Personality
The Westie is a terrier through and through - bold, confident, independent, and possessed of a strong sense of what they want to do and when they want to do it. They were bred to hunt and dispatch vermin in the Scottish Highlands, and that working origin shapes everything about their character.
They're friendly and sociable with people, typically good with children who respect their space, and alert enough to make effective (if small) watchdogs. With other dogs, they're often fine when well socialised but can be assertive - they don't back down from confrontation, even with larger dogs, which is worth keeping in mind.
Their independent streak makes training a relationship of negotiation rather than instruction. They respond well to positive reinforcement and clear, consistent rules. They don't respond well to harsh methods, which tend to produce stubbornness rather than compliance.
They're not a breed for everyone, but for owners who appreciate a dog with personality and opinions, the Westie is deeply rewarding.
Exercise
An hour of daily exercise suits the average Westie. They're more energetic than their size suggests - short legs, long stamina - and they enjoy varied terrain. Countryside walks, beach outings, and garden exploration all provide appropriate stimulation.
Mental engagement is important alongside physical exercise. Their terrier intelligence means they need something to think about. Scent work, training games, and interactive toys help prevent the boredom that leads to barking and digging.
A secure garden is advisable - Westies are diggers and escapers when sufficiently motivated by something on the other side of the fence.
Weight & Feeding
Adult Westies weigh 6.5–10 kg. They should feel solid and muscular, not soft or heavy. They're not particularly prone to obesity but can gain weight if inactive.
A complete dry food appropriate for small breeds suits most Westies. Two meals daily is preferred. Food puzzle toys and slow feeders provide enrichment at mealtimes. Be mindful that some Westies have food sensitivities - a diet with novel protein sources may help if skin or digestive issues occur.
Health
Atopic dermatitis (skin allergies) is the most common health problem in Westies. They're prone to environmental and food allergies that manifest as itchy skin, particularly around the paws, face, and belly. This can require long-term management with veterinary support, including specialised diets, medication, or immunotherapy. Track Skin Allergies →
Westie Lung Disease (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, IPF) is a progressive and serious condition specific to the breed, involving scarring of the lung tissue. It tends to appear in middle-aged to older dogs and causes increasing breathlessness and reduced exercise tolerance. There is no cure, but supportive management can maintain quality of life. A DNA test is now available that identifies dogs at higher risk.
Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO) is a developmental condition affecting the skull and jaw in young Westies. It causes bone to grow abnormally, resulting in pain and difficulty eating. Most cases resolve after the puppy's growth phase, though some require management.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease - degeneration of the hip joint's ball - occurs in small breeds including Westies. It presents as hind leg lameness in puppies and young dogs. Surgical treatment is usually effective.
Grooming
The Westie's dense double coat requires regular attention to stay in good condition. The correct coat texture - harsh and wiry on the outside, soft undercoat - is maintained through hand-stripping. Most pet owners choose to have their dog clipped instead, which is easier but softens the coat texture over time.
Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks keeps the coat tidy and manageable. Regular brushing between appointments prevents matting. Pay particular attention to the furnishings around the face - the beard and eyebrow area needs brushing and occasional trimming.
Their white coat shows dirt readily. Westies who enjoy digging or muddy walks will need more frequent washing. A good whitening shampoo for dogs keeps the coat bright.
Common Conditions
- Atopic dermatitis (skin allergies)
- Westie Lung Disease (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis)
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy (in puppies)
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Luxating patella
- Copper toxicosis (rare but found in some Westie lines)
FAQs
Are Westies good with children? They can be excellent with children who interact respectfully, but they're not as infinitely patient as some breeds. They may snap if persistently pestered. Teaching children appropriate interaction matters, and supervision with very young children is sensible.
How much grooming does a Westie need? More than their size might suggest. Plan for professional grooming every 6–8 weeks and regular brushing at home. Their white coat also needs washing more frequently than some breeds.
Do Westies bark a lot? They're naturally alert and vocal. They'll announce arrivals, react to noise, and communicate their views regularly. Training manages this - it doesn't eliminate it entirely. This is a breed characteristic, not a flaw.