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Breed guide

West Highland White Terrier

The "Westie": a happy, confident white terrier. Friendly, sturdy and full of personality.

A West Highland White Terrier
Photo: Christopher Walker from Krakow, Poland · CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
SizeSmall
Weight15–20 lb
Lifespan13–15 years
Yearly cost$1,000–$2,200*
Better with adults or older kids Can be impatient, fragile or protective around young kids.

At a glance

Energy level
Shedding
Grooming needs
Apartment-friendly
Handles cold
Affectionate / cuddly
Good with kids
Good for first-time owners
Easy to train
Good with other dogs
Good with cats
OK being left alone
Reliable off-leash
Protective / watchdog
Barking
Drooling

Great for

  • Apartments
  • First-time owners
  • Families with older kids

Watch out for

  • Barks a lot
  • Digs
  • Prone to skin allergies

Daily care

Exercise: About an hour a day.

Grooming: Brush a few times a week; trim every 6–8 weeks.

Cold weather: Handles cold well.

*Yearly cost covers food, routine vet care, preventatives, toys and supplies. It doesn't include the purchase or adoption fee, emergencies or grooming beyond basics.

Gear for a West Highland White Terrier

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