Webvet
Main Content
West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier is a happy and sturdy breed. This native of Scotland is good with children but can be highly vocal.
Try out our new Dog Breed Chooser Tool to help you select a breed.
Physical Characteristics
- White coloring
- Coat: Hard topcoat with soft, dense undercoat
- Dark, deep-set eyes
- Rounded muzzle with whiskered face and black nose
- Small, pointed ears
- Strongly built with a deep chest and muscular limbs
- Height: 10-11 inches
- Weight: 15-22 pounds
- Average lifespan: 15 years
Temperament
- Strong-willed, excitable, spunky, loyal, confident, smart, robust
- Interaction with people: Good with children
- Interaction with animals: Males may be aggressive with other dogs
- Training: Needs firm but constructive training
- Bark: Moderately vocal
- Protection: Good watchdog
Medical Conditions
- Addison's Disease (hormone disorder)
- Chronic skin problems
- Copper Toxicosis (liver disease)
- Craniomandibular Osteopahty (bone disease)
- Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (storage disease)
- Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (respiratory condition)
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
- Ophthalmic disorders (including cataracts and dry eye)
- Patellar luxation
While the listed ailments may be common in this breed, not all members of the breed suffer from these conditions. Responsible breeders screen for orthopedic and genetic diseases.
At Home
- OK for apartments
- Needs daily walks
Grooming
- Easy to groom
- Light shedder
- Needs daily brushing and combing
- Needs professional grooming throughout the year
Other Facts
- Bred all white to avoid confusion with foxes while hunting
- White coat meant it could be easily detected on the foggy Scottish moors
- Represented in late 19th-century artwork
Breed History
- Originated in the early 17th century in Scotland
- The West Highland White Terrier was bred from only white dogs
- Formerly used as a ratter and other pest control
For more information about this breed and breeder referral contacts, please visit the West Highland White Terrier Club of America For breed rescue opportunities, visit WHWTCA Rescue
Introducing Pet-Pods...
FREE downloadable PDF files providing a comprehensive review of some of the most timely pet health topics: Allergies, Fleas, Summer Safety Hazards, and Vomiting and Diarrhea.
Newsletter Signup
Featured Video
Featured Photo
Social Media Icons
Follow Us: