Everything you need to know about breeding West Highland White Terriers responsibly - from health testing to finding the perfect breeding partner for your beloved companion.
Understanding your Westie's Scottish terrier heritage and confident nature is essential for responsible breeding
Male: 15-20 lbs
Female: 13-16 lbs
Male: 11 inches
Female: 10 inches
13-15 years
Generally healthy breed
Confident, Hardy
True terrier spirit
Developed in the Scottish Highlands for hunting fox, badger, and vermin. Bred to work independently in harsh terrain.
Must be pure white with no markings. Double coat provides weather protection. Requires regular grooming to maintain appearance.
Bold, confident, and sometimes stubborn. Strong prey drive means they'll chase small animals. Can be territorial with other dogs.
Built for rough Scottish weather. Generally sturdy and athletic despite small size. Can be surprisingly tough and resilient.
Westies have mandatory genetic tests for fatal diseases and face increasing skin allergy challenges
Severe skin allergies very common. Causes constant itching, infections. Often requires lifelong medication and special diets.
Genetic test available. Fatal neurological disease. Puppies die by 6 months if affected. Test all breeding stock.
Genetic test available. Liver cannot process copper properly. Can cause liver failure. Test breeding stock.
Kneecap dislocation common in small breeds. OFA patella evaluation recommended. Can require expensive surgery.
Inherited cataracts occur in breed. Annual CERF eye examinations required. Can cause blindness if severe.
Breed predisposition to lung scarring. No prevention known. Usually affects middle-aged dogs. Progressive breathing difficulty.
Less common in small breeds but occurs. OFA hip evaluation recommended. Can affect mobility.
Occasional heart murmurs or defects. Annual cardiac evaluation recommended. Generally not a major breed concern.
Westies have one of the highest rates of skin allergies in dogs. Atopic dermatitis affects a significant percentage of the breed, causing severe itching, skin infections, and hair loss. Many Westies scratch until they create open wounds and secondary infections.
Signs include:
Treatment often requires expensive prescription diets, medications, and frequent vet visits. Dogs with severe allergies should not be bred. Ask about skin problems in parents and grandparents.
Westies carry genes for two fatal diseases: Krabbe Disease (Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy) and Copper Toxicosis. Krabbe Disease causes puppies to die by 6 months from neurological degeneration. Copper Toxicosis causes liver failure, often in young adults. Both are preventable through genetic testing - ALL breeding dogs must be tested. Never breed two carriers together. Many puppy mill Westies carry these genes because testing is expensive. Reputable breeders always test and provide results.
Follow these essential guidelines for responsible Westie breeding
Male Westies
1.5 to 8 years
Female Westies
2 to 7 years
Small breeds mature earlier but wait for complete health testing. Westies can breed successfully into older age.
Westies have mandatory genetic tests for fatal diseases. Skin allergies are increasingly common.
Females: Maximum once per year, 4-5 litters lifetime
Skip at least one heat cycle between litters
Generally easy whelpers with strong maternal instincts
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Expert advice and tips for Westie breeding
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