Can a Westie live in an Indian flat?

Yes. The Royal Kennel Club lists a flat as suitable and puts exercise at up to an hour a day. The challenges are barking, which AKC scores at the top of its scale, and a strong urge to chase, so plan walks on a leash and enough company that the dog is not bored alone.

Why does my Westie scratch so much?

Westies are prone to atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin disease that Science for Animal Welfare says may affect about a quarter of the breed. Ear infections and other skin problems are also common. Itching needs a diagnosis, so talk to your vet rather than changing shampoos or foods yourself.

How long can a Westie be left alone?

PDSA's general advice for any dog is no more than 4 hours at a time. Westies are independent but vocal, and a bored terrier may bark or dig. On long days, arrange a sitter or a midday walk, and leave a food toy from the day's meals.

How often should a Westie be bathed?

Not often. AKC says that because the Westie has a hard coat, bathing too often can do more harm than good. Daily brushing and combing, and a groomer every 4 to 6 weeks, keep the coat clean. Dogs with allergic skin may need a medicated shampoo only as the vet prescribes.

Does a Westie cope with Indian summers?

It can, with sensible hours. Walk early in the morning and after sunset, test the pavement with your hand, keep the dog lean, and play indoors at midday. Do not shave the double coat to the skin; ask your groomer for a neat, practical length instead.

Can a Westie be walked off the leash?

Only in a fully fenced area. AKC says Westies will run after anything that moves, and a terrier chasing a cat or squirrel rarely stops for its name. A sitter should use a well-fitted harness and leash on every walk.

How long do Westies live?

In the RVC VetCompass study of UK Westies, the median lifespan was 13.4 years, with males living a little longer than females. Lung disease and cancer were the most common causes of death. Regular vet check-ups help catch problems early.

Dog breed 15 min read

Westie care in India: skin, itch and leaving your Westie with a sitter

Updated October 2026By PetymFacts checked against official sources on 21 October 2026

Quick answer

A Westie usually settles with a sitter who keeps its routine, but two things need planning. Its skin and ears are its weak spots: allergic itching and ear infections are common in the breed, so a sitter must watch for scratching and head shaking. And it is a terrier that chases anything that moves, so it stays on a leash outside.

In a UK study of 6,605 Westies, gum disease, ear infections, overgrown nails, allergic skin disease and obesity were the most common problems vets recorded.

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A white West Highland White Terrier standing on paving stones, side view — Photo: Christopher Walker from Krakow, Poland, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Origin: Poltalloch, Argyllshire, ScotlandThe Royal Kennel Club
Adult weight: 6 to 9 kg (PDSA's average range; the FCI standard gives a height only)PDSA
Height: 28 cm (FCI standard: approximately 28 cm at the withers)Fédération Cynologique Internationale
Coat: A white double coat: a harsh outer coat about 5 cm long, free from curl, over a short, soft, close undercoat.Fédération Cynologique Internationale
Energy: ModerateThe Royal Kennel Club
Indian heat: Copes with careFédération Cynologique Internationale
Flats: Suits a flatThe Royal Kennel Club

Westie snapshot for a sitter

West Highland White Terrier: the facts that shape a sitter's day
What	The rule	Source
Size	Small, says The Royal Kennel Club. AKC gives about 11 inches for males and 10 for females, at 15 to 20 pounds. UK pet Westies averaged 9.6 kg.	Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (2019), RVC VetCompassstudy
Exercise need	Up to 1 hour a day, says The Royal Kennel Club, which lists a flat as a suitable home.	The Royal Kennel Club
Alone-time tolerance	Not scored by kennel clubs. AKC calls Westies independent terriers bred to work on their own. PDSA's general limit for any dog is 4 hours.	American Kennel Club
Coat and grooming	A double coat: a harsh outer coat about 5 cm long over a short, soft undercoat (FCI). The Royal Kennel Club says groom more than once a week; it sheds.	Fédération Cynologique Internationale
Barking and guarding	AKC scores both barking and watchdog nature at 5 of 5, the top of its scale.	American Kennel Club
Lifespan	A median of 13.4 years in UK Westies under vet care; males lived a little longer than females.	Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (2019), RVC VetCompassstudy

Where does the West Highland White Terrier come from?

The Westie grew out of the Cairn terriers of the Scottish Highlands. The Royal Kennel Club says that in the mid-19th century the Malcolms of Poltalloch in Argyllshire bred a white strain, arguing that white dogs were easier to see working on the moors, while other Cairn breeders culled white puppies. PDSA notes it was bred to hunt vermin.

Over time breeders produced a dog slightly shorter in body than the Cairn, with a higher tail. Early names included the Poltalloch terrier and the Roseneath terrier, after a strain on the Duke of Argyll's Roseneath estate. The Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1907, and it remains one of the most popular terriers.

How did the West Highland White Terrier come to India?

No source we found documents when the Westie first reached India, and we found no Indian breed club or registration figure to cite. Imported breeds come in as personal pets or through breeders: from 25 April 2016 the Directorate General of Foreign Trade barred importing dogs for commercial breeding, and on 6 June 2023 the Madras High Court set that notification aside on a petition by the Kennel Club of India and the Madras Canine Club. Here, the Westie's skin is the thing to watch: hot, humid monsoon weather and dust are hard on a breed prone to allergic skin disease and ear infections.

What care does a West Highland White Terrier need?

The three things that shape a good day for this breed.

Exercise
Up to 1 hour a day (The Royal Kennel Club), and PDSA says a Westie needs an hour every day. Walk on a lead or in a fenced area, at dawn and after dark in summer. The Royal Kennel Club
Grooming
Brush a few times a week (PDSA) to keep the harsh coat in condition, and check the skin, paws and ears as you go, since skin and ear problems lead the breed's vet records. PDSA
Training
Bred to hunt vermin on its own, a Westie has a strong chase instinct. Keep training short and reward-based, work on recall in a safe space, and keep it leashed near roads and community dogs. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (2019), RVC VetCompassstudy

How much should a West Highland White Terrier eat?

Daily calories for a healthy, neutered adult West Highland White Terrier, worked out from its weight with the formula vets use (70 x weight in kg to the power 0.75, then AAHA's factor for a neutered adult). Divide by the kcal per kg on your food's pack for grams a day, and adjust by body shape.

	Resting need (kcal a day)	Neutered adult (kcal a day)
6 kg AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association)	270	380 to 430
7.5 kg	320	440 to 510
9 kg	360	510 to 580

PDSA advises splitting the daily allowance into two meals, feeding at similar times each day, and keeping treats under 10% of daily calories. Choose a food labelled complete for your dog's life stage, as WSAVA's guidance on selecting pet foods advises. Obesity was recorded in 6.1% of UK Westies in a VetCompass study, so weigh food rather than guessing. If your vet suspects a food allergy behind itchy skin, follow their food trial exactly: Science for Animal Welfare notes a two-month food trial is one of the steps in diagnosing atopic dermatitis, and any extra roti, curd or biscuit can spoil it. Keep onion, garlic, grapes, raisins, tamarind, chocolate and salty snacks away. Ask your vet how much to feed; the energy table on this page gives a starting range. Meals a day: 6 to 12 weeks, 4 a day, puppy food; 3 to 6 months, 3 a day, puppy food; 6 to 12 months, 2 a day, puppy food; adult, 2 a day. Puppies, kittens, working, pregnant and older animals need different amounts: ask your vet, or use Petym's food calculator.

Which illnesses is the West Highland White Terrier prone to, and how are they treated?

The conditions veterinary studies and breed surveys most often report in the West Highland White Terrier. Knowing the early signs means a vet sees it sooner.

See your vet first. This is general information from veterinary sources, not a diagnosis. Only a vet who has examined your pet can say what is wrong and prescribe treatment, and this page never gives a dose. Do not give your pet human medicine. If your pet seems very unwell, go to a 24-hour vet: find one in your city.

Atopic dermatitis (skin allergy)
See a vet soon
An inherited allergic skin disease driven by things like house dust mites and pollen. Science for Animal Welfare says about 25% of Westies may be affected, and the problem is lifelong. Science for Animal Welfare (formerly UFAW)
Signs to watch for
- Itching, the main sign
- Scratching, rubbing and chewing, often at the front feet
- Red, damaged skin
- Repeated ear infections
How a vet treats it
There is no single test: a vet rules out other causes with skin samples, flea treatment and a food trial. Treatment usually involves drugs, and the most effective named are corticosteroids and ciclosporin, both with side effects, plus frequent medicated shampooing. It is managed for life, not cured.
Outer ear infection (otitis externa)
See a vet soon
Inflammation of the ear canal, often linked to allergies. It was recorded in 10.6% of UK Westies in a VetCompass study. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (2019), RVC VetCompassstudy
Signs to watch for
- Head