WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER

Background : Terrier Group. Originated in Scotland to hunt vermin.

Life Expectancy : 14 years or more.

Coat Type : Double coat. Outer coat consists of straight, hard hair. Low shedder.

Grooming Requirements : Brushing 3 times per week. Professional clipping required 4-6 times per year. May be hand stripped.


Size : Males ideally 11 inches (28cm) high at shoulder. Females ideally 10 inches (25cm) high. Can weigh up to 10 kg.

Exercise Needs : Three periods totaling about 45 minutes per day. Good in both city & country conditions.

Temperament : High energy level. Feisty, bold and assertive, comical and playful. Charming, cheerful, alert, courageous, hardy. Not as stubborn as many terriers, but still quite independent. Good with everyone, accepting to other animals, but can be scrappy with other dogs.

Health Problems : Most are fairly healthy. Some are prone to chronic skin problems, Perthe's disease (hip problems), hernias, liver disease, and jawbone calcification.

Living Conditions : 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.