West Highland White Terrier

Patellar Luxation

Legg-Perthes Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Heart murmurs

Westies can be fussy eaters, and adding little treats to their food can help. Treats can be an essential aid in training as well, but giving too many can cause obesity. Their diet should have high protein as well as good sources of fat, vitamins and minerals. Westie pups can benefit from DHA, a specific form of omega-3 fatty acid to aid their brain and eye development.

Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your Westie's weight or diet. They can be prone to developing food allergies and skin problems, consult your vet if you notice any symptoms. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Westies are low to moderate shedders. They are also hypoallergenic dogs, making them ideal for owners with allergies. They have relatively short, dense white coats which can shed dirt quickly. They also have a double coat, consisting of a softer undercoat and a more complex outer coat. Regular brushing will help lessen the amount of hair shedding.

This breed does not need a lot of grooming, but the feathering will need regular combing, brushing with a stiff bristle brush and trimming at least once a week. Their nails should be trimmed at least once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally, this will help to prevent any painful tears and other problems.

Westies generally require less exercise compared to some other, more energetic breeds. 20 to 40 minutes of exercise a day, thorough walks and play sessions will help to keep them happy. Inside the house, Westies are generally calm. Westies love playtime, as well as digging, running and chasing smaller creatures. Because of their natural hunting instincts, it is not recommended to leave your Westie off-leash in any open areas especially near wildlife. Westie's natural terrier ability can be tested through dog sports, including agility, flyball, obedience and rally. Some Westies enjoy swimming but they must be supervised at all times.

Westies are hardy dogs with fewer health-related issues in their lifetime. They may be susceptible to 'Westie jaw', which affects their skull, as well as Legg-Perthes disease and cataracts. Visiting the vet regularly is essential to their overall health and wellbeing. However, the frequency of treatment and checkups will depend on the dog.

Twice a year, health check visits with your vet are essential to ensure your Westie is happy and healthy throughout their life. In these annual visits, your vet will complete a physical examination, take your dog's temperature and check his heartbeat, among other things. Routine maintenance for your dog gives you a chance to track your dog's growth and development and discuss your vet's concerns.

West Highland White Terriers are inquisitive, independent dogs who make excellent family pets and playmates for children of all ages. Despite their physical energy, they have a relatively calm temperament. They can be sensitive and reserved around new people, but they are rarely aggressive. They are also known to get along well with children and other pets in the house.

Westies are independent and can be a bit stubborn, making it challenging to train them. They also possess the instincts to dig holes and bite. Training should start as early as possible, and incorporating various creative and positive reinforcement methods are recommended to help with behaviour correction. They are fast learners when trained early in their life. Their excessive barking may become a concern, so early socialisation with other dogs and animals and proper disciplinary training should be done to prevent this. A Westie may need its training to be refreshed at a later stage in its life.

Westies are generally social with other dogs and are suitable for multi-dog households. However, male Westies may show dislike towards one another. Westies are friendly toward other dogs if they have been properly trained by their owner. Westies can adapt and tolerate cats with enough socialisation; however, you should note that they have a strong prey drive. They will usually chase and sometimes attack smaller animals, including hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits. Socialising them at a young age is advisable to help with relationship-building.