Terrier Group
West Highland White Terrier
Champion Pedigree
Spirited
Confident
Terrier
Bred in the Scottish Highlands to hunt fox, rat, and badger, the West Highland White Terrier — the "Westie" — is a small, sturdy breed with a distinctive all-white coat, bred specifically so hunters could distinguish it from quarry in the field.
Lifespan
12–16 years.
Did You Know?
According to breed legend, the founder of the Westie line bred specifically for a white coat after mistaking his own dark terrier for a fox during a hunt.
Breed Traits
Size
10–11 in. tall, 15–20 lbs.
Energy Level
Moderate to high — enjoys walks, play, and digging opportunities.
Coat & Grooming
Rough, double coat; low shedding but requires regular hand-stripping or clipping.
Good With Families
Confident and friendly; generally good with children given its sturdy, feisty build.
Registry Record
Also Known As
Westie
Origin
Scotland, refined in the 19th century.
Typical Litter Size
3 to 5 puppies.
Club Recognitions
AKC, FCI, KC (UK), CKC
Disposition
Spirited, confident, and independent-minded; needs consistent training given its strong-willed terrier temperament.
Coat Colors
Pure white.
Working Roles
Historically a fox, rat, and badger hunting terrier; today primarily a companion breed.
Health & Wellness
Generally healthy, though a lung condition and a skin disorder are notably documented in the breed and worth understanding.
Notable West Highland White Terriers
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Long used in Scotch whisky branding for its association with the Scottish Highlands.
Registry Champions
A consistent top-ranked terrier breed in national registries.
Highland Hunting Heritage
Bred specifically to be visible against dark quarry during a hunt.
Related Reading
West Highland White Terrier Gifts
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