Group 3 · Terriers
West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is a cheerful, self-assured white terrier with a big personality in a small body. It is playful and affectionate, but also stubborn, and its rough coat is trimmed regularly.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed West Highland White Terrier by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 1 examination:
- 1 DNA test
The breeding programme also recommends 3 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (1)
-
Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SLC37A2: c.1332C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal dominant condition with incomplete penetrance
Recommended examinations (3)
-
Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKDef)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PKLR:c.1333_1338dup
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Congenital heart disease (auscultation)
Heart examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Auscultation + if a heart murmur is present (from grade 1) echocardiography
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme West Highland White Terrier, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKDef), Congenital heart disease (auscultation) and Eye disorders. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A West Highland White Terrier needs plenty of daily exercise and variety. Its coat is trimmed or hand-stripped a few times a year and brushed weekly in between.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
Being a true terrier, it is brave and self-assured, may dig and chase small animals, and is not always tolerant of other dogs. Socialisation as a puppy and consistent training with short, varied sessions are important.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
