Before Sami came into our lives, I spent weeks researching dog breeds. I wanted a dog that could travel with us, that wouldn’t cover the couch in fur, and that had enough personality to keep things interesting.
Then I read somewhere that Westies have “the sunniest personality of all terriers.”
That was it. That’s the sentence that made me say yes.
Seven years later, I can confirm: Sami is the best decision we ever made. Also the most stubborn, dramatic, and opinionated decision we ever made. But I wouldn’t trade him for anything.
If you’re thinking about getting a West Highland White Terrier, or you already have one and just want to understand them better, this is everything I’ve learned from actually living with one.
What Is a West Highland White Terrier?
The West Highland White Terrier – or Westie, as everybody calls them – is a small, white, sturdy terrier breed from Scotland. They were originally bred to hunt rats, foxes, and other vermin in the Scottish Highlands.
The keyword there is “hunt.” Because even though Sami has never seen a fox in his life, he will chase anything that moves. Squirrels, cats, pigeons, leaves blowing in the wind. It’s in his DNA and no amount of training changes that. It’s the reason I don’t trust him off the leash in most places, no matter how well-trained he is.
Westies are small to medium-sized dogs. Sami weighs about 8 kg (roughly 18 pounds), which is typical for a male. They usually weigh between 7 and 10 kg, with males being slightly larger than females. They stand about 25-28 cm (10-11 inches) tall at the shoulder.
You’ll recognize them instantly: dense white fur, short muscular legs, pointy ears, dark round eyes, a black button nose, and a cute carrot-shaped tail. They look like a stuffed toy. People stop us on the street constantly.
Westie Personality and Temperament
This is where it gets interesting.
Westies have what our community calls “Westitude.” It’s not a myth. It’s a very real combination of confidence, stubbornness, curiosity, and charm that makes them unlike any other breed I’ve encountered.
Here’s the thing about Westies: they think they’re big dogs. The confidence, the posture, everything screams big dog energy packed into a small body. Sami will march up to a German Shepherd like they’re the same size. No hesitation, no fear.
They’re incredibly curious. Nothing happens in our house without Sami knowing about it. No jar gets opened, no bag crinkles, no door opens without his nose showing up to investigate. We joke that he’s like that neighbor who spends all day looking through their peephole.
They’re smart. Quick learners. Sami can be trained to do pretty much anything. The flip side? He learns bad habits just as fast. And once a Westie learns something, it’s twice as hard to get them to unlearn it.
They’re vocal. Sami has different barks for different situations. A low bark for dogs across the street. A sharp, loud bark for things he doesn’t understand (he once lost his mind over a drone). And on the rare occasion he’s in real physical discomfort, he’ll let out a long howl that breaks your heart.
And yes, they are stubborn. I sugar-coated that for a long time, but let me be direct: Westies are incredibly stubborn. Sometimes Sami will refuse to walk in a certain direction and no matter what I do, he’ll hold his ground while staring me down. But I’ve found that his stubbornness can be managed with consistent training and some creative negotiation.
They’re also deeply affectionate. Sami is independent – he likes having us around while he does his own thing – but every now and then he’ll come snuggle next to me and put his head on my leg. And it’s the best feeling. Of course, two minutes later he’s gone again because he heard a dog barking outside and needs to investigate.
If you want to go deeper into Westie personality, I’ve written about whether Westies like to cuddle, their temperament characteristics, and their famous stubbornness.
History and Origins
The Westie’s origin story is actually pretty dramatic.
In the 1800s, Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch, Scotland, was out hunting with a pack of Cairn Terriers. He accidentally shot one of his own dogs, mistaking it for a fox. Devastated, he vowed to only breed and hunt with white-coated terriers from that point forward.
So he selectively bred Cairn Terriers and Scottish Terriers with lighter fur until all offspring had snow-white coats. The white fur was their armor – it made them impossible to mistake for prey during hunts.
The breed went through several names. First they were called Poltalloch Terriers (after Malcolm’s estate). Then Roseneath Terriers (after the 8th Duke of Argyll’s estate, who was also breeding white terriers). In 1908, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed and renamed it the West Highland White Terrier the following year.
Today, they’re one of the most popular terrier breeds in the world. And I get it. Once you meet one, you’re done for.
For more on the breed’s fascinating past, check out our deep dive into the history of the West Highland White Terrier.
Grooming and Coat Care
Westies have a double coat – soft underneath, wiry on top. The top coat sheds dirt and debris, and the undercoat keeps them warm. This means a few things for you as an owner.
First, the good news: they shed very little. I can wear black clothes and barely pick up any hair. They’re considered hypoallergenic, which makes them a good choice if anyone in your household has allergies.
They also don’t smell much. I know that sounds like a weird thing to mention, but if you’ve ever been around certain breeds, you know what I mean. Westies don’t have that strong “dog smell.” And they barely drool. The only time Sami ever drools is… well, let’s just say when there’s a female dog in heat nearby.
Now the reality: you need to brush your Westie at least once or twice a week to prevent mats. Those tough knots are a pain to untangle once they form. I groom Sami roughly once a month, and I recommend professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
There’s a technique called hand stripping that’s recommended for double-coated breeds like Westies. It involves pulling out dead hair from the root instead of clipping it. It’s more time-consuming and expensive, but it preserves the coat’s texture. I’ve written a full Westie grooming guide and a haircut guide if you want the details.
Don’t forget: trim their nails regularly, clean their ears once a month with ear drops, and brush their teeth every night. I know the teeth brushing sounds excessive, but it prevents plaque buildup and gum disease, and it’ll save you a fortune at the vet later. Here’s our take on brushing your Westie’s teeth.
Health and Common Issues
Westies are generally healthy and sturdy dogs. Their lifespan is 12-16 years on average, which is longer than many other breeds. But like every breed, they come with some health concerns you should know about.
Skin allergies are the big one. They’re unfortunately very common in Westies, and I can personally confirm that. Sami has skin allergies that require frequent baths, paw cleaning, and sometimes he needs to wear a cone. He also has a slight food allergy to certain meat proteins. It’s manageable, but it’s something I deal with regularly.
Other health issues to be aware of: Westie Jaw (craniomandibular osteopathy, a condition affecting the jaw bone in puppies), patellar luxation (kneecap issues), and the typical small-breed dental problems.
The best thing you can do is find a good vet, stick to regular checkups, and get familiar with your Westie’s normal behavior so you notice when something’s off. I have detailed articles on dealing with Westie allergies and Westie skin problems if you’re already facing those challenges.
For more on what to expect long-term, see our guide on Westie lifespan and caring for an aging Westie.
How Much Does a Westie Cost?
Getting a Westie puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500, depending on where you live and the breeder’s reputation. You can also adopt from Westie rescue organizations, which I always encourage – there are great rescue groups in Ohio, Florida, and across the United States.
But the purchase price is just the start. Here’s what the ongoing costs actually look like: food ($30-60/month, more if you home-cook like we do), grooming ($50-100 every 6-8 weeks), vet checkups ($200-400/year for routine visits), pet insurance ($30-60/month), and allergy management if your Westie develops skin issues (this can add up).
I wrote a full breakdown of how much it costs to own a Westie with real numbers from our experience.
Training a Westie
Let me be honest: training a Westie takes patience. A lot of it.
They’re smart, which helps. Sami picks up new commands quickly. But their stubbornness means they’ll sometimes decide not to obey even though they clearly know what you’re asking. It’s not that they can’t – it’s that they won’t. Classic Westitude.
I trained Sami myself for the basics, but we also went to a professional trainer weekly. It took about six months for him to become reliably well-behaved. And we still do refresher training to keep good habits in place.
A few things that work with Westies: positive reinforcement (treats, praise), consistency (same rules every single day), and firm but gentle boundaries. If you let them get away with something once, they’ll test you on it forever.
The barking is trainable too. Sami knows he’s not allowed to bark in the house, and he respects that. But the second he’s outside? All bets are off. He’ll bark to announce his presence to every dog in the neighborhood.
More on this in our articles on how to train a Westie and training a Westie to stop barking.
Are Westies Good Family Dogs?
Short answer: yes, for the right family.
Westies are social, friendly, and great with people. Sami is a total people person – he loves meeting strangers, he’s great with kids, and he does well with other dogs (as long as they don’t try to push him around, because he’ll push back).
They adapt well to both apartments and houses. We’ve lived in apartments in the city and in a house with a yard, and Sami was happy in both. They don’t need a huge space – they need your attention and regular walks.
They’re also surprisingly great travel dogs. Sami has been on 20+ flights with us, traveled across Europe, and visited the United States. If you’re curious about that, I’ve written a whole complete guide to flying with your dog in the cabin based on everything we’ve learned.
The families where Westies might not be the best fit: if you have very small pets (hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits) – the prey drive is real. And if you want a completely low-maintenance dog that needs no training, a Westie is not it. They need engagement, mental stimulation, and consistent boundaries.
But if you want a dog with a giant personality who’ll make you laugh every single day and love you with everything they’ve got? Get a Westie. You won’t regret it.
Westie vs Other Breeds
We get asked all the time how Westies compare to other breeds. I’ve written detailed comparisons for the most common ones:
Westie vs Scottie – two Scottish terriers, very different temperaments
Westie vs Cairn Terrier – close relatives with distinct personalities
Westie vs Maltese – both small and white, but that’s where the similarity ends
Westie vs Schnauzer – both feisty, but in different ways
Westie vs French Bulldog – a common debate for apartment dwellers
Westie vs Jack Russell – energy levels compared
And if you’re curious about Westie mixes, we’ve covered the Westiepoo (Westie + Poodle), Highland Maltie (Westie + Maltese), Jack Highland Terrier (Westie + Jack Russell), and several others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Westies shed a lot?
No. They shed very little compared to most breeds. Their double coat requires regular brushing to prevent mats, but you won’t find tumbleweeds of fur on your floor. I can wear black around Sami with minimal hair transfer.
Are Westies hypoallergenic?
They’re considered hypoallergenic because they shed so little and produce less dander than many breeds. No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but Westies are one of the better options for people with mild dog allergies.
How long do Westies live?
The average Westie lifespan is 12-16 years. With good care, regular vet visits, and proper nutrition, many Westies live well into their teens.
Are Westies good for first-time dog owners?
Yes, as long as you’re prepared for their stubbornness and commit to training. They’re smart, adaptable, and social. But they do need consistent boundaries – a Westie without training will run the household.
Do Westies bark a lot?
They can, yes. Westies were bred as alert dogs, so barking is in their nature. But it’s trainable. Sami doesn’t bark indoors because we trained that boundary early. Outside is a different story.
Can Westies be left alone?
For a few hours, yes. But they don’t love it. Westies are social dogs who want to be where their people are. Long stretches alone can lead to anxiety and destructive behavior. We’ve covered this in detail in our article on Westie separation anxiety.
Can you fly with a Westie?
Yes! We’ve flown with Sami over 20 times. He fits perfectly in a cabin-approved carrier and sleeps through most flights. It’s one of the advantages of having a small breed. If you’re planning to fly with your dog, read our complete flying guide.
Related Guides
Want to go deeper on specific topics? We’ve built detailed guides based on years of experience with Sami:
- Complete Westie Grooming Guide
- Westie Health Problems By Age
- Westie Skin And Allergies
- Westie Temperament In Depth
More breed guides:
