West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terriers live 13 to 15 years. Skin conditions including atopic dermatitis and Westie lung disease occur at higher rates in this breed than most. Craniomandibular osteopathy affects some puppies. Patellar luxation and certain eye conditions also occur. Ask breeders about skin health in their lines and schedule annual vet visits. A good skincare routine prevents many common Westie skin problems.

Your Westie has a dense white double coat that needs brushing several times a week to stay mat free and bright white. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks keeps the coat shaped properly. Bathe every three to four weeks. Check ears weekly and clean them to prevent infection. Brush teeth frequently since dental disease is common in small breeds.

Your West Highland White Terrier needs 30 to 45 minutes of active exercise daily. Brisk walks and backyard play match their energetic nature. Secure fencing is essential since they dig with determination and have prey drive. Mental stimulation through games and training keeps them well rounded.

Westies are intelligent and more trainable than many terrier breeds. Use positive reinforcement with food rewards. Start socialization early since they can be wary with strangers. Keep sessions short and varied. Their bold, curious nature makes them fun to train when you approach sessions with patience and creativity.

Feed a quality small breed formula twice daily with measured portions. Westies with skin allergies sometimes benefit from a limited ingredient diet so discuss dietary options with your vet if skin problems appear. Monitor body condition monthly. Keep treats minimal and choose hypoallergenic options if allergies are present.

The West Highland White Terrier developed in Scotland, bred by farmers and hunters to pursue fox, badger, and otter in the rocky Scottish highlands. The breed descends from the same white terrier stock that produced the Cairn and Scottish Terriers. Scottish legend credits Colonel Edward Malcolm of Poltalloch with deliberately selecting only white puppies after a red terrier was accidentally shot during a hunt. The Kennel Club recognized the Westie in 1906. Today it ranks among the most popular terrier breeds worldwide.