West Highland White Terrier

Other names: Westie, West Highland White Terrier

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Hypoallergenic breed

Hair type	Half-long
Origin	Britain
Template	Small
Head shape	Round

Weight and size
Sex	Weight	Cut
Female	From 7 kg to 9 kg	From 26 cm to 28 cm
Male	From 7 kg to 10 kg	From 26 cm to 28 cm

History of the breed

Native, as its name suggests, from the Western Highlands of Scotland, the West Highland White Terrier descends directly from the ancient Scottish Terriers . It owes its name and color to Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch . The latter, during a hunting party, would have inadvertently shot one of his red dogs (a Cairn Terrier) mistaking him for a fox. He therefore decided to select white puppies to avoid encountering another such mishap.

The first subjects were exhibited from 1899. The West Highland White Terrier breed was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1906, then by the FCI definitively on October 29, 1954.

West Highland White Terrier Pictures

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Physical features

His coat: double, since it consists of a hard top coat, 5 cm in length and not curly, as well as a short, tight and soft undercoat.
Its color: totally white.
His head: carried at a right or acute angle to the axis of the neck, never in extension. The skull is slightly domed, tapering very slightly between the ears and the eyes. The stop is marked, with heavy eyebrow arches.
His ears: small, carried firmly, straight, ending in sharp points, not too far apart at the attachment, with a velvety hair (never cut) and without fringe at the top.
His eyes: medium size, dark, wide apart, displaying an expression full of liveliness, mischief and intelligence.
His body: chest and last ribs well let down, straight back, broad and strong loins, powerful hindquarters.
Its tail: straight, of length between 13 and 15 cm, carried proudly (never curved over the back) and provided with a hard hair.

Behavior and character

Behavior with others

The West Highland White Terrier is a joyful, active, spirited, mischievous and fearless dog. He is a pleasant companion who knows how to show his affection to his master and his family, while being endowed with a rather independent character. In short, he has the typical Terrier temperament. He loves to be surrounded.

The West Highland White Terrier
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Education

For this kind of dog who is active, intelligent, independent and often stubborn . It is recommended to teach him to respect the limits not to cross early enough. The West Highland White Terrier is always inclined to play and work , we can take advantage of these 2 qualities in his education by mixing firmness and rewards.

Living conditions

The West Highland White Terrier can adapt to most lifestyles . If it is originally configured to hunt and evolve in large open spaces, it adapts perfectly to living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently walked and stimulated. A house with a large fenced garden would suit him perfectly. The city will certainly be an obstacle to make speak its ardor and its energy.

Health

Rustic and robust, the West Highland White Terrier is an overall resistant dog. He especially fears dermatological conditions such as fatty seborrhea which can be rife from a certain age (around 7 years). The West Highland White Terrier is also one of the breeds in which the risk of contracting pulmonary fibrosis (excess fibrous connective tissue in the lungs) is very present. Also pay attention to his ears which must be regularly cleaned, in fact he can be a victim of ear mites. It does not fear the cold or bad weather.

To guard against these risks and insure your companion in the event of health problems, Woopets recommends West Highland White Terrier dog insurance .

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Life expectancy

Maintenance and hygiene

The West Highland White Terrier remains subject to moderate shedding with very slight hair loss . However, this dog requires a lot of maintenance. Her characteristic white dress must retain an impeccable appearance.

It is recommended to brush the dog every day, taking care to untangle the bangs that are under the belly, on and between the limbs. It is also advisable to have him groomed regularly to maintain the immaculate white of his coat . It should not be trimmed, otherwise there is a risk of softening its coat. Hair removal may concern subjects intended to be exposed.

Price and budget

No name is currently proposed. Use our tool to find the name of your West Highland White Terrier!

Physical activity

The West Highland White Terrier cannot do without its long daily outings . Active and playful, he enjoys exercises that stimulate both his body and his alertness.

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FCI Information