📜 History
De Westie komt uit Schotse terrierlijnen die ongedierte en klein wild tussen rotsen en begroeiing moesten vinden. De witte vacht werd bewust gewaardeerd omdat de hond zo goed zichtbaar was tijdens de jacht.
🧬 Dog breeds
Practical breed information as a starting point — every dog remains an individual.
BREED GUIDE
West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terrier is generally a klein breed with middel/hoog energy. Commonly described traits include: alert, vrolijk, zelfstandig. Individual dogs can differ greatly, so always assess the dog in front of you.
Stylised breed illustration
Sizeklein
Energymiddel/hoog
Social profilesociaal/selectief
OriginSchotland
🎯 Original purpose
Jacht op klein wild.
The original work often helps explain why certain motivations and behaviours can still occur in the breed today.
🐕 Appearance
West Highland White Terrier is klein in size and typically has een rasgebonden vacht en een bouw die past bij het oorspronkelijke werk. Typical impression: alert, vrolijk, zelfstandig. Lines, coat, colour, build and temperament can vary within every breed.
🧠 Characteristics
alert, vrolijk, zelfstandig
Use breed traits as guidance, not prediction. Upbringing, socialisation, health, experiences and individual temperament still matter.
At a glance
Energy5/5
Trainability4/5
Social5/5
Coat care3/5
🏃 Exercise
This breed has an average middel/hoog energy level. Match exercise to age, condition and health, combining physical activity with sniffing, rest and mental work.
🎓 Training
Use short, clear sessions and reward desired behaviour. Consider the breed’s original purpose, while always adapting training to the individual dog.
🧴 Care
Regularly check coat, skin, ears, nails and teeth. Exact care needs vary by coat type, lifestyle and individual dog.
❤️ Health
Breeds can have predispositions to inherited problems. Discuss individual health questions with a veterinarian and use official breed health testing when making breeding choices.
🏡 Is this breed right for me?
Look beyond appearance: available time, exercise, training, care, living environment, costs and the individual dog’s temperament matter just as much.
💡 Did you know
Much behaviour considered “typical breed behaviour” relates to work ancestors were selected for over generations. It is a clue, not a guarantee for an individual dog.
Do you have a West Highland White Terrier?Use Academy for training adapted to your individual dog.
🎓 AcademyBreed profile at a glance
NameWest Highland White Terrier
Sizesmall
Energymedium/high
Socialsocial/selective
Often described traits: alert, cheerful, independent.
🎓 Continue in Go2Dog
Breed information describes averages. Breed clubs, veterinarians and recognised kennel organisations are additional sources for health, breeding and official standards.