The West Highland White Terrier — the “Westie” — is one of the most recognizable small breeds in Canada: a bright white, big-hearted terrier with the confidence of a dog three times its size. This guide covers everything a family researching the breed should know, from the breed standard and temperament through grooming, health, lifespan, cost, and how to tell a responsible Ontario breeder from a questionable one.
West Highland White Terrier at a glance
- Group: Terrier (Group 4 under the Canadian Kennel Club)
- Height: Males approximately 28 cm (11 in) at the withers; females about 25 cm (10 in)
- Weight: Roughly 6.8–9.1 kg (15–20 lb)
- Coat: Harsh outer coat over a soft, dense undercoat — low-shedding, high-maintenance
- Colour: White only
- Lifespan: Typically 12–16 years
- Energy: Moderate — lively bursts, then happy to settle
- Best suited to: Families who want a small, characterful dog and will commit to regular grooming
What is a West Highland White Terrier?
The Westie is a compact, sturdy, short-coupled terrier built for going to ground after vermin. The Canadian Kennel Club breed standard calls for dogs of about 11 inches at the withers and bitches an inch less, with weight in proportion — most adults land between 15 and 20 pounds. The standard describes the ideal Westie temperament in four words: alert, gay, courageous and self-reliant. Excessive timidity and excessive pugnacity are both faults.
Physically, the breed is defined by its pure white double coat, dark almond-shaped eyes set under a prominent brow, small erect ears, a blunt muzzle and a short carrot-shaped tail carried up but never over the back. The ruff of hair around the head frames the face and creates the round, inquisitive expression the breed is known for. White is the only permitted colour — there is no such thing as a cream, wheaten or “rare-coloured” purebred Westie, and any breeder advertising one is either mislabelling a different breed or selling a cross.
A short history of the breed
The Westie descends from the working terriers of the western Scottish Highlands, where farmers and gamekeepers prized small, gritty dogs that could go to ground after rats, foxes and otters. The traditional account credits Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch in Argyll, who is said to have begun deliberately breeding for white dogs after a reddish terrier of his was mistaken for a fox and shot in the field. A white coat made the dog unmistakable against the heather and against its quarry.
The breed appeared under several names in its early days — Poltalloch Terrier, Roseneath Terrier, White Roseneath Terrier — before settling on West Highland White Terrier and receiving formal kennel club recognition in the first decade of the twentieth century. It shares close ancestry with the Cairn Terrier and the Scottish Terrier, which is why the three are so often confused by people new to Scottish terrier breeds. Its cheerful looks and portable size have made it a steady favourite with Canadian families ever since.
Temperament and personality
Westies are friendly, curious and remarkably self-possessed. They bond closely with their people while keeping the independent streak typical of terriers — a Westie will love you completely and still have its own opinion about what happens next. Most enjoy playtime, short adventures and being in the middle of household activity, and they generally get along well with children and other pets when raised with them.
Two things surprise first-time owners. The first is the prey drive: this is a dog bred for generations to chase and dispatch small animals, and no amount of training removes that instinct entirely. Secure fencing and a reliable recall matter. The second is the voice — Westies were bred to bark while working underground so the handler could locate them, and many are naturally vocal. Both are manageable with early training, but neither should be a surprise. Read our full guide to Westie temperament and personality.
Exercise and training needs
Westies are lively but not demanding athletes. Two short walks a day plus some active play usually keeps an adult content. Because they were bred to problem-solve independently, they also need mental work — puzzle feeders, scent games, short training sessions and new places to sniff do as much for a Westie’s wellbeing as extra distance on the lead.
They are intelligent and food-motivated, which makes them very trainable, but the terrier independence means they respond far better to short, upbeat, reward-based sessions than to repetition or heavy-handed correction. Start early, keep it positive, and expect a dog with opinions rather than a dog that obeys reflexively.
Grooming and coat care
That signature white coat needs real attention. Westies are low-shedding, which many families appreciate, but low-shedding and low-maintenance are not the same thing: hair that does not fall out has to be brushed or stripped out instead. Plan on brushing several times a week and a professional groom every eight to twelve weeks.
The traditional method is hand-stripping, which removes dead hair at the root and preserves the harsh texture and bright white colour of the outer coat. Clipping is easier and perfectly acceptable for a pet, but it cuts rather than removes the hair, and over time the coat softens and can pick up a duller, slightly yellow cast. Neither approach is wrong — but the choice affects both the look of the dog and your grooming budget. See our grooming and shedding guide for the full routine.
Health and lifespan
Westies are a generally hardy breed with a typical lifespan of around 12–16 years. Like every purebred dog they have breed-associated conditions worth knowing about — atopic dermatitis and other skin issues are by far the most commonly reported, alongside luxating patella, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, dry eye, craniomandibular osteopathy in puppies, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (“Westie lung disease”) in older dogs.
None of that means a Westie is a sickly breed. It means an informed owner knows what to watch for, and a responsible breeder screens their breeding stock and makes thoughtful pairings rather than breeding whatever two dogs happen to be available. Learn more about Westie health and lifespan.
This guide provides general breed information and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your individual dog.
What a Westie puppy costs in Canada
The cost of a well-bred Westie puppy reflects health testing, veterinary care for the dam and litter, early socialization and the breeder’s investment of time. Prices vary across Canada, and the cheapest puppy is rarely the best value — unusually low prices almost always mean something on that list was skipped. Budget as well for the ongoing costs, particularly professional grooming, which is a permanent line item with this breed. Here’s what goes into the price of a Westie puppy.
Is a Westie right for your family?
Westies suit a wide range of homes — apartments to acreages — provided they get companionship, light daily exercise and consistent, positive training. They are a strong fit for families who want a small, spirited companion and can commit to regular grooming. They are a poorer fit for households that are empty for very long stretches, or for anyone hoping for a quiet, low-prey-drive, wash-and-wear dog. Take an honest look at whether the breed fits your lifestyle.
Bringing a Westie puppy home
The first fortnight sets the tone for years. Have the crate, the food your breeder has been using, and your house rules sorted before the puppy arrives, and treat the early socialization window as the priority it is. Our first-week puppy care guide walks through it step by step.
Choosing a reputable Westie breeder in Ontario
A responsible breeder health-tests their dogs, raises puppies underfoot in a home environment, is transparent about lineage and health, asks you as many questions as you ask them, and stays in your corner for the life of the dog. Ontario also now sets a legal floor: the Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales Act, which received royal assent in June 2024, made a range of puppy-mill practices explicitly illegal in this province. Our guide walks through exactly what to look for, what to ask, and what the law now requires.
When you’re ready, you can see our available Westie puppies or start a puppy application.
Frequently asked questions
Do West Highland White Terriers shed?
Westies are a low-shedding breed with a harsh double coat. Hair that does not shed still has to be removed by brushing or hand-stripping, so plan on brushing several times a week and a professional groom every eight to twelve weeks.
What colours do Westies come in?
Only one — white. The pure white coat is a defining feature of the breed and the only colour permitted by the breed standard. Any other coat colour is a disqualification.
Are Westies good family dogs?
Yes, for the right family. Well-socialized Westies are affectionate, playful and adaptable, and typically do well with respectful children and with other pets when raised together. They suit families who can commit to grooming and companionship.
How big do Westies get?
Males stand about 28 cm (11 in) at the withers and females about 25 cm (10 in), with most adults weighing 6.8–9.1 kg (15–20 lb) — small but sturdy and well boned.
How long do Westies live?
The typical range is 12 to 16 years. Good nutrition, a healthy weight, dental care and routine veterinary attention all support the upper end of that range.
Do Westies bark a lot?
Many do. The breed was developed to bark while working underground so handlers could locate the dog, and that tendency persists. Early training and adequate mental stimulation keep it manageable.
Are Westies hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Westies shed very little, which some allergy sufferers find easier to live with, but dander and saliva proteins are the usual triggers and those are present in every breed. Spend time around adult Westies before committing.
Are Westies easy to train?
They are intelligent and food-motivated, which helps, but they are also independent thinkers. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work far better than repetition or correction.
Thinking a Westie might be the right fit? Get in touch with Cedar Creek Westies — we’re always happy to answer questions from families researching the breed.
Ready to welcome a Westie? Our Westie puppies are bred by Cedar Creek Kennels in Amaranth, Ontario — a CKC member breeder raising West Highland White Terriers since 2007. See current availability, or fill out a puppy application to join the waitlist.