West Highland White Terrier Health and Costs
Breed Group
Terrier Dogs
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Breed Size
Small
AKC Recognition
Yes, recognized in 1908
FCI Recognition
Yes, recognized in 1954
Rarity
Most Common2 / 10
Purchase cost
Expensive7 / 10
Life expectancy
Long Lifespan8 / 10
Health
Generally healthy7 / 10
Health problem risk
Moderate health concerns4 / 10
Maintenance cost
Moderate upkeep cost4 / 10
A Veterinarian's Guide
West Highland White Terrier Health Problems and Costs
The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is a small, sturdy dog with a big personality, and most live well into their teens. A handful of problems repeat in the breed, though: itchy skin, a serious lung disease of older dogs, a jaw condition in puppies, and the usual small-dog issues with teeth, eyes, and liver. Knowing them before you bring a puppy home, or while you already share your life with one, makes screening and vet visits much easier to plan.
In this guide
Why Do Westies Get So Many Skin Problems?
Atopic dermatitis, a heritable allergic skin reaction to things like pollen, dust mites, or grass, is common in the breed, and about a quarter of surveyed Westies were affected. The word atopic comes from the Greek atopos, "out of place." Affected dogs often lick their paws, have red or thickened skin, and get recurring ear infections. A veterinarian can build a long-term plan, because the condition is managed rather than cured.
Ichthyosis, an inherited condition in which the outer layer of skin does not form properly, is another one the breed is particularly affected by. It causes rough, scaly skin with thick, greasy flakes that cling to the hair and thickened footpads. There is no cure, but medicated shampoos and rinses keep the skin hydrated and comfortable, and a genetic test exists. The name comes from the Greek ichthys, "fish," for the fish-scale look.
What Is Westie Lung Disease?
A Westie with sudden, severe trouble breathing, bluish gums, or collapse needs an emergency veterinarian immediately, and a cough that lasts more than a few days deserves a prompt appointment.
Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, widely called Westie lung disease, is a progressive scarring of the lungs. Idiopathic means the cause is unknown, and there is a strong genetic predisposition in Westies. According to the Westie Foundation of America, it mainly affects middle-aged to older dogs, and the first signs are usually frequent coughing, tiring quickly on walks, and labored breathing.
There is no cure, and treatment aims to ease symptoms and keep the dog comfortable, so early diagnosis helps. This is why a persistent cough in an older Westie should never be written off as simple aging.
- 01
Frequent or lasting cough
A dry cough that keeps returning over days or weeks.
- 02
Tiring quickly
Less stamina on walks, stairs, or play than before.
- 03
Fast or labored breathing
Breathing hard at rest or with effort at each breath.
- 04
Blue-tinged gums or collapse
An emergency, so go to the nearest clinic at once.
What Is Lion Jaw in Westie Puppies?
Craniomandibular osteopathy, or CMO, is an inherited condition often called Westie jaw or lion jaw. It causes painful swelling and abnormal bone growth along the jaw, typically between about 3 and 8 months of age, so affected puppies may struggle to open their mouths, drool, or eat. PetMD notes that the abnormal bone growth usually stops around 1 year of age, and treatment focuses on pain relief while the puppy grows. It is recessive, so a puppy is affected only when both parents carry the faulty gene, and a DNA test is on the AKC health testing list for the breed.
What About Eyes, Liver, Knees and Teeth?
Dry eye, caused by too few tears, leads to red, painful eyes, squinting, and possible corneal ulcers, and it is treated with eye medication. Copper storage disease, in which the liver holds too much copper, can lead to chronic hepatitis, which is liver inflammation, and one British study found Westies were several times more likely than other dogs to develop it. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of its groove, is also screened for, and it can range from an occasional skip in the stride to a problem needing surgery.
Small mouths mean crowded teeth, and crowded teeth collect tartar quickly, so dental disease is a real concern. Home tooth brushing and professional cleanings starting well before middle age reduce the burden. The breed club recommends patella, hip, and eye evaluations for breeding dogs, along with the CMO DNA test.
What Does Managing a Westie's Health Actually Cost?
| Condition or Need | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergy management | $300 to $800/year | Visits, medication, medicated shampoos |
| Dental cleaning | $400 to $900 | Higher if extractions are needed |
| Annual eye exam | $75 to $200 | Breeding dogs, and if dry eye is suspected |
| Hip and patella radiographs | $250 to $450 | For breeding dogs, ideally |
These are general estimates that vary by region and clinic, so treat them as a planning guide and ask your veterinarian for a quote. Lung disease care varies too much to price, so ask your veterinarian for a plan if it is diagnosed.
