West Highland White Terrier rescue dogs and puppies for adoption and rehoming in the UK

The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is a Scottish breed. The Royal Kennel Club sums it up as "small, active and full of self-esteem". It says the Malcolms of Poltalloch in Argyllshire developed a white strain of Cairn Terriers in the mid 19th century because white dogs were easier to see when working on the moors. Early names included the Poltalloch terrier and the Roseneath terrier, and the breed was recognised in 1907.

The breed standard describes the ideal temperament as alert, "courageous, self reliant but friendly". PDSA says Westies can be determined and strong-willed, like the sound of their own voice, and often suffer with separation anxiety if left alone, because they bond so strongly with their owners.

Dogs Trust adds that every Westie has its own personality, shaped by its own experiences. A rescue Westie is an individual, may be a cross, and may be older. The rescue will know how this particular dog behaves at home, on the lead and with visitors, so ask them.

The Royal Kennel Club lists the Westie as small and needing up to an hour of exercise a day. It says the breed can live in a flat, with a small or medium garden, in town or country.

Dogs Trust says Westies usually need daily walks but "might not manage tough exercise like long walks or mountain hikes". PDSA suggests splitting the hour into a couple of walks with plenty of sniffing, plus off-lead time in a secure area, and says a secure fence is a must because Westies will look for a way out.

The coat is medium length and sheds. The Royal Kennel Club says it needs grooming more than once a week. The breed standard describes a double coat: a harsh outer coat about 5 cm long over a short, soft undercoat.

Dogs Trust says the thick fur can get matted, so Westies usually need brushing a few times a week and a trim from a professional groomer around every 6 weeks.

The Royal Kennel Club says the West Highland White Terrier does not currently have any recommended pre-breeding health screening, though this may change as new evidence comes in. Its page notes the breed can be affected by conformational concerns (problems linked to body shape), and its Breed Watch asks show judges to look out for misplaced canine teeth and signs of dermatitis, hair loss or scarring. It lists the lifespan as over 12 years, and Dogs Trust says typically 12 or more.

PDSA lists conditions Westies may develop, including luxating kneecaps, dry eye, a lung condition known as Westie lung (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) and Legg-Perthes disease of the hip. It also says Westies are known to suffer from skin allergies.

A rescue dog's parents may not have been health tested, so ask the rescue what vet checks the dog has had and whether any condition is known. Your own vet is the right person to advise on anything you notice later.

PDSA describes Westies as affectionate and playful, and says they have quite a high prey drive, so it would not recommend keeping one with smaller pets, though a Westie that grew up with a cat will usually be fine with that cat. Whether a particular rescue Westie can live with children, cats or other dogs depends on the dog, not the breed. Go by the rescue's own assessment, which is often noted on the profile, and ask them if it is not.

A Westie's white coat takes work. Dogs Trust says it can get matted and needs a professional trim about every 6 weeks, and PDSA says Westies are known to suffer from skin allergies, so speak to your vet before buying a shampoo. The Royal Kennel Club's Breed Watch also lists signs of dermatitis among its points of concern for the breed.

PDSA adds that because Westies are always white, their ears can easily get sunburnt, so protect them in the sun. Ask the rescue whether this dog has any skin condition and what treatment or grooming routine it is used to.