The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is a dog originating from the Scottish Highlands, known for its strong character and lively personality. Originally used for fox hunting, this small dog is now mainly appreciated as a pet, while retaining its liveliness and independence.
✨ Breed Characteristics
- Origin: Scotland
- Hypoallergenic? Yes
📊 Quick Facts
- Weight:
- Male: 6-8 kg
- Female: 6-7 kg
- Height:
- Male: 28-30 cm
- Female: 25-28 cm
- Life expectancy: 12-16 years
- Exercise needs: 1 to 1.5 hours per day
- Apartment living: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Very suitable for apartment living, but requires exercise)
🧠 Personality (out of 5 stars)
- Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Protective: ⭐☆☆☆☆
- Playful: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Vocalizations: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Obedient: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Hunter: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Calm: ⭐☆☆☆☆
- Athletic: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Independent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🐾 Compatibility with
- Children: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Very good with children, ideal for an active family)
- Other animals: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Can be independent with other animals, but generally sociable with good socialization)
- Strangers: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Can be reserved, but generally not aggressive with strangers)
- Apartment living: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Perfect for an apartment with regular exercise)
🧼 Maintenance & care
- Ease of maintenance: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Requires moderate maintenance)
- Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Moderate cost, mainly for grooming and regular care)
- Care frequency:
- Grooming: Brush once or twice a week to keep the coat clean and avoid tangles. Grooming every three months is recommended to keep the fur white and tidy.
- Ear and dental care: Clean ears regularly to prevent infections and brush teeth to prevent dental issues.
💰 Budget
- Purchase price: 800-1500 €
- Coût annuel moyen (vétérinaire, accessoires, alimentation) :
🏡 Important note
The Westie is a charming, affectionate, and intelligent dog, perfect for those looking for a dynamic and sociable companion. It is suitable for apartment living, but it needs daily exercise to release its energy. Its coat requires regular maintenance, but with a little care, it will remain beautiful and well-groomed. It can have a bit of a stubborn character, so some training is necessary, but with good socialization and consistent training, it can be a wonderful family member.
