West Highland White Terrier Size & Weight Chart: How Big Do They Get?
Written for general planning, not medical advice — no one at Argos Paws is a veterinarian. If something is wrong with your dog right now, call your vet or the nearest emergency clinic.
Quick answer: A full-grown West Highland White Terrier typically weighs 13-22 lb (5.9-10 kg) and stands 10-11 in (25-28 cm) tall at the shoulder. Most reach their adult size by around 10-12 months.
Photo: Christopher Walker from Krakow, Poland · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is a sturdy little Scottish terrier with a bright white coat and a confident, cheerful personality. Westies are independent but affectionate, and adapt well to town or country life.
| Size category | Small |
|---|---|
| Typical adult weight | 13-22 lb (5.9-10 kg) |
| Height at the shoulder | 10-11 in (25-28 cm) |
| Full grown by | 10-12 months |
| Life expectancy | 13-15 years |
West Highland White Terrier weight chart by age (lb & kg)
Estimated weights for an average West Highland White Terrier puppy, based on the typical growth curve for a small breed. Males usually track toward the top of each figure, females toward the bottom.
| Age | Weight (lb) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 months | ~6 lb | ~2.7 kg |
| 3 months | ~10 lb | ~4.5 kg |
| 4 months | ~12 lb | ~5.4 kg |
| 5 months | ~14 lb | ~6.4 kg |
| 6 months | ~16 lb | ~7.3 kg |
| 10-12 months (full grown) | 13-22 lb | 5.9-10 kg |
When does a West Highland White Terrier stop growing?
As a small breed, Westies typically reach adult weight by around 10-12 months. Smaller breeds like the West Highland White Terrier reach full height and fill out fairly close together, so growth tends to look "done" all at once.
Use the Puppy Weight Predictor below — it's pre-loaded with the West Highland White Terrier's growth curve, so just enter your puppy's current weight and age.
Predict your West Highland White Terrier's adult weight
Enter your puppy's current weight and age to get an estimate based on this breed's typical growth curve.
Open the Puppy Weight PredictorHow much does it cost to feed a West Highland White Terrier?
A typical adult West Highland White Terrier (18 lb, average activity) needs roughly 530 kcal/day — about 0.3 lb (1.2 cups) of dry kibble per day, which works out to around $19/month at typical kibble prices. Fresh or subscription-style food usually costs more, around $212/month for the same dog. These are population-level estimates — use the calculator below for a number based on your dog's actual weight and food type, or see the West Highland White Terrier feeding chart for puppy amounts by month.
Estimate West Highland White Terrier food costs
Pre-filled with this breed's typical adult weight — adjust activity level and food type to get your monthly estimate.
Open the Dog Food Cost CalculatorBrowse dog food sized for a West Highland White Terrier
Compare dry, wet, and breed-specific formulas — filter by your dog's size and life stage to narrow it down.
Browse dog food on Amazon(affiliate link)How old is my West Highland White Terrier in human years?
The old "×7" rule doesn't hold up — small breeds like the West Highland White Terrier age at their own rate, not a generic one. Use the calculator below, pre-set to this breed's size.
Convert your West Highland White Terrier's age
Pre-filled with this breed's size category for a more accurate human-year estimate than a flat multiplier.
Open the West Highland White Terrier Age CalculatorCommon health considerations
- Atopic dermatitis (allergic skin disease) is very common in Westies and can need lifelong management.
- Craniomandibular osteopathy, a painful jaw-bone condition, can affect growing puppies.
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (a lung disease) and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease are also documented.
This is general breed-level information, not a diagnosis or a prediction for any individual dog. Talk to your vet about health screening and preventive care specific to your dog.
Is pet insurance worth it for a West Highland White Terrier?
See a typical monthly premium for this breed and whether it would likely pay off against a major vet bill.
West Highland White Terrier insurance costSimilar breeds
Based on energy level, living-space fit, and care needs, these breeds are closest to the West Highland White Terrier:
Take our breed match quiz
Answer a few quick questions about your lifestyle and living space to see which breeds — not just the West Highland White Terrier — actually fit best.
Take the Breed Match QuizFrequently asked questions
How much does a full-grown West Highland White Terrier weigh?
A full-grown West Highland White Terrier typically weighs 13-22 lb (5.9-10 kg), making it a small breed. Individual dogs vary within that range depending on sex, genetics, and body condition — use the Puppy Weight Predictor above for an estimate based on your specific puppy's current weight and age.
How tall is a full-grown West Highland White Terrier?
A full-grown West Highland White Terrier stands 10-11 in (25-28 cm) tall, measured at the shoulder (withers).
When does a West Highland White Terrier stop growing?
As a small breed, Westies typically reach adult weight by around 10-12 months. Height typically levels off a bit before this; smaller breeds like this one fill out relatively quickly once they reach height.
Is a West Highland White Terrier a good first dog?
It can work for a first-time owner who does their homework, but the West Highland White Terrier isn't the automatic beginner-friendly pick either — read the exercise and grooming sections above before deciding.
How much exercise does a West Highland White Terrier need?
A moderate, manageable amount — roughly 30-45 minutes a day covers most West Highland White Terriers, split across a couple of walks or a walk plus playtime.
Is a West Highland White Terrier good with kids?
Can do fine with kids, particularly older or calmer ones, but it's more situational than a clear yes — a lot depends on the individual dog's temperament and how it was raised.
How much grooming does a West Highland White Terrier need?
A moderate, manageable routine — weekly brushing covers most West Highland White Terriers, with occasional baths as needed.