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Breed information
Length range : 38-51 cm
Height range : 23-30cm
Weight range : 6-10kg
Coat : harsh white outer coat|soft white undercoat|double coat|coarse weather-resistant coat
Life expectancy years : 12-16
Colors: white.
Activitity Level : Medium
Origin: Scotland|United Kingdom
Similar Breeds : Cairn Terrier|Scottish Terrier|Skye Terrier
History
The breed originated in Scotland several hundred years ago and was developed to hunt rats and foxes across rugged terrain. The white coat became established after a hunting accident reportedly led breeders to favor white dogs for visibility. The breed was formerly associated with names such as Roseneath Terrier and Poltalloch Terrier and was officially recognized in the United Kingdom in 1907 and by the American Kennel Club in 1908.
Temperament
confident|feisty|independent|sociable|smart|entertaining
Personality
smart|confident|friendly|curious|affectionate|playful|alert
Needs
daily exercise|mental stimulation|regular grooming|dental care|socialization|leash or fenced area because of prey drive
Social Needs
forms strong bonds with family|generally good with children when supervised and socialized|can get along with cats if properly introduced|prefers company and should not be left alone too long
Grooming
Weekly brushing and regular coat care are needed and many owners use professional grooming every four to six weeks. Baths are usually occasional to every four weeks depending on skin condition. Teeth should ideally be brushed daily and ears checked weekly or every one to two weeks with nails clipped as needed.
Nutrition
Feed a complete and balanced AAFCO-appropriate diet matched to life stage. Adults are typically fed measured meals twice daily and puppies at least three meals daily. Dental-supportive kibble may be useful and omega-3 supplementation may be considered with veterinary guidance. Avoid overfeeding and fatty human foods to reduce obesity risk.
Breed Standard
small sturdy terrier|white harsh outer coat with soft undercoat|pointed ears|compact body with straight back and deep chest|dark almond-shaped eyes|muscular limbs
Did you know?
The Westie’s white coat was favored so hunters could distinguish the dog from quarry more easily. The breed still carries the determination of an earthdog and the name terrier traces back to earth-working roots.
Most Common / iconic illnesses
Atopic Dermatitis, Craniomandibular Osteopathy, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Luxating Patella, Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Symptoms
Atopic Dermatitis
1. Chronic itching , redness around face , paws , axillae and groin , frequent ear infections , face rubbing , darkened or thickened skin , alopecia , scaling , excoriations and recurrent yeast or bacterial skin issues may occur.
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
1. Painful jaw swelling , drooling , difficulty grasping food , difficulty chewing , reluctance to open the mouth , fever , lethargy , weight loss and malnutrition may occur.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
1. Chronic dry cough , rapid or labored breathing , crackling lung sounds , exercise intolerance , lethargy and blue-tinged gums during exertion may occur.
Luxating Patella
1. Sudden hind-limb lifting , intermittent skipping or hopping , brief limp , bowlegged stance , cracking or popping of the knee , stiffness and reluctance to jump or climb may occur.
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
1. Progressive hind-limb weakness , ataxia , head or body tremors , stiffness , vision loss , head tilt and severe loss of motor control may occur.
Onset of symptoms
Atopic Dermatitis
The age of onset is generally between 6 months and 3 years and breed-matched text also places onset typically between 1 and 4 years.
Probability Of Onset:
High breed-specific risk is described and West Highland White Terriers are listed among breeds predisposed to atopic dermatitis.
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
It usually affects young dogs between 3 and 8 months of age and may begin as early as 2 months while commonly occurring during the first year of life.
Probability Of Onset:
High breed-specific risk is described and West Highland White Terriers are significantly more at risk than mixed-breed dogs.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
It is most commonly diagnosed in mature to senior dogs between about 8 and 13 years of age.
Probability Of Onset:
High breed-specific risk is described in the provided breed-matched text.
Luxating Patella
It is often first noticed between 4 and 12 months of age though mild cases may be recognized later.
Probability Of Onset:
High breed-specific risk is described in the provided breed-matched text and small breeds are commonly predisposed.
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Symptoms typically appear early in life between 1 and 6 months of age.
Probability Of Onset:
Moderate breed-specific risk is described in the provided breed-matched text and DNA screening may identify risk.