Questions to Ask a Breeder Before Buying a Puppy
Ask for the parents' CMO DNA results and their patella, hip, and eye evaluations, since the breed club recommends all four for breeding dogs. It is also fair to ask about any history of lung disease, skin allergies, or liver problems in the line, and whether the dogs have been tested for ichthyosis. A breeder who answers clearly and shows documentation is a good sign.
Daily Life With a Westie
Westies are small but energetic, and PetMD suggests at least 30 minutes of focused exercise a day, such as a scent walk or a game of ball. Keeping a healthy weight takes pressure off the joints and helps with inflammation too.
The thick white coat needs weekly brushing plus professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks, as the grooming guide explains, and the grooming visits are also a chance to spot skin changes early. Westies are bold, cheerful terriers, as the personality profile describes, and early, patient training helps channel their independent streak.
Keeping Your Westie Healthy for the Long Run
Keep your dog lean, brush the teeth, and ask your veterinarian early about itchy skin or recurring ear infections. Take any lasting cough or tiring on walks seriously, especially in middle age and beyond. Pet insurance is worth pricing while your dog is young and healthy, since a pre-existing diagnosis can limit what is covered later.
Final Thoughts From a Veterinarian
Westies usually live 13 to 15 years and cost about $145 to $385 a month. Watch for itchy skin, treat any lasting cough or labored breathing as a reason to see your veterinarian, and keep teeth and weight in check. Your veterinarian can tailor the plan.
Health & Costs FAQ
How much do West Highland White Terrier cost?
The cost of a West Highland White Terrier puppy from a breeder typically ranges from about $900 to $2,500, and some lineages cost more. Shelters and Westie rescues are also options and usually cost less.
Purchase cost: 7 / 10
How long do West Highland White Terrier live?
West Highland White Terriers typically live 13 to 15 years. A nutritious diet, a healthy weight, regular exercise, dental care, and routine veterinary checkups help a Westie live a full, active life.
Life expectancy: 8 / 10
Are West Highland White Terrier healthy dogs?
West Highland White Terriers are generally healthy and long-lived, often reaching 13 to 15 years. However, they are prone to skin allergies, dental disease, and a few breed-specific conditions such as Westie lung disease and craniomandibular osteopathy, or Westie jaw. Regular veterinary checkups are essential for catching these early.
Health: 7 / 10
What health problems do West Highland White Terrier have?
West Highland White Terriers are prone to atopic dermatitis (allergic skin disease), ichthyosis, Westie lung disease (pulmonary fibrosis), craniomandibular osteopathy in puppies, dry eye, copper-related liver disease, and dental disease. Screening of breeding dogs and early attention to itching, coughing, and tiring catch most problems early.
Health problem risk: 4 / 10
Are West Highland White Terrier expensive to maintain?
West Highland White Terriers have moderate upkeep costs. Their small size keeps food expenses low, but the thick coat needs professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks, and skin and dental care add to yearly vet bills. Setting money aside for allergy and dental care is wise.
Maintenance cost: 4 / 10
How much does it cost to own a West Highland White Terrier per month?
Owning a West Highland White Terrier typically costs between $145 and $385 per month. This budget covers quality food, routine veterinary care, professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks, and pet insurance. Setting aside extra funds for skin or dental care is recommended for this spirited breed.
Monthly ownership cost: 5 / 10
How much does pet insurance cost for a West Highland White Terrier?
Pet insurance for a West Highland White Terrier typically costs between $35 and $65 per month. Premiums vary by age, location, and coverage. Because skin allergies, dental disease, and lung disease can lead to ongoing costs, a policy is worth pricing while your dog is young and healthy.
Pet insurance cost: 4 / 10
Will homeowners insurance cover a West Highland White Terrier?
Yes, most homeowners insurance policies will cover a West Highland White Terrier, as the breed is small and not typically classified as aggressive or restricted. Always notify your provider and confirm specific liability coverage to make sure you are fully protected.
Homeowners insurance difficulty: 9 / 10
Are West Highland White Terrier on insurance restricted breed lists?
No, West Highland White Terriers are not typically included on insurance restricted-breed lists. Those lists generally focus on larger breeds seen as higher liability risks, and small, friendly Westies are usually covered under standard policies. Always disclose your dog to your provider to keep liability coverage active.
Insurance restriction risk: 2 / 10
Can you get renters insurance with a West Highland White Terrier?
Yes, you can typically get renters insurance with a West Highland White Terrier, since the breed is rarely subject to restrictions. Always disclose your Westie to your insurer to confirm liability coverage and review your lease agreement.
Renters insurance difficulty: 8 / 10
