14 Cutest Photos Of West Highland White Terrier And Facts

You may recognize the Westie from his long-running stint as the mascot for Cesar pet food, but he’s more than just a cute face. A true terrier, he’s a fast and clever hunter, plus his lighthearted nature makes for a pet who’s always game for some fun.

Other names

Poltalloch Terrier
Roseneath Terrier
White Roseneath Terrier

Common nicknames

Westie (or Westy)

Origin

Scotland

Traits
Weight	6.8–9.1 kg (15–20 lb)
Height	25–28 cm (9.8–11.0 in)
Coat	Double
Color	White
Litter size	Three to five
Life span	12 to 17 years

Breed Characteristics
Adaptability	Good
Apartment Friendly	West Highland White Terriers are suitable for people in towns and cities as well as in the country. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Barking Tendencies	Excellent
Cat Friendly	Good enough
Child Friendly	Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.
Dog Friendly	Good
Exercise Needs	These little dogs need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard.
Grooming	Low Maintenance: Grooming is only necessary once in a while to maintain upkeep.
Health Issues	Hypoallergenic: Yes
Intelligence	Good
Playfulness	Good
Shedding Level	Minimal Shedding: This dog will shed a negligible amount. Recommended for owners who do not want to deal with dog hair in their cars and homes.
Stranger Friendly	Good
Trainability	Moderately Easy Training: This particular dog can be naughty, so occasionally it may need to be corrected. Training will have to be consistent and firm.
Watchdog Ability	Good enough

West Highland White Terrier Facts

Westies are busy little dogs who always need something to occupy idle time.
Thanks to the texture of the Westie’s coat, mud brushes out easily and falls off when it’s dry.
If a Westie is raised with cats, he can learn to get along with them, but strange cats and other furry critters who venture onto his property may not fare as well.