Reasons
Atopic Dermatitis
Skin barrier protection is lacking and this can allow environmental , food or microbial allergens to penetrate more easily. Immune balance may also be lacking because the disease is associated with IgE sensitization , microbial dysbiosis and inflammatory signaling. This can make the skin more vulnerable to chronic pruritus , erythema and recurrent infections. No single chemical deficiency is identified as the sole cause.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis:
Normal alveolar tissue repair is lacking because chronic injury is followed by abnormal repair and excessive collagen deposition in the pulmonary interstitium. Lung elasticity is therefore reduced and gas exchange may become impaired. No specific missing nutrient or chemical is identified as the cause in the provided text. Oxidative stress may be relevant to progression based on the supportive supplement text.
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
The GALC enzyme is not the stated problem in the provided authoritative Westie sources and no confirmed nutrient deficiency is identified there. Normal bone remodeling control is lacking because inherited abnormal bone replacement causes excessive skull and jaw bone growth. This can make the jaw thickened , painful and difficult to open or close. No specific supplement deficiency is established as the cause.
Luxating Patella
No specific missing chemical is described. Structural stability is lacking because the patella can slip from a shallow trochlear groove with abnormal limb alignment. This may increase joint instability and can contribute to arthritis over time.
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Galactosylceramidase may be lacking because the disease is described as an enzyme deficiency. Toxic accumulation of galactosylsphingosine may then damage myelin in the central and peripheral nervous systems. This can make affected puppies susceptible to progressive neurologic decline and motor dysfunction.
Atopic Dermatitis:
- Management may require allergen avoidance when possible , regular bathing , topical therapies , control of secondary infections and long-term antipruritic or immune-modulating treatment such as cyclosporine , oclacitinib , lokivetmab or allergen-specific immunotherapy. Acute flares may be treated with topical or oral glucocorticoids and lifelong monitoring may be needed.
Craniomandibular Osteopathy:
- Diagnosis may rely on physical examination and radiography of the jaw. There is no treatment to stop the condition and therapy may focus on reducing pain and swelling with NSAIDs or corticosteroids while soft or liquid diets and supportive feeding might be needed until bone growth stabilizes around 1 year of age. Severe jaw fusion may make surgery consideration necessary and breeding affected dogs is not recommended.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Treatment may be palliative and might include oral corticosteroids , bronchodilators , cough suppressants and supplemental oxygen in advanced stages. Exercise may need to be moderated and comfort-focused care may be required because the disease is described as progressive and incurable.
Luxating Patella:
- Mild cases may be managed with weight control , anti-inflammatory medication , temporary exercise restriction , leash walks , crate rest and joint supplements. Severe or painful cases may require surgical correction such as groove deepening or tibial tuberosity transposition with long recovery and rechecks.
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy:
- No curative treatment may exist and care might be strictly supportive and palliative. DNA screening and avoiding breeding carriers or affected dogs may be important preventive measures. Ask professional vets for detailed information.
Atopic Dermatitis :
- 1. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for decreasing pruritus and supporting skin and coat quality.
2. Omega-6 fatty acids can,might be helpful for supporting the epidermal barrier.
3. Fish oil with EPA and DHA can,might be helpful as adjunctive therapy.
4. Quercetin can,might be helpful for balancing inflammatory responses.
5. Probiotics can,might be helpful for immune support.
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
- 1. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for supportive management of inflammation.
2. Vitamin E can,might be helpful for overall tissue support during growth phases.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
- 1. Vitamin C can,might be helpful for antioxidant support.
2. Vitamin E can,might be helpful for antioxidant support.
3. Coenzyme Q10 can,might be helpful for cellular oxidative stress support.
4. High-purity Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for pulmonary inflammation support.
Luxating Patella
- 1. Glucosamine hydrochloride can,might be helpful for cartilage support.
2. Chondroitin sulfate can,might be helpful for joint support.
3. MSM can,might be helpful for joint comfort support.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA,DHA can,might be helpful for reducing joint inflammation.
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
- 1. General cellular antioxidants can,might be helpful for supportive care.
2. Neuroprotective nutrients can,might be helpful for supportive care though they might not alter disease progression.
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