West Highland White Terrier
The Good
- Small size perfect for Australian homes
- Friendly, good-natured temperament
- Weather-resistant coat handles rain and varied conditions
- Excellent watchdog instincts
- Active and energetic companion
The Real
- Requires regular physical exercise and mental stimulation
- Coat needs professional trimming (stripping)
- Can be quite vocal with barking
- Prone to certain breed-specific health conditions
Gallery
Breed Overview
The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the "Westie," is a compact bundle of Scottish charm that's captured hearts across Australia for decades. Standing just 25-28 cm tall and weighing 7-9 kg, these little white dynamos pack serious personality into their small frames.
Originally bred in the rugged Scottish Highlands to hunt rodents and small game, Westies bring that same determination and courage to modern Australian family life. Their distinctive bright white double coat isn't just for show – it's designed to protect them from harsh weather, making them surprisingly adaptable to Australia's varied climate conditions.
What makes Westies special is their perfect balance of confidence and affection. They're independent enough to entertain themselves but devoted enough to follow you around the house. In Australian homes, you'll often find them equally happy chasing balls in the backyard or snuggling on the couch during winter evenings in Melbourne.
These dogs are natural entertainers with an infectious zest for life. Whether you're living in a Sydney apartment or a Brisbane suburban home, a Westie will adapt to your lifestyle while bringing their own special brand of Scottish spunk to every day. Just be prepared for a dog that thinks they're much larger than they actually are – typical terrier confidence at its finest!
History
History
The West Highland White Terrier's story begins in the misty Scottish Highlands, where these hardy little dogs were originally bred for a very practical purpose. Dating back to the 17th century, terriers similar to today's Westies worked alongside Scottish farmers and nobles to control rodent populations that plagued grain stores and spread disease throughout communities.
Interestingly, white terriers were initially considered the weakest and least desirable of the litter. Breeders preferred darker colours like red, brindle, and wheaten, believing these dogs were hardier working companions. This all changed dramatically in the late 1800s when Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm and the Duke of Argyll, George Campbell, began deliberately breeding for the white coat.
The turning point came when Colonel Malcolm's favourite red terrier was mistakenly shot during a hunt, having been confused for a fox among the Highland heather. Devastated by this accident, Malcolm decided that white dogs would be easily distinguished from game animals, potentially saving future hunting companions from similar tragic mistakes.
By 1904, the first West Highland White Terrier club was established in Scotland, and just three years later, the first dedicated breeding kennel began operations. The breed gained American Kennel Club recognition in 1908, initially registered as "Roseneath Terriers" before officially becoming "West Highland White Terriers" in 1909.
These Scottish working dogs eventually made their way to Australia, where their adaptable nature and charming personalities quickly won over families from Darwin to Tasmania, establishing them as beloved companions rather than just working terriers.
Traits & Characteristics
West Highland White Terrier characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
West Highland White Terriers are generally robust little dogs with a lifespan of 13-15 years, but like all purebred dogs, they're prone to certain health conditions that Australian owners should be aware of. The good news is that with proper care and regular vet checkups, most Westies live long, healthy lives.
One of the most serious concerns is transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), a urinary tract cancer that Westies are genetically predisposed to developing. Watch for symptoms like blood in urine, straining to urinate, or signs of pain during toileting. Early detection through regular vet visits is crucial, and thankfully, treatment options including anti-inflammatory medications and chemotherapy can be quite effective.
Craniomandibular osteopathy, sometimes called "lion jaw," is an inherited condition specific to Westies that affects puppies between 3-8 months old. It causes painful jaw swelling and difficulty eating, though the condition typically resolves by 12 months of age. Reputable Australian breeders screen for this genetic condition.
Dental disease is particularly common in small breeds like Westies, making daily tooth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste essential. Australian pet insurance often covers dental cleanings, which should be performed regularly by your vet to prevent painful tooth decay and potential organ complications.
Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and luxating patella (kneecap dislocation) are also seen in the breed. Skin allergies, particularly food allergies, are increasingly common in Australian Westies, often requiring dietary management and veterinary dermatology support. Regular health screenings and choosing reputable breeders who health test their breeding dogs significantly reduces these risks.
Feeding your Westie properly is crucial for maintaining their compact, muscular build and supporting their energetic lifestyle. These little dogs have big appetites relative to their size, so portion control is essential to prevent obesity – a common problem in small breeds that can lead to joint issues and other health complications.
Choose a high-quality commercial dog food approved by recognised pet food authorities, ensuring it meets complete and balanced nutritional standards. For Westie puppies, select foods specifically formulated for puppies or marked for "all life stages" to support their rapid growth and development. Adult Westies often benefit from dental-focused diets that help prevent the dental disease they're prone to developing.
Adult Westies should be fed measured portions twice daily, while puppies need at least three smaller meals to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Avoid free-feeding, as this makes it difficult to monitor intake and can lead to overeating. The amount varies based on your dog's size, metabolism, and activity level – an active Westie hiking in the Blue Mountains will need more calories than one living a quieter suburban Melbourne lifestyle.
Many Australian Westie owners find their dogs benefit from omega-3 fatty acid supplements, which support skin health, joint function, and that gorgeous white coat. Fish oil supplements are readily available from Australian pet stores and can help manage the skin allergies common in the breed.
Always discuss your Westie's specific dietary needs with your Australian vet, who can calculate precise caloric requirements and recommend appropriate supplements. Fresh, clean water should always be available, and remember to account for training treats in their daily caloric intake to maintain a healthy weight.
That gorgeous white coat that makes Westies so distinctive requires dedicated grooming to keep it looking its best. The double coat consists of a hard, weather-resistant outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat that provides insulation – perfect for Australia's varied climate conditions from Tasmania's cool winters to Queensland's humid summers.
Professional trimming every 4-6 weeks is essential for maintaining the classic Westie look. Traditional hand-stripping (plucking old, dead hair) is the gold standard for show dogs, but many Australian pet owners opt for clipping for convenience and cost-effectiveness. Find a professional groomer experienced with terrier coats – they're worth the investment and can teach you basic maintenance techniques.
Daily brushing and combing prevents matting and keeps the coat healthy, while weekly thorough grooming sessions help manage shedding. Interestingly, Westies don't shed as much as many breeds, but regular brushing distributes natural oils and removes dead hair. Bathing should be done monthly or when dirty – their hard coat can actually be damaged by over-bathing, so resist the urge to wash them too frequently despite their white colour showing every speck of dirt.
Pay special attention to ear cleaning weekly to prevent infections common in terriers. Their small, upright ears can trap debris, particularly after beach walks or bushland adventures. Nail trimming every few weeks and daily tooth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste are non-negotiable for preventing dental disease.
Australian owners often invest in quality grooming tools: a good slicker brush, metal comb, and nail clippers. Many also keep whitening shampoo on hand for those inevitable muddy park adventures that seem to magnetise to white coats!
Don't let their small size fool you – Westies are energetic little athletes that need both physical exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related behaviours like excessive barking or digging up your Brisbane backyard. These intelligent terriers were bred to work independently, which can make training interesting, but their eagerness to please their favourite human makes them quite trainable with the right approach.
Daily exercise should include at least 30 minutes of focused activity, whether that's beach walks along the Gold Coast, hiking in the Grampians, or energetic play sessions in your Adelaide backyard. Their strong prey drive means they must always be on-leash or in securely fenced areas – a Westie spotting a rabbit will forget all training and give chase with typical terrier determination.
Early socialisation is crucial for developing a well-rounded adult dog. Puppy school classes available throughout Australia help Westies learn appropriate behaviour around children, other dogs, and various situations they'll encounter in Australian life – from crowded weekend markets to busy dog beaches.
