They’re also sometimes called the Poltalloch Terrier. Other names for this guy, past and present, include:

• Rosenath Terrier,
• Scottish Terrier,
• Skye,
• Cairn or Dandie Terrier.

We here at IndulgeYourPet however usually like to refer to these little guys as “Westies”.

This dog is recognized by the American Kennel Club. They are 34^th (but they used to be 30^th about 18 years ago).

Physical Characteristics of Westies

These dogs look similar to other terriers of course, only white. Though small, the dog’s body is broad and the chest deep. They have pointy ears, bushy eyebrows, and longish fur coats with an undercoat. Despite that, their white hair doesn’t shed very much, which is great. They will need to be brushed regularly to keep up their cute appearance. This small breed is definitely a heartbreaker when it comes to the looks.

Feeding

One of the good things about small dogs is that they don’t eat as much dog food. You might think we’re kidding, but think of the amount of money you’ll save on kibble and wet food. His teeth are larger than his muzzle so he can eat with ease.

Personality of West Highland White Terriers

The westie dog is a feisty lil’ guy who likes to play and embody the expression YOLO (even though he doesn’t really know what it means). That said, these guys are a bit stubborn which can be hard to handle for some people. One funny (and also not so funny) thing about these guys is that they think they own the place, which means you might catch them walking on the counters and worse.

Now like many other…

Dog breeds, early training is key to developing a get pet.  You see, by training westie puppies early, you will be able to help shape the way they turn out. They can be calm and less yappy if you institute a training program from the time he’s a puppy. If not, it could be harder to control your westie puppy when he or she becomes a westie dog.

We should also point out that…

This dog loves to go for daily walks, but it’s important to keep in mind that they can’t go the distance of a big dog like a lab or a retriever. Still, he or she will enjoy ten minutes out and about, morning and evening.

Health of a West Highland White Terrier

Whenever you get a breed dog, you need to find the breeders recommended by kennel clubs or organizations to ensure the best health of your dog. However, even if the breeder is good and does everything possible to eliminate genetic problems, they can still appear. It’s almost impossible to know a dog’s entire family history for generations. Also, if you are a kindhearted soul who decides to go for a Westie rescue, you’re almost certain to face genetic problems.

So, here are things you have to watch out for:

• Craniomandibular Osteopathy: This is a problem of the dog’s skull bone. It happens when the dog is a puppy. Most dogs only have problems chewing as a puppy, but some still have severe jaw problems as an adult.
• Cataracts: A common problems in any older dog, Westies do have a tendency to get cataracts which may lead to blindness if not treated. Also, not all cataracts can be treated.
• Pulmonary Fibrosis: This is a lung disease so it will impact the way he breaths. He will probably have a dry cough. It’s important for the dog to stay fit and not gain weight; this causes more pressure on the lungs.
• Patellar Luxation: This is a problem of the kneecap, and some dogs with this may need surgery.
• Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy: This is a disease inherited and somewhat common in terriers. It results in muscle weakness and nervous system problems due to a myelin sheath breakdown.
• Von Willebrand Disease: Also known as VWD, this is a blood clotting problem that appears in a similar fashion as hemophilia, though technically it’s a different disease. If your dog has this, he may need medication for life.

And while…

Many of these conditions may not be life threatening, they can certainly become quite expensive to deal with particularly if they become recurring issues.

This is why…

We here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.

Now will a pet insurance policy be right for everyone?

No, probably not.  But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?

For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.