| Height | 11 inches (male), 10 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 15-20 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 13–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Loyal / Happy / Entertaining [1] |
| AKC group | Terrier Group [1] |
| Origin | Scotland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 45 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Westies love to romp and play, and they enjoy a nice walk. Since by nature they will run after anything that moves, the breed does best in a fenced area or on a leash. With their intelligence, energy, and can-do attitude, Westies excel in a variety of canine sports and activities, including obedience, rally, and agility. [1]
Grooming
To keep the Westie looking his best, regular grooming is a must. Stripping (or plucking) the old, dead hair is the traditional way of taking care of the terrier coat, and it is the grooming method that must be used if you're interested in showing your dog. Pet owners often have their dogs' coats clipped for neatness. [1]
Health issues to budget for
West Highland White Terriers are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as cardiac disease and patellar luxation. A Westie's teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste formulated for dogs. Regular visits to the vet for checkups and parasite control help to ensure the dog a long, healthy life. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Craniomandibular Osteopathy. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the West Highland White Terrier in 1908. [1]
- It ranked No. 45 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 41 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Westie.” [1]
- The AKC lists Scotland as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 5/5
Common questions
How long do West Highland White Terriers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 13-15 years.
How big does a West Highland White Terrier get?
AKC breed information lists height 11 inches (male), 10 inches (female) and weight 15-20 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a West Highland White Terrier?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the West Highland White Terrier, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.