The West Highland White Terrier (Westie)

posted 8 August, 2024 – by master

Rehanna, our Blue Wheelers Groomer in Prospect South Australia is also our Team Support in Adelaide. She has been grooming with Blue Wheelers since 2013 and is a much-loved part of the National team.

She has owned the same Westie for almost 15 years.  His name is Hamish, of course, as his breed originates from Scotland.

“They are the best little dogs with bags of personality and a great temperament.” says Rehanna. “In a grooming sense, I find their coats easy to work with and the shape and pattern of the groom enjoyable to master”.

Breed history in brief

The Westie’s white coat has an intriguing origin story. Scotland’s short-legged terriers, now known as Scottish, Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, and West Highland White Terriers, share common roots and were prized hunters of small game. These terriers once came in various colours, from black to red to cream or white.

Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch, Scotland, is credited with breeding white terriers, although he never claimed credit. According to legend, he decided to breed only white dogs after mistakenly shooting a reddish terrier, thinking it was a fox.

The breed was officially named the West Highland White Terrier in 1907 at England’s Crufts dog show, highlighting their rugged character and origin.

Unique aspects of grooming a Westie

The head of the Westie is its most distinguishable feature. The head should resemble a chrysanthemum in full bloom, round and full, with the teeny points of the ears showing at the top. The skill to do this type of head can take a while to learn, but once you recognise the pattern, it’s easy for a Groomer to replicate. Westies can also be very stubborn so it’s helpful to be able to ‘speak terrier’ which means to always have Treats on hand and be patient with their tantrums. 

Shampoo and conditioner

Many Westies suffer from skin issues like dermatitis. If required, they should be washed using a professional medicated shampoo. If their skin is healthy the Blue Wheelers Whitening Shampoo works a treat. It leaves their coat shiny and white.

How often should you groom this breed?

Westies like to get dirty! They could easily have a bath every week. However, Rehanna recommends a bath at least every 3-4 weeks and a full haircut every 6-8 weeks.

What happens if this breed is not groomed on a regular basis?

If not regularly groomed, a Westie’s coat gets greasy and can matt and tangle. For the comfort of the dog and the health of the skin Westie need to be groomed on a regular schedule. Book in your dog’s deshed by calling 1300 659 055 or get a free quote online.