Buyer question
Is a West Highland White Terrier good for beginners?
Yes: our Animal Library rates the West Highland White Terrier 4 out of 5 for beginners (sturdy and friendly).
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.
- Temperament
- Confident, cheerful, independent
- Best fit
- Families, apartments
- Trainability
- 3 out of 5 (Smart, independent)
- Energy
- 3 out of 5 (Walks and play daily)
- Grooming load
- 3 out of 5 (Brush weekly, strip or clip)
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.