West Highland Terrier

Like every breed, the West Highland Terrier is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Be firm but fair, and consistent, with reward-based methods.
• Use food rewards and toys they can chase and tug.
• Work on recall early, and socialise them with children, cats and livestock.
• Socialise them with lots of dogs of all sizes from a young age.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Cats and small pets

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.

• Garden

  A secure garden is strongly advised.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Often suits first-time owners.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Skin allergies

  Westies are known to suffer from skin allergies.

• Westie lung (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis)

  A type of lung disease that causes breathing problems.

• Craniomandibular osteopathy

  An inherited bone disorder that affects young dogs, causing abnormal bone growth, particularly in the jaw.

• Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)

  The tear glands stop producing enough tears, leading to dry, painful eyes.

• Patellar luxation

  The kneecaps can slip temporarily out of place.

• Legg-Perthes disease

  A painful condition that causes the hip joint to die and crumble.

• Ear conditions

  Westies can be prone to ear problems, so check their ears regularly.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a West Highland Terrier home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a West Highland Terrier home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the West Highland Terrier suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

West Highland Terriers do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.