Buyer question
How long does a West Highland White Terrier live?
Our Animal Library gives the West Highland White Terrier a lifespan of 13–15 years.
Source: the West Highland White Terrier page in the Everybarn Animal Library. West Highland White Terrier in the Animal Library
The detail
Bred in Scotland to hunt foxes and rats among rocks, the Westie is a sturdy, confident and cheerful terrier. Friendly and independent, it is a good small family dog, though it digs, barks and is prone to skin problems.
- Best fit
- Families, apartments
- Temperament
- Confident, cheerful, independent
What to weigh
Westies dig, chase small animals and bark. Chronic skin allergies are common and can require lifelong management, and the white coat needs regular grooming to stay clean.