The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the Westie, was initially bred in Scotland to hunt rats and small game. With their bright white coats, sturdy build, and lively personalities, Westies are true “big dogs in little packages.”
Independent, fun, and affectionate, they’re a brilliant choice if you’re after a busy, playful companion for your family.
What Are Westies Like?
- Bold and independent – classic terrier character.
- Affectionate companions – love family life.
- Fun and playful – thrive on games and activity.
- Alert and vocal – quick to bark at noises.
- Sturdy and adaptable – hardy little dogs with big energy.
Westies and Families
Westies adore their families and are happiest when included in daily life. They’re playful and loving with older children, spending hours running around the garden and playing games.
However, they’re less suited to homes with toddlers — they don’t enjoy being pulled about and can get snappy if pushed too far.
Exercise & Lifestyle
Westies may be small, but they need plenty of exercise.
- Daily walks: One good walk plus playtime every day.
- Apartment living: They can adapt well to flat life if exercised properly.
- Playtime: Games and activities are essential to burn off energy.
Bringing a Westie puppy home? Our Ultimate New Puppy Planner helps you track training, routines, and milestones in a fun, keepsake style.
Personality & Training
Westies are intelligent but have a stubborn streak. They respond best to fun, positive training and clear motivation (usually food or toys). Harsh methods don’t work with terriers.
They can be barky, so teaching a “quiet” command early will save you (and your neighbours!) frustration.
Need training support? Ask Pickles, our AI Dog Trainer, for step-by-step help tailored to your puppy’s behaviour.
Living With a Westie
- Other pets: Usually get along fine with other dogs, although two males may occasionally clash. They can live with cats if raised together, but when outdoors, their chase instinct takes over.
- Watchdog ability: They’ll bark at the door, but are too friendly to be true guard dogs.
- Grooming: Moderate shedders, especially in spring and autumn. Weekly brushing and regular clipping keep their coats in good shape.
Quick Facts: West Highland White Terrier
- Origin: Scotland
- Role: Hunting and ratting
- Weight: 8–10 kg
- Height: 25–28 cm
- Lifespan: 12–16 years
- Best trait: Sturdy, hardy, and playful
- Challenging trait: Can be barky and stubborn
Pros & Cons of Owning a Westie
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fun, lively companions | Can be very vocal (barky) |
| Adaptable to houses or flats | Stubborn, independent streak |
| Affectionate family dogs | Less tolerant of toddlers |
| Sturdy and hardy little dogs | Moderate shedding, grooming needed |
Health Notes
Westies are generally hardy, but they can be prone to:
- Skin conditions – Westies can have sensitive skin and be prone to allergies.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease – affects hip joints in small breeds.
- Dental issues – small mouths may lead to overcrowding.
Thinking of buying a Westie puppy? Download our free Best in Breeder Question Guide to make sure you ask the right questions and choose a healthy pup from the start.
History & Fun Facts
- Westies belong to the family of Scottish terriers that also includes the Scottish Terrier and Cairn Terrier.
- Their white coats were designed to prevent hunters from mistaking them for foxes during hunts.
- They became especially popular as companion dogs in the 20th century thanks to their cheerful personality.
Want to capture your Westie’s charm forever? Our Cartoon-style Pet Portraits turn your dog into a piece of art you’ll treasure.
FAQ
Are Westies good family dogs?
Yes — especially with older children. They’re affectionate, lively, and hardy.
Do Westies need a lot of exercise?
Yes, despite their size, they need daily walks and plenty of playtime.
Are Westies easy to train?
They’re intelligent but stubborn. Positive, playful training works best.
Do Westies shed a lot?
They shed moderately, especially in spring and autumn. Weekly brushing helps.
Great Names for Westies
With their cheeky terrier spirit and Scottish roots, Westies suit both fun and elegant names:
Scottish-Inspired Names
- Angus
- Isla
- Fergus
- Skye
Fun & Cute Names
- Snowy
- Daisy
- Poppy
- Biscuit
Classic Terrier Names
- Jack
- Molly
- Charlie
- Alfie
Sturdy Names
- Granite
- Thor
- Bonnie
- Clover
Need more ideas? Try our Dog Name Generator for hundreds of personalised suggestions.
Is a Westie Right for You?
If you’re after a sturdy, affectionate terrier with a cheeky character, the Westie might be perfect. They’re fun, adaptable, and make great family dogs — as long as you can handle the barking and stubborn streak.
Still deciding? Take our Which Dog Is Right for Me Quiz to see if the Westie suits your lifestyle.
Pickles’ Top Tip: “Westies might be small, but they’ll take charge of the garden in no time. Keep them busy with toys and games, or they’ll invent their own mischief!”