Training works best with positive reinforcement and keeping sessions short and engaging. These smart dogs can get bored with repetitive drills, so mix up training with puzzle games, nose work, and even agility training. Many Australian dog clubs offer earthdog events that tap into their natural instincts in a controlled environment.
The terrier independence can manifest as selective hearing, particularly when something interesting catches their attention. Consistent, patient training from puppyhood establishes good habits, but remember – you're working with a breed that was designed to make decisions underground without human guidance. Channel that independence into activities they enjoy, and you'll have a well-behaved, mentally satisfied companion.
Who is an ideal owner?
West Highland White Terriers thrive with owners who appreciate their unique blend of independence and devotion. These dogs are perfect for Australian families who want a smaller dog with a big personality – someone who can handle a confident little character that thinks they're much larger than their compact 7-9 kg frame suggests.
The ideal Westie owner is active enough to provide daily exercise and mental stimulation. Whether you're retired and looking for a walking companion for morning strolls around Canberra's lake paths, or a busy family needing an adaptable dog for weekend camping trips to national parks, Westies can fit various lifestyles. However, they're not suitable for truly sedentary owners who prefer minimal exercise commitments.
You'll need patience for grooming requirements and budget for professional trimming every 4-6 weeks. Many Australian owners learn basic grooming techniques to manage costs, but the commitment is real. Similarly, these dogs can be vocal, so apartment dwellers need to address barking early to maintain good neighbour relationships.
Westies are excellent with children when properly socialised, making them popular with Australian families. They're sturdy enough to handle kids' play but small enough not to accidentally knock over toddlers. However, their terrier prey drive means homes with small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs might not be ideal unless very careful management is implemented.
First-time dog owners often do well with Westies because of their adaptable size and generally good health, though you'll need commitment to training and socialisation. These dogs form strong bonds with their families and don't do well left alone for long periods, making them unsuitable for households where everyone works full-time without dog-friendly arrangements.
Interesting facts about the West Highland White Terrier
Interesting Fact
The West Highland White Terrier shares common ancestry with Scottish Terriers, Cairn Terriers, and Dandie Dinmont Terriers – they're essentially branches from the same Scottish terrier family tree
Interesting Fact
Famous Westie owners have included legendary crooner Frank Sinatra, master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock, and beloved Russian clown Oleg Popov
Interesting Fact
Originally, white terriers were considered the weakest and least desirable puppies in the litter, with breeders preferring darker colours for working dogs
Interesting Fact
The breed's distinctive white coat was deliberately developed after a hunting accident where a red terrier was mistaken for a fox and tragically shot
FAQ
Westies require regular weekly brushing and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to maintain their distinctive coat. They also need daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behaviours. While not the highest maintenance breed, they do require consistent care and attention to thrive.
Yes, Westies tend to be vocal dogs due to their background as alert hunting companions. They'll bark to announce visitors, express excitement, or when bored. Early training and adequate mental stimulation can help manage excessive barking, which is important for maintaining good neighbour relationships in Australian suburbs.
Purchasing a Westie puppy from a reputable Australian breeder typically costs between $1,500-$3,500, with show-quality dogs from champion bloodlines costing more. Adoption from rescue organisations is also possible and more affordable, though purebred Westies in rescue are less common.
Westies generally make excellent family pets and are patient with children when properly socialised. Their sturdy build can handle kids' play, but supervision is important with very young children. Early socialisation helps ensure they develop appropriate behaviour around children of all ages.
Yes, Westies adapt well to apartment living due to their small size, but they need daily exercise and mental stimulation. Their tendency to bark may require training for apartment living, and access to outdoor areas for exercise is essential for their physical and mental wellbeing.
Their double coat provides good protection from both cold and heat, making them quite adaptable to Australia's varied climate. However, they may need warm clothing during cooler Melbourne or Canberra winters, and care should be taken during extreme heat to prevent overheating during exercise.