West Highland White Terrier

Exercise by Age

1. Puppy (under 1 year)

   5 min per month of age, twice a day

   Limit exercise to 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily. Avoid high-impact activities to protect growing joints.

2. Adult (1-11 years)

   11,500 steps

   Full daily goal applies. Mix walks with play, training and mental stimulation.

3. Senior (11+ years)

   8,000–9,200 steps

   Reduce intensity by 20-30%. Shorter, more frequent walks. Watch for signs of fatigue or joint stiffness.

Exercise Needs

An active breed that requires 60-90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise.

About the West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier is a small, energetic breed that is known for its intelligence, independence, and tenacity. This breed is native to the Scottish Highlands, where it was originally used to hunt small game and rodents.

Facts about the West Highland White Terrier

• Exercise

  High prey drive + high energy — 30 min vigorous play plus a real walk keeps terriers balanced.

  AKC

• Behavior

  Independent and stubborn — short training sessions with high-value treats beat long drills.

  VCA

• Health

  Terriers are prone to early dental issues — brush teeth 3+ times weekly to prevent tooth loss.

  VCA

• Training

  Early socialization with cats and small pets is critical — their prey drive can be redirected if started young.

  ASPCA

• Did You Know

  “Terrier” comes from Latin “terra” (earth) — most terriers were bred to hunt vermin underground.

  AKC

• Exercise

  Westies need 45–60 min daily. Terrier energy — fetch, flirt pole, and brisk walks work well.

  AKC

• Health

  Severe skin allergies affect most Westies — chronic licking/itching = see a vet dermatologist, not just a GP.

  West Highland White Terrier Club of America

• Behavior

  Bold, independent, earth-dog breed — they WILL dig. Give a sandbox or they'll redesign your garden.

  The Kennel Club UK

• Did You Know

  Standardised in 19th-century Scotland by Col. Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch — the white coat was selected for visibility, after he shot his own reddish terrier mistaking it for a fox.

  AKC history; Wikipedia

Frequently asked questions

How much exercise does a West Highland White Terrier need?

A West Highland White Terrier needs about 11,500 steps a day. An active breed that requires 60-90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise.

How big does a West Highland White Terrier get?

Adult West Highland White Terriers typically weigh 5–7 kg and stand 25–28 cm at the shoulder.

How long do West Highland White Terriers live?

A West Highland White Terrier usually lives 15–20 years.

What is a West Highland White Terrier's temperament?

West Highland White Terriers are typically Hardy, Friendly, Alert, Independent, Gay, Active, Courageous.