Be Wise › Pet Wise guides › Dogs › West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terrier: temperament, health and care
West Highland White Terrier: temperament, exercise and grooming needs, common health problems and who this dog suits.
This is general information for the UK. It is not veterinary or legal advice, and every animal is different. Speak to a vet about your pet's health. The Be Pet Wise app can also show rules for other countries.
At a glance
| Size | Small, about 6–10 kg |
|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | 12–16 years |
| Exercise | Moderate |
| Grooming | Wiry white coat: brush regularly and strip or clip |
Temperament and who it suits
Confident, independent and friendly.
Often suits: families and active older owners.
The breed is prone to skin problems, so budget for vet care.
Health problems to know about
- Skin allergies (atopic dermatitis)
- Pulmonary fibrosis ("Westie lung disease")
- Dry eye
- Jaw bone disease in puppies (craniomandibular osteopathy)
Individuals vary. Ask breeders about health testing, and keep up with vet checks, vaccination and weight control.
Before you get a West Highland White Terrier
- See the puppy with its mother, where it was born
- Ask about health tests on the parents for the conditions above
- Check it is microchipped and registered by eight weeks old
- Consider adopting: breed rescues and rehoming centres often have dogs of this breed looking for homes
See buying a puppy or kitten: Lucy's Law and your rights.
Care, law and costs
See our general guide to dogs for feeding, the law in the UK, what it costs and emergencies, and our guides to microchipping law and toxic foods and plants.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a West Highland White Terrier live?
A West Highland White Terrier typically lives 12–16 years. Individual health, diet and weight all matter.
How much exercise does a West Highland White Terrier need?
Moderate.
What health problems are common in a West Highland White Terrier?
Common concerns include skin allergies (atopic dermatitis), pulmonary fibrosis ("Westie lung disease"), dry eye and jaw bone disease in puppies (craniomandibular osteopathy). Ask breeders about health testing, and keep up with vet checks.
How much grooming does a West Highland White Terrier need?
Wiry white coat: brush regularly and strip or clip.
Who does a West Highland White Terrier suit?
It often suits families and active older owners. The breed is prone to skin problems, so budget for vet care.
Similar dogs
Sources
- The Royal Kennel Club: breed information and health schemes
- BSAVA: Microchipping legislation in the UK
- Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council: Lucy's Law
Want answers for your situation?
The Be Pet Wise app lets you choose your country and pet, and ask PetBot follow-up questions.
Open Be Pet WiseBrowse all guidesReviewed 2026-09-23. General information for the UK, not veterinary or legal advice. See how we check.