West Highland White Terrier
🧠 Temperament & character
The West Highland White Terrier is self-assured, lively and friendly, while astonishingly tough — a small dog with the heart of a big one. He is bright, playful and loves to be the centre of attention, but remains a true terrier with pronounced self-confidence and a hunting instinct. He is usually more sociable and outgoing than many of his Scottish terrier cousins. His mix of courage, cheerfulness and independence makes him a charming but by no means submissive companion.
📜 Origin & history
The West Highland White Terrier comes from the Scottish Highlands and is closely related to the Cairn, Scottish and Skye Terriers. According to legend, the deliberate breeding of white terriers began after Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch accidentally mistook one of his reddish dogs for a fox during a hunt — from then on he wanted only clearly visible, white working dogs. Having become known as the 'Poltalloch' or 'Roseneath' terrier, the breed became a fearless hunter of rats and vermin.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The West Highland White Terrier's double coat — a hard white topcoat over a soft undercoat — needs regular brushing and, for its typical texture, professional stripping several times a year; the white hair shows dirt quickly but mats little. In terms of exercise, the Westie is an active little terrier that needs daily walks, play and mental stimulation. He is clever and quick to learn, but self-willed, which is why friendly consistency and varied training work well. Nose games and small tasks keep him content.
🩺 Health
The West Highland White Terrier has a life expectancy of around 12 to 15 years, but is prone to several breed-typical problems. Most common are skin allergies (atopic dermatitis), which can lead to itching and inflammation. Also known are craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO, the 'Westie jaw') in young dogs, and the rare but serious idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (the 'Westie lung') in old age. Responsible breeders pay attention to healthy skin and healthy lines and have the parent animals examined.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The West Highland White Terrier is an adaptable, cheerful companion that feels just as at home in a city apartment as in a house with a garden — provided he is exercised and kept occupied daily. Thanks to his easy-going nature he is well suited to families, active seniors and also committed first-time owners. He gets on well with respectful children, but his terrier stubbornness should not be underestimated. In Switzerland he is a practical, robust everyday and hiking companion with plenty of character.