West Highland Terrier

Breed History

Hailing from the West Highlands of Scotland, this Terrier was bred for hunting fox, otters, badgers and household vermin. Breed folklore has it that the white colouring of the Westie came after a tragic accident where a wheaten coloured terrier was shot whilst out hunting. To ensure their Terriers could be clearly seen whilst hunting, white was introduced. 

General Appearance

Westies are known to be small, well-balanced, robust looking terriers with their stand-out white coats. They stand at 25-27cm tall and weigh between 5-7kg.

Temperament

Westies are a confident and loyal little terrier who will form strong bonds with their owner. They are full-blooded terriers and can be a handful. Favourite hobbies include cat chasing, garden digging and barking. Despite this, their charming nature means it can be hard to stay mad at them for too long.

Health Considerations

West Highland White Terriers are notorious for developing skin and ear infections. They are genetically prone to allergic skin disease and many experience repeated bacterial and yeast skin infections over their lifetime. Those with atopic dermatitis can be tested for allergies with a blood test, which can help owners make lifestyle changes that reduce the dog’s symptoms. Those with skin disease benefit greatly from skin supplements which strengthen the skin barrier. The omega fatty acids in Pooch & Mutts’ Salmon Oil work well for many.

Trainability

The West Highland Terrier is relatively easy to train. They are an intelligent breed and fast learners. So long as you maintain positive reinforcement techniques, your Westie will be happy in training. To keep your Westie interested, try the Pooch & Mutt Mini Bone Treats which are packed full of nutritious ingredients and only pack 2-3 calories per treat.

Grooming

The double coat of the Westie is a beautiful white colour and should be straight. They do shed quite a lot and should be brushed a few times a week. It is important not to frequently bathe your Westie as this can strip the natural oils from their coat.

Exercise

Being a small breed, Westies generally only need a maximum of 1 hours exercise a day. Try to mix up your walking route to keep your Westie interested. This playful breed will benefit from play time and mental stimulation on top. Don’t be surprised if you also see a Westie being carried to their destination either though!

Feeding Considerations

A balanced diet is key to maintaining optimal health in your Westie. This should include a lean protein source, healthy fats and added vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. Why not try the Pooch & Mutt Chicken & Superfood blend which is brimming with antioxidant rich superfoods like Sweet Potato and Kale. 

You'll find a handy feeding calculator on every product page here at Pooch & Mutt to help you identify how much of our health led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog.