West Highland White Terrier

A West Highland White Terrier
Photo: Christopher Walker from Krakow, Poland, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Terrier Group
Low-sheddingAKC RecognizedFamily-friendly
📏 Size
Small
⚖️ Weight
7 - 9 kg
🕐 Lifespan
13 - 15 years
🌍 Origin
Scotland
🐕 Shedding
Moderate
✂️ Grooming
Weekly
Energy Level
high
Exercise: 1–1.5 hrs a day
A guide for a healthy adult. Puppies, older dogs and flat-faced breeds in the heat need less.

Good to know

  • Scottish vermin hunter: bred to go after foxes and rats among rocky cairns, they are bold and determined, with a strong instinct to chase and dig.
  • White for a reason: the white coat was reportedly favored so hunters wouldn't mistake the dog for its quarry.
  • Coat care: the harsh double coat needs regular brushing and either hand-stripping or clipping every few weeks.
  • Confident and vocal: independent and self-assured, they often bark at anything that catches their attention.
  • Small but sturdy: happy, friendly and adaptable, they still need daily walks and play to burn off terrier energy.
  • A low-shedding coat. Some people with allergies find that easier to live with, but no breed is allergen-free.

Getting out with a West Highland White Terrier

They need daily exercise beyond a stroll: longer trails, games of fetch and time to run at the park.

Explore more breeds in the Terrier group

Browse Terrier Breeds
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