The Westie Profile

Country Of Origin: Scotland

Average Life Span: 12 to 16 years

Color: White

Original Function:  hunting rats, foxes and other vermin

Temperament: confident, independent, feisty, intelligent, funny, alert and loyal

Average Size: 10 to 11 inches at the shoulder/ 13 to 20 pounds

Activity Level: High. Not Hyper, but very energetic/Westie’s need walks daily

Grooming: brush at least twice a week/trim every 6 to 8 weeks/shed very little

Socialization:  Westies are friendly and get along well with people and most other dogs

Good with children:  Not young ones/can make a good companion for older kids

Coat Type:  double coated with a soft undercoat and rough outercoat

This is just the basic profile of a Westie. Not all Westie’s have every characteristic. The most surprising thing to me about Sophie, my Westie was that she was not a lapdog. How could this cute little thing not be a lapdog?  Sophie is now 3 years old and over time, she has become more of a lapdog but she is still very independent.  I love the combination of the two sides of her.

The other surprising thing to me about Sophie was how strong her prey instinct  is.  When she sees a squirrel or a bird,  she locks into them and doesn’t see or hear anything else! Her focus is entirely on  getting that little critter!

I will be going deeper into these subjects as time goes on but I hope this initial information has been helpful to prospective Westie parents and anyone interested in the West Highland White Terrier.