41 Fascinating Facts About West Highland White Terriers

TLDRWest Highland White Terriers, also known as Westies, are small-sized terriers with a dense and thick white coat. They have perky little ears, short sturdy tails, and captivating dark piercing eyes. Westies are known for their intelligence, independence, and headstrong nature. They were originally bred for hunting and have a strong prey drive. They coexist well with other dogs and cats but may not get along with smaller pets. Westies are popular for their alertness, chattiness, and charming head tilt. They have excelled in dog shows and are one of the favorite breeds in the United States. Westies can be expensive, and there are various designer mixes of the breed.

Key insights

🐶Westies belong to the small-sized terrier group and have a dense and thick white coat.

👂Westies have perky ears that grant them excellent hearing abilities.

🦴These dogs have short sturdy tails, deliberately bred for practicality.

🧠Westies have average obedience intelligence and can be headstrong.

🏰West Highland White Terriers were originally bred as working dogs in Northwestern Scotland.

Q&A

How much do West Highland White Terriers cost?

Purebred Westies from reputable breeders can cost between $1,000 and $2,500.

Are Westies good with other pets?

Westies generally coexist well with other dogs and cats but may not get along with smaller pets.

Do Westies have any health issues?

Westies may be prone to health concerns such as skin problems, heritable chronic allergic skin condition, and lung disease.

Can Westies be trained easily?

Westies have average obedience intelligence and may be selective in obeying commands.

Are Westies good watch dogs?

Yes, Westies are alert and make excellent watch dogs, readily barking to alert their owners to potential intruders.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Westies are small-sized terriers with a dense and thick white coat.

00:40Westies have short sturdy tails and captivating dark piercing eyes.

02:23Westies were originally bred as working dogs in Northwestern Scotland.

06:57Westies have average obedience intelligence and may be headstrong.

08:01Westies generally coexist well with other dogs and cats but may not get along with smaller pets.