BREED INFORMATION

West Highland White Terriers, or Westies, as they are better known, are pint-sized packages of energy. Compact and solid, Westies were originally bred for hunting vermin and to this day prefer chasing squirrels rather than cuddling in your lap. For more information on Westies, visit the Westie Club of America for an excellent source of information about the breed. 

Because Westies were bred for the chase, they may not be the best choice for families with small children. A Westie may chase and nip at the heels or hands of young children as they would prey. For this reason, WWR does not adopt to families with children under the age of eight years without prior approval of the president of WWR. For a wonderful article by animal behavorist Deb Duncan on this topic, please click here to read Westies and Children. For families with older children, a Westie can make a wonderful playmate and companion.

Adult Westies have a two-tiered coat with a harder or wirey top coat and a softer undercoat. A Westie puppy has more of the softer undercoat. The harder top coat protects the Westie from the elements while the undercoat provides insulation from the cold. A Westie does not require frequent baths, but does require in-home brushing to remove dead hair. Professional grooming is recommended approximately every six to twelve weeks. Follow your groomer's advice on how frequently your Westie should be groomed, and consider the time and expense of professional grooming when determining if a Westie is the right dog for you.