West Highland White Terrier
A complete guide to the West Highland White Terrier, covering its history, specific health risks like Westie jaw, and daily care needs.
West Highland White Terriers typically live 12.9 to 13.4 years, with a standard litter size of three to five puppies. This lifespan is influenced by a specific set of genetic conditions, including a high predisposition to skin disorders and a rare bone disease that affects the jaw.
Appearance and physical traits
Westies are medium-sized terriers with a distinctive white double coat that fills out their face to create a rounded appearance. They typically weigh between 15 and 20 pounds and stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the withers, with a body that is notably shorter than their height. Their coat consists of a rough outer layer up to 2 inches long and a soft undercoat, which is usually pure white though light wheat variations exist. Puppies are born with pink markings on the nose and footpads that darken to black as they mature.
The breed features bright, deep-set almond-shaped eyes, pointed erect ears, and a black nose. Their jaw is short and closely fitted with a scissors bite, where the lower canines lock in front of the upper canines. A unique anatomical feature is their paws, which are slightly turned out to provide better grip on rocky surfaces compared to flat-footed breeds. Their tails are short and sturdy, and the coarse outer coat is typically removed via hand-stripping or clipping as the dog matures.
Temperament and exercise needs
Westies are intelligent, social, and confident, but they do not tolerate rough handling and often prefer solitude over constant interaction. They are loyal to their owners and make excellent watchdogs, yet they can be stubborn and possessive of food or toys, making early training essential. As a breed developed to hunt small rodents, they retain a high prey drive and the instincts of an earthdog, meaning they are inquisitive, investigative, and prone to barking and digging.
Despite their small size, they are energetic and boisterous, requiring a minimum of one hour of daily exercise to stay healthy. They rank as the most friendly of all Scottish terriers but can be difficult to train due to their independent nature. In Stanley Coren's 1994 ranking of dog intelligence, they are placed 47th, indicating average working and obedience intelligence. They are highly interested in chasing balls and toys, which satisfies their terrier instincts.
Health risks and genetic conditions
The breed is predisposed to several specific health issues, with craniomandibular osteopathy, known as "Westie jaw," being the most notable. This autosomal recessive condition causes an overgrowth of bone in the jaw, typically appearing in dogs under one year old and making chewing or swallowing difficult. Diagnosis involves radiographic testing showing thickened jaw bones and elevated calcium levels, and treatment usually requires anti-inflammatory medication and soft foods, though severe cases may need tube feeding.
Skin disorders are also a significant concern, with about one quarter of Westies affected by atopic dermatitis, a heritable chronic allergic condition that is more common in males. A severe, breed-specific condition called hyperplastic dermatosis, or Armadillo Westie Syndrome, can cause red hyperpigmentation, hair loss, and severe itching. This condition is believed to be inherited and is often associated with Malassezia infections. Other genetic risks include globoid cell leukodystrophy, a neurological disease causing tremors and paralysis, and white dog shaker syndrome, which results in head and limb tremors.
Historical development of the breed
The Westie's history dates back to the reign of James VI of Scotland (1567–1625), where white terriers were recorded as gifts to France. Early on, white dogs were considered weaker than sandy or brindle varieties, yet various Scottish clans, including the Donalds and MacLeods, preserved white lines. In the 19th century, breeding programs by the Duke of Argyll (Roseneath Terrier) and Dr. Americ Edwin Flaxman (Pittenweem Terrier) sought to restore the white Scottish Terrier to its former stature.
The modern breed was created by Edward Donald Malcolm, 16th Laird of Poltalloch, who developed the Poltalloch Terrier after a reddish-brown dog was mistakenly shot for a fox. Malcolm refused to be publicly credited as the creator, and the breed was renamed the West Highland White Terrier in 1908. Kennel Club recognition followed in 1907, and the breed quickly gained popularity in the UK and the US, where it has remained in the top third of breeds since the 1960s. By 1930, a stable type with prick ears and a white coat had been established.
Summary of breed characteristics
The West Highland White Terrier is a hardy, independent dog with a distinct white coat and a history rooted in Scottish terrier breeding programs. While they are social and good with families, their high prey drive and specific genetic health risks require attentive ownership. Prospective owners should be prepared for a dog that needs regular exercise, consistent training, and monitoring for skin and jaw conditions.