Hard
West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier — universally known as the Westie — is a sturdy, self-confident Scottish terrier with a bold personality far exceeding its compact size. Their characteristic pure-white double coat consists of a soft, dense undercoat beneath a harsh, straight outer coat that stands away from the body. The correct Westie coat is naturally self-cleaning to a degree and quite weather-resistant, but it requires regular hand-stripping or clipping to maintain its characteristic shape and the brightness of the white color.
Coat Type
Harsh, Straight Double Coat
Groom Every
Every 6-8 weeks
Styles Available
3 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Traditional Westie Trim
The back and sides are hand-stripped or clipped short, the head is shaped into the breed's round, chrysanthemum-like outline, and the leg furnishings are blended to skirt the ground. The face is shaped with scissors to achieve the characteristic Westie 'halo' around the head.
2
Pet/Puppy Clip
The coat is clipped to a uniform short length over the body with scissoring to maintain shape on the head and legs. Much more practical than hand-stripping for pet owners, though repeated clipping softens the outer coat over time.
3
Hand-Strip
The traditional method for show dogs — dead outer coat is stripped by hand or with a stripping knife to maintain the harsh, wiry texture, bright white color, and correct weather-resistant coat properties of the breed standard.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- Westies are prone to skin allergies — if you notice frequent scratching, red skin, or recurring ear infections, consult a vet about allergy testing before assuming it's a grooming issue; many Westie skin problems are dietary or environmental in origin.
- Brush two to three times per week with a soft slicker followed by a metal comb — the harsh outer coat can hide developing mats in the dense undercoat that aren't visible from the surface.
- Use a whitening shampoo at every bath to combat the yellowing that naturally occurs in white-coated breeds from grass stains, saliva, and mineral deposits in water.
- Clean the beard and muzzle area after every meal — the white coat around the Westie's mouth stains quickly from food and water, and the staining compounds if the area stays damp.
- Check the ear canals every 2 weeks — Westies are prone to ear infections due to their naturally narrow ear canals; regular cleaning and hair removal from the canal by your groomer is essential preventive care.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
Mars Coat King Undercoat Rake
BrushThe ultimate tool for double-coated breeds. Strips dead undercoat without damaging the guard hairs.
$40 - $60
FURminator Long Hair deShedding Tool for Dogs
BrushThe professional-grade deshedding tool that reaches deep beneath the long topcoat to safely remove loose undercoat without cutting or damaging the guard hairs. Reduces shedding up to 90% with regular use. Essential for heavy seasonal shedders like Collies, Golden Retrievers, and Maine Coons.
$30 - $65
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Deep Dives
West Highland White Terrier Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
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