Breed guide

West Highland Terrier

Discover the West Highland Terrier: Your Perfect Family Companion If you're on the hunt for a small but mighty breed that thrives in a family atmosphere, the West…

Small breed Professional grooming

Get notified when one arrives

No West Highland Terrier puppies right now

New puppies arrive weekly — leave your info and we'll reach out the moment one arrives.

Get notified See all available puppies

At a glance

West Highland Terrier quick facts

13–20 lbs Weight

10–11 in Height

12–16 yrs Life expectancy

Small Size

Personality & needs

Is a West Highland Terrier right for you?

Energy & exercise

Energy Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
Playfulness

Living environment

Apartment Friendly
Tolerates Being Alone
Cold Tolerance
Heat Tolerance
Barking Tendency

Family & social

Good With Young Kids
Good With Older Kids
Good With Other Dogs
Good With Cats
Good With Strangers
Affection Level

Care & grooming

Shedding Level
Drooling Level

Professional grooming

Trainability

Trainability
Intelligence
Independence (vs Clinginess)
Prey Drive
Stubbornness
Territorial

Great for

Protection Aptitude
Therapy Aptitude
Running Partner Aptitude
Hiking Aptitude
First-Time Owner Friendly
Senior Owner Friendly

Get to know them

About the West Highland Terrier

### Discover the West Highland Terrier: Your Perfect Family Companion

If you’re on the hunt for a small but mighty breed that thrives in a family atmosphere, the West Highland Terrier might just be your ideal match. Known for their affectionate nature, you will find a loyal friend in the Westie. They naturally bond with children, making them an excellent choice for families with young kids. With their charming and playful demeanor, they are sure to be a delightful addition to any home.

When it comes to energy and exercise, Westies have a moderate energy level, rating a 4, which means they enjoy their daily strolls and playtime but also appreciate snuggling on the couch afterward. Living in an apartment? No problem! This breed is apartment-friendly, scoring a 4 in that department, so they can easily adapt to any living situation. Just make sure they get regular walks and a bit of playtime to keep them happy and healthy.

Grooming a West Highland Terrier does require some attention, given that they need professional grooming. With a shedding level of 3, some fur may be left behind, but regular grooming will help keep your home clean and your pup looking fresh. You will appreciate their trainability as well, as they score a solid 4 on the intelligence scale. Teaching commands and tricks can be a fun experience, and their moderate barking tendency might come in handy when it comes to being alert and communicating their needs.

Health considerations for Westies include being vigilant about their well-being, as with any breed. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise can help maintain their health. They tend to get along well with other dogs and cats, although individual personalities can vary. If you are looking for a devoted companion who is perfect for family life, playful enough to keep everyone entertained, and affectionate beyond measure, the West Highland Terrier could be the furry friend you have been searching for.

Good to know

West Highland Terrier FAQs

West Highland Terriers, often referred to as Westies, are small-sized dogs, typically weighing between 13 to 20 pounds. Their compact size makes them perfect for cozy spaces, and they can easily adapt to apartment living.

West Highland Terriers have a moderate energy level, rated around a 4. They enjoy playtime and walks, so be ready for some fun activities, but they’re also happy to snuggle up on the couch after a good romp.

Absolutely! Westies are known to be great companions for young kids, scoring a solid 4 in that regard. They can also get along with other dogs and cats, although they may have a bit more of a lively attitude.

Westies do require professional grooming due to their beautiful, dense coat. Regular grooming helps keep their fur looking its best and helps manage their shedding, which is moderate.

Yes! West Highland Terriers are quite trainable, with a score of 4 in that category. Their affectionate nature means they love to please their humans, so with consistent and positive reinforcement training, they'll quickly learn commands.

Dig deeper

Learn more about the West Highland Terrier

The West Highland Terrier, fondly known as the 'Westie', is a delightful companion known for its affectionate and friendly nature. They thrive in family settings, making them particularly good with young kids, bringing joy and laughter to any home. While they can be a bit vocal, their loving demeanor and playful spirit ensure they easily fit into the hearts of family members.

With a moderate energy level, Westies enjoy their playtime and daily walks but are also happy to curl up next to you after a good romp. Their spunky personality means they require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Luckily, they adapt well to apartment living, making them ideal city companions who still appreciate a good dash in the park!

While Westies have a charming, shaggy coat, they do require consistent grooming to keep their fur looking its best. Professional grooming is recommended to maintain their distinct appearance and minimize shedding, ensuring your home stays tidy. With a little dedicated care, your Westie will grace your life with its wonderful presence and a shiny coat!

West Highland Terriers are quite trainable, thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please. Early socialization and consistent, positive training methods work wonders for these spirited dogs, helping them become well-mannered companions. With a little patience and a lot of love, your Westie will impress you with its ability to learn and adapt!

Keep exploring