The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is a small, confident terrier with a bright white coat and a big, cheerful personality. Owners love their spunky, affectionate nature, but they often struggle with barking, digging, chasing small animals, itchy skin, coat care and a terrier who has firm opinions of its own.
West Highland White Terrier at a glance
- Size: small, sturdy and compact.
- Energy level: moderate to high; Westies tend to need daily walks, play and things to investigate.
- Shedding level: low to moderate; the harsh double coat sheds lightly but needs regular grooming.
- Barking tendency: high; many Westies are alert and vocal, like most terriers.
- Good for first-time owners: with work, mainly around barking, recall and coat and skin care.
- Time alone tolerance: moderate; many Westies are more independent than toy breeds but still need company and stimulation.
Common West Highland White Terrier problems and solutions
Why does my Westie bark so much?
Westies were bred to hunt small animals and alert their owners, so barking comes naturally. Reward quiet, block window views of busy streets and teach a calm “thank you” cue. Our guide on why dogs bark at everything explains how, and dog barking at neighbors helps in shared buildings.
Why does my Westie bark at the door?
A Westie will often announce every visitor and delivery. Teach your dog to go to a mat when the doorbell rings and reward calm. See our article on a dog that won’t stop barking at the door for a step-by-step plan.
Why does my Westie dig holes?
Digging is classic terrier behaviour, especially when they smell something underground. Give your Westie a dedicated digging spot with buried toys or treats, supervise yard time and add more daily exercise and sniffing. Reward digging in the right place so your dog learns where it is allowed, and protect garden beds with fencing.
Why does my Westie chase squirrels and cats?
Westies have a strong prey drive and may lunge at small animals. Keep your dog on leash in open areas, reward looking back at you and practise a “leave it” cue. Our guide on a reactive dog on walks helps you manage excitement on walks.
Why won’t my Westie come when called?
Terriers are independent and easily distracted by smells and movement. Practise recall with high-value treats in a fenced space and use a long line elsewhere. Read teaching a dog to come when called.
Why does my Westie pull on the leash?
Westies are curious and determined explorers. Use a comfortable harness, stop when the leash goes tight and reward walking near you. See how to stop a dog pulling on the leash.
Do Westies shed?
Westies shed lightly compared to many breeds, but their coat needs brushing a few times a week and regular grooming, either hand-stripping or clipping. Keeping the coat healthy also helps reduce loose hair around the home. To keep it bright, wipe paws and face after walks and bathe only as needed with a gentle dog shampoo, since frequent bathing can dry the skin. For general tips, see our dog shedding guide.
Why does my Westie scratch so much?
Itchy skin is a very common concern for Westie owners. Watch for licking paws, scratching, red skin or a change in smell. Read why dogs scratch so much, and talk to your vet for a proper diagnosis.
Is a Westie good in an apartment?
Westies can adapt well to apartments thanks to their size, as long as they get daily walks, play and puzzle toys. Barking is the main challenge, so start quiet training early.
Why does my Westie chew things?
Young or bored Westies may chew to burn energy. Offer tough chew toys, puppy-proof your space, rotate toys weekly and give daily brain games like snuffle mats or treat hunts. Our guide on how to stop a puppy chewing furniture has more ideas.
Why does my Westie cry when I leave?
Many Westies cope fairly well alone, but some get vocal or restless, especially if they are under-exercised. Give a walk and a food puzzle before you go, keep exits calm and build up time gradually. Read why dogs bark when you leave for a step-by-step approach.
Why does my Westie growl when I take its toy?
Some terriers can be possessive of favourite things. Avoid grabbing items away; instead trade for a tasty treat and teach a “drop it” cue. If guarding is intense, get help from a qualified reward-based trainer.
Training tips for a West Highland White Terrier
- Use reward-based training with tasty treats and play; Westies are smart but can be stubborn with pressure.
- Keep sessions short and fun, and turn training into games like hide-and-seek or find-it.
- Teach “leave it” and “drop it” early, as these cues are invaluable with a terrier’s prey drive.
- Work on recall with a long line before allowing any off-leash time in safe, fenced areas.
- Give your Westie legal outlets for digging and chasing, such as a digging box and flirt-pole games.
- Socialise calmly with dogs, people and sounds from puppyhood, letting your Westie watch from a distance first.
- Make grooming a positive routine with treats, especially for brushing, nail trims and face cleaning.
Health questions owners ask
Are Westies prone to skin allergies?
Skin problems and allergies are among the most discussed health topics for Westies. Signs include itching, red or darker skin, licking paws, a greasy feel to the coat and ear irritation. Talk to your vet to find the cause and the right care plan.
Do Westies have ear problems?
Ear irritation is often linked with skin issues in this breed. Keep ears clean and dry, especially after baths, and watch for head shaking, scratching at the ears, redness or odour. Talk to your vet if you see any of these signs.
Do Westies have joint issues?
Kneecap and hip concerns are commonly raised for many small breeds, including Westies. Keep a healthy weight, build muscle with regular walks and avoid lots of high jumping off furniture. Talk to your vet if you notice limping or stiffness.
How do I keep my Westie at a healthy weight?
Westies love their food, and extra weight can be hard to spot under the coat. Measure meals, include training treats in the daily total, feel for the ribs regularly and keep up daily walks. Talk to your vet about an ideal weight for your dog.
Is a West Highland White Terrier right for you?
Is a Westie good for apartment living?
Yes, often, with daily exercise and early quiet training. Their small size makes them easy to fit into city life, and sniff walks around the block help tire them out mentally.
Are Westies good with kids?
Many Westies are playful, cheerful and sturdy enough for families with respectful children. Supervise play, and teach kids not to tease or grab toys from the dog.
Do Westies get along with other pets?
Westies often live well with other dogs, especially when socialised young, but small pets like rodents or birds may trigger their prey drive. Introduce cats slowly, keep early meetings on leash and supervise until everyone is relaxed.
Is a Westie a good first dog?
It can be for a first-time owner who enjoys training and is ready for terrier quirks and skin care. Compare with the Miniature Schnauzer or Jack Russell Terrier in our breed guide.
Related guides
- Barking problems and solutions
- Leash problems and walking tips
- All common dog problems
- How to stop a dog barking at night
- Enrichment toys for terriers
- Harnesses and walking gear
Share your West Highland White Terrier experience
Do you have a Westie who digs, barks or chases everything that moves? Share what worked in the dogs.solutions community, and explore more breeds in our breed guide.