West Highland White Terrier
Bold, lively, and affectionate, this small terrier thrives on companionship and adventure. Always alert and charming, it brings energy and cheer to any household.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
25–28 cm (male)
23–26 cm (female)
WEIGHT
7–10 kg (male)
6–7 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–16 years
West Highland White Terrier: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A West Highland White Terrier isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding West Highland White Terrier's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The West Highland White Terrier is friendly, confident, and spirited, often displaying a bold yet affectionate temperament with families and strangers alike. They tend to be alert and sociable.
Key Personality Traits
Outgoing with people and other friendly dogs
Quick learner, responds well to training
High activity needs, enjoys regular exercise
Loves games and interactive play sessions
Adjusts well to various home environments
Strengths
- Alert watchdog instincts and quick response
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Friendly with children and most families
- Low-shedding, easy-to-maintain double coat
- Energetic and enjoys daily exercise
Challenges
- Prone to stubbornness during training sessions
- Can be territorial with other dogs
- Needs consistent mental and physical stimulation
- Tendency to dig due to hunting instincts
- May develop skin allergies or sensitivities
Protect your West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terrier can develop skin allergies and patellar luxation. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
West Highland White Terriers are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and quick to learn, but can be independent and sometimes stubborn. Consistent, positive training methods work best for maintaining their focus and cooperation.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
45–60 minutes daily
recommended per day
West Highland White Terriers have moderate to high energy levels and require daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. They benefit from interactive games and regular opportunities for physical exercise.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
West Highland White Terriers are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a West Highland White Terrier would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Generally easy to train but needs consistent boundaries and supervision
Apartment Living
Small size and moderate exercise needs suit compact living spaces well
Active Lifestyle
Enjoys play and walks but doesn’t require constant high activity
Kids
Playful and sturdy but should be supervised with very young children
Multiple Pets
May be territorial or chase smaller pets unless socialized early
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone and can develop separation anxiety or destructive habits
Breed comparisons
Wondering how West Highland White Terriers compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about West Highland White Terrier
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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