How to Identify a West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier is well-known as an "earth dog" and a member of the terrier group. [1] Also called Westies, they are a Scottish breed and known for their history as ratters and their strong-willed personalities. [2] Westies have traits similar to many other terrier breeds while still having unique traits of their own. This wikiHow will help you identify a West Highland White Terrier by recognizing those key traits.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Examining the Structure

  1. 1
    Take the dog's size into account. West Highland White Terriers are fairly small terriers, weighing 15–20 pounds (6.8–9.1 kg). Males have a height of roughly 11 inches (28 cm) and females stand at 10 inches (25 cm) tall. [3]
  2. 2
    Look at the head. A Westie's head is broad and shaped to appear rounded. It is proportionate to the body with a slight dome between the ears and a defined stop. [4]
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  3. The eyes of a West Highland White Terrier are almond-shaped and medium-sized. They are deep and widely set and dark brown in color with black rims. The eyes are situated under heavy eyebrows and give the dog a sharp, piercing, intelligent look. [5]
  4. 4
    Check the ears. Westies have small ears that are wide-set and carried tightly erect. They are set on the head's top outer edge and end in a sharp point, and the hair on the ears is velvety, smooth, and short-trimmed. [6]
  5. A West Highland White Terrier's muzzle is powerful, blunt, and tapers gradually toward the nose. It is slightly shorter than the head. The nose is black in color and large, and the lips are also black pigmented. The jaws are powerful and level with large teeth that meet in a scissors bite. [7]
  6. The paws of a Westie are round and strong with thick pads. They may turn out slightly. The front paws are larger than the back paws, and any dewclaws may be removed. [8]
  7. Westies have relatively short tails that are recognizably carrot-shaped and high-set. It is straight and carried gaily without curling over the back. [9]
  8. 8
    Consider the overall build of the dog. West Highland White Terriers are compact yet strongly built and well-balanced. They have a muscular neck, sloping shoulders, a very deep chest, well-arched ribs, relatively short legs, and a flat and level topline. Westies walk with a distinctively powerful and straight gait with both reach and drive. [10]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Analyzing the Coat

  1. West Highland White Terriers have double coats. The outer coat is straight and hard with an approximate length of 2 inches (5.1 cm) but shorter on the neck and shoulders and longer on the stomach and legs. [11]
  2. 2
    See if the coat is solid white. As the name suggests, West Highland White Terriers have solid white coats. They do not have any colored markings or coat variations except for very minimal wheaten tipping that may be present. [12]

    Did you know? According to legend, a breeder of Westies had a reddish dog that was mistaken for a fox and shot while emerging from its cover, and after this, he decided to only breed white-colored dogs to prevent a repeat of this incident. [13]

  3. Westies require regular grooming, including daily brushing and combing. Plucking old and dead hairs is the traditional grooming method, though those who keep Westies primarily as pets may use other methods. Due to the hardness of their coats, they should not be too frequently bathed to prevent harm. Westies are also seasonal shedders. [14]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Recognizing Temperament

  1. 1
    Understand the typical terrier personality. When people think of a terrier, the West Highland White Terrier is usually one of the first breeds to come to mind, and their personalities definitely give reason why. They are bold and spunky dogs that are prone to becoming defensive or aggressive. [15]
  2. 2
    Look for stubbornness. Among many terrier personality traits is being stubborn, which Westies commonly inherit. Their stubborn, independent minds may make training a challenge, contribute to a high prey drive, and lead to barking. [16]
    • With combined stubbornness, wit, and cleverness, Westies require a firm, consistent trainer who isn't afraid to take charge. [17]
  3. 3
    See if the dog is adaptable. Though West Highland White Terriers encompass much of what is considered a terrier-like temperament, they are typically more adaptable. When compared to some other terriers, they are better behaved toward strangers and responsive to training. [18]
  4. Westies are active dogs despite their small size. They require an outlet for their energy and are known to dig. [19]
    • Terriers are energetic dogs, and as such, Westies benefit from daily walks and playtime. [20]
  5. With a high level of alertness, a West Highland White Terrier's ears perk when they notice anything new. Their tendency to bark when they feel that someone's entering their territory can make them good watchdogs if the barking doesn't grow excessive. [21]
  6. 6
    Check for friendliness. Despite their downsides, Westies are overall a friendly, loyal, and happy breed. They value companionship and love being around their family. [22]
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      Tips

      • If you wish to know the breed of your own dog, consider DNA testing. This will confirm if your dog is a West Highland White Terrier.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/west-highland-white-terrier/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/west-highland-white-terrier/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/west-highland-white-terrier/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/WestHighlandWhiteTerrier.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/WestHighlandWhiteTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/WestHighlandWhiteTerrier.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/WestHighlandWhiteTerrier.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/WestHighlandWhiteTerrier.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/WestHighlandWhiteTerrier.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/WestHighlandWhiteTerrier.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/WestHighlandWhiteTerrier.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/WestHighlandWhiteTerrier.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/west-highland-white-terrier/
      5. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/west-highland-white-terrier/
      6. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/westhighlandwhiteterriers.html
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/west-highland-white-terrier-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/westhighlandwhiteterriers.html
      9. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/westhighlandwhiteterriers.html
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/west-highland-white-terrier-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/westhighlandwhiteterriers.html
      12. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/west-highland-white-terrier-temperament/
      13. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/west-highland-white-terrier-temperament/

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