The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the “Westie,” shines as a beloved canine companion. This small yet charismatic breed has captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts across Australia with its boundless energy, charming personality, and iconic snowy coat. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of West Highland Terriers in the Australian context, delving into their history, unique characteristics, care requirements, and the joys of welcoming these spunky white furballs into Australian homes. Whether you’re considering sharing your life with a Westie or simply curious about this iconic breed, our exploration of West Highland Terrier breed information in Australia promises to be enlightening.
Key Facts and Characteristics
| Size | Small Dog Breed |
| Average Height | 25 – 28 cm |
| Average Weight | 6.8 – 9 kg |
| Lifespan | 12 – 16 years |
| Exercise Requirement | 30 – 60 min |
| Coat | Thick and wiry |
Introducing the West Highland Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier is a small breed of dog that originated in Scotland. The breed was developed in the 19th century to hunt small game, such as rodents and foxes. The American Kennel Club recognised the Westie in 1908, and is now a popular family pet. The breed is known for its lively personality and affectionate nature.
Appearance Overview for the West Highland Terrier
The Westie is a small, sturdy dog that typically weighs 6-10 kilograms and stands around 25-28 centimetres tall at the shoulder. They have a white double coat that can be coarse and wiry, with a soft undercoat. The breed’s coat requires regular grooming, including brushing and trimming to maintain its shape.
Temperament
The Westie is known for its friendly, outgoing personality and is often described as a “big dog in a small package”. They are loyal and affectionate towards their owners and are generally good with children and other pets when socialised properly. However, they can be wary of strangers and may exhibit aggressive behaviour if threatened.
Discover if the West Highland Terrier is the right breed for you.
Caring for Your West Highland Terrier
The Westie is a relatively healthy breed but is prone to specific health issues, including skin allergies, hip dysplasia, and liver disease. The breed requires regular grooming to maintain its coat, including weekly brushing and regular trimming. Regular veterinary check-ups, exercise, worming and tick treatments are crucial for their well-being.
Exercise Requirements
Westies benefit from daily walks to help them burn off energy and provide mental stimulation. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour of walking daily, or engage in activities like fetch, tug-of-war, and hide-and-seek. Incorporating training into exercise sessions by teaching them new commands and practising obedience skills can be a mentally stimulating form of exercise.
Training and Activities
The Westie is an intelligent breed that is eager to please its owner. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and enjoy activities such as agility, obedience training, and playing with toys. They also benefit from regular socialisation to help them develop good manners and reduce their tendency towards aggressive behaviour.
In Summary of the West Highland Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier is a lively and affectionate breed that makes a great family pet. They require regular grooming and exercise to keep them healthy and happy and benefit from positive reinforcement training methods and socialisation. Overall, the Westie rates four stars compared to all other small-breed dogs in Australia. For further information on the breed, including reputable breeders and rescue organisations, visit trusted Australian Resources such as the Australian National Kennel Council and the West Highland White Terrier Club of Victoria.
