West Highland White Terrier Health Guide
Everything west highland white terrier owners need to know about keeping their dog healthy.
Breed Overview
West Highland White Terriers, or Westies, are small, sturdy terriers originally developed in Scotland to hunt vermin. They are typically confident, alert, and independent, with a bold personality that can make them wonderful companions for active households. What makes the breed especially important from a health perspective is its well-recognized predisposition to certain inherited and breed-associated problems, especially skin disease, orthopedic issues, eye concerns, and chronic lung disease. Because Westies can develop lifelong conditions such as allergic skin disease or, less commonly, pulmonary fibrosis, regular preventive care and early veterinary attention for new symptoms can make a meaningful difference in comfort and quality of life.
Common Health Issues
Atopic dermatitis and chronic skin disease
Westies are a recognized predisposed breed for canine atopic dermatitis. Common signs include itchy skin, licking of the feet, recurrent ear infections, redness, odor, and secondary yeast or bacterial infections.
Canine pulmonary fibrosis
West Highland White Terriers are one of the breeds most commonly affected by pulmonary fibrosis, a scarring disease of the lungs. Watch for exercise intolerance, rapid breathing, cough or breathing effort, especially in middle-aged and older dogs.
Patellar luxation
Loose kneecaps can occur in small breeds like Westies and may cause skipping, hopping, hind-limb lameness, or reluctance to jump. OFA patella screening is part of the breed club's recommended health testing.
Inherited eye disease
The breed club and AKC recommend ophthalmologist eye evaluations. Owners should watch for squinting, cloudiness, discharge, vision changes, or rubbing at the eyes.
Hip disease and Legg-Calvé-Perthes risk
Westies can be affected by hip abnormalities and are listed among breeds predisposed to Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, a disorder of the femoral head that can cause pain and limping in younger dogs.
Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO)
CMO, sometimes called 'lion jaw,' is a breed-associated inherited disorder that can cause painful jaw swelling, trouble eating, drooling, and fever in young dogs. The AKC parent-club health statement notes a genetic test is available.
Preventive Care Schedule
Westies still need the same core preventive care as other dogs: routine wellness exams, parasite prevention, dental care, and vaccination based on age, lifestyle, and local veterinary guidance. For breed-specific prevention, ask your veterinarian and breeder about the West Highland White Terrier Club of America and OFA/CHIC screening recommendations, which include hip evaluation, patella evaluation, ophthalmologist eye examination, and screening for craniomandibular osteopathy in breeding dogs. Because skin disease is common in this breed, many Westies also benefit from earlier check-ins for itchy skin, recurrent ear problems, or paw licking rather than waiting for symptoms to become severe. Dental care is especially important in small breeds, so daily tooth brushing and regular professional dental evaluations should be part of routine care.
When to Use Telehealth for Your West Highland White Terrier
Telehealth can be especially helpful for Westie owners when early skin or ear symptoms appear, such as paw licking, mild redness, recurrent itching, odor, or questions about flare management between in-person visits. It can also be useful for discussing whether a limp, intermittent skipping gait, or post-operative recovery concern needs urgent in-clinic follow-up. For older Westies with known lung disease, telehealth may help you decide whether changes in exercise tolerance or resting breathing should be evaluated right away. A virtual visit is also a good fit for reviewing breeder health-testing records, planning preventive screening, or deciding whether your dog's symptoms sound mild, urgent, or emergency-level. If your Westie has labored breathing, blue or pale gums, severe pain, collapse, or sudden inability to eat or walk, skip telehealth and go to an emergency vet immediately.
West Highland White Terrier Health FAQs
Are West Highland White Terriers prone to skin allergies?
What health tests should a Westie breeder perform?
Why is my Westie breathing faster or tiring more easily?
Do Westies have more joint problems than other small dogs?
How much should I budget for Westie healthcare each year?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.