How Long Do West Highland White Terriers Live?
West Highland White Terriers live 13-15 years on average. Here is the AKC breed profile, the health areas to stay ahead of, and how to give a West Highland White Terrier more good years.
Breed profile
Breed profile and trait ratings: American Kennel Club. Trait scores are AKC ratings from 1 to 5.
At 15-20 pounds, the West Highland White Terrier is a small breed. Small breeds age more slowly and are among the longest-lived dogs, which its 13-15 years average reflects.
Does a West Highland White Terrier fit your life?
Cheerful and endlessly playful, this little terrier adores kids and stays alert to everything around it. Just know it's a genuinely talkative breed with a coat that asks for regular upkeep.
A great match if you
- You're set for a fun, energetic playmate that's great around children.
- You'll get a dog that's alert to visitors yet still warms up to people it meets.
- You'll have a devoted, cuddly companion at home.
- You can bring this small dog along through apartment living or moves without much fuss.
Think twice if
- You should be ready for a genuinely vocal dog, this breed barks at nearly everything, a real consideration for apartments or close neighbors.
- You'll need regular brushing and trims to keep that famous white coat looking right.
- You'll need patience and consistency, this terrier can be independent-minded at training time.
- You'll want to manage introductions carefully, terrier instincts can make dog-to-dog relations hit or miss.
Health areas for the West Highland White Terrier
Based on the breed profile, the health areas most worth staying ahead of for a West Highland White Terrier are Joint and mobility and Dental and oral health (owners often watch for patellar luxation, teeth, tooth).
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West Highland White Terrier facts, quick answers
How long do West Highland White Terriers live?
West Highland White Terriers live 13-15 years on average, and plenty go beyond that. The two biggest levers on where a given dog lands are keeping it at a lean, healthy weight and staying ahead of the health issues the breed is prone to.
How big do West Highland White Terriers get?
A full-grown West Highland White Terrier stands 11 inches (male), 10 inches (female) and weighs 15-20 pounds, which puts it firmly in the small-breed range.
What kind of dog is a West Highland White Terrier?
The West Highland White Terrier is a terrier breed, and one of the country's more popular breeds, ranked 41 of 208. It is a small dog that typically lives around 13-15 years.
Are West Highland White Terriers high-energy dogs?
West Highland White Terriers are an energetic breed that stays happiest with a solid daily walk plus some play or training.
Are West Highland White Terriers easy to train?
West Highland White Terriers are trainable with patience and consistency; short, rewarding sessions work best.
Do West Highland White Terriers shed a lot?
They are moderate shedders. A weekly brush keeps most of the loose hair off your furniture.
Do West Highland White Terriers bark a lot?
They are fairly vocal. They like to announce visitors and will bark when bored, so teaching a quiet cue early pays off.
Are West Highland White Terriers good with kids?
West Highland White Terriers are great with children, gentle and patient, which is a big reason families love the breed; supervise young kids around any dog.
Do West Highland White Terriers get along with other dogs?
West Highland White Terriers are able to get along with other dogs, though early socialization helps and some prefer to be the only dog.
Are West Highland White Terriers friendly with strangers?
West Highland White Terriers are friendly with strangers and tend to greet new people like old friends.
Are West Highland White Terriers good for first-time owners?
West Highland White Terriers are rewarding but not the easiest first dog; they do best with an owner ready to commit to their exercise, training and grooming.
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