Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy often between 12 and 14 years, the West Highland White Terrier is one of the small dogs that can accompany their family for a long time when its lifestyle hygiene, its weight and its veterinary follow-up remain well controlled.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its compact build and good overall hardiness make it a fairly robust dog, able to cope well with an active lifestyle. This sturdiness does not eliminate the need for particular vigilance regarding the dermatological and respiratory conditions to which the breed may be predisposed.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Regular monitoring of the condition of the skin, the quality of the coat, breathing and the cleanliness of the ears is particularly useful in this breed. Any persistent itching, unusual cough or breathing difficulty should lead to a veterinary consultation.
Dermatitis and seborrhea: The breed may develop chronic skin disorders with itching, inflammation, or excess sebum, especially from a certain age.
Pulmonary fibrosis: The West Highland White Terrier is among the breeds predisposed to this respiratory condition, which can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and reduced exercise tolerance.
Otitis and ear mites: Its ears should be monitored and cleaned regularly to limit irritation, parasites, and secondary infections.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The West Highland White Terrier generally tolerates cold and bad weather well thanks to its double coat. It tolerates high heat more moderately and must then have shade, fresh water and outings shifted to the least hot hours.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Even if the breed is not among the most prone to weight gain, excess intake and a lack of activity can quickly affect this small build. A measured ration, limited treats and daily walks help maintain a proper silhouette.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Regularly inspect the skin and coat to detect redness or itching.
- Clean the ears with a suitable product according to the veterinarian's advice.
- Consult without delay in case of chronic cough or unusual shortness of breath.
- Maintain a stable weight thanks to an adjusted ration and daily outings.
Vaccination
West Highland White Terrier vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a West Highland White Terrier need? Like all dogs, West Highland White Terriers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial West Highland White Terrier vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult West Highland White Terrier booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your West Highland White Terrier need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy West Highland White Terrier
During routine visits, it is relevant to monitor the skin, ears, dental condition and respiratory function, especially in an individual that shows a chronic cough, exercise intolerance or repeated itching. A basic orthopedic examination can also be useful in case of lameness or locomotor discomfort.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
