The West Highland White Terrier is a hardy, happy little terrier that love the companionship of people. They are very good looking and make good watch dogs. They can get along with other pets, especially if socialized when young. They have been known to chase cats as a sport. They are generally very good with children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.



*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male is 10 to 12 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 15 to 22 pounds. The female ranges from 9 to 11 inches to the withers and 13 to 16 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the West Highland White Terrier is no exception. Be on the look out for skin allergies, progressive neurological disorders and tear duct problems. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. They have a double coat. The inner coat is soft and fluffy. The outer coat is white, straight and hard hair. This is a breed that needs to be professionally groomed regularly. She should also be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The West Highland White Terrier can live around 15 or more years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The West Highland White Terrier comes from Scotland where they were raised to hunt vermin. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1908.

Some Registries:

* West Highland White Terrier Club of America

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 2 to 5 West Highland White Terrier puppies

Category: Terrier

Terms To Describe: Alert, friendly, reliable, happy, balanced, hardy, self-esteem, strength, affectionate

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Makes a good watch dog.

Sheds almost no hair.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Makes a poor guard dog.

They may dig.

They may bark plenty.

*Other Names Known By: Toseneath Terrier, Poltalloch Terrier

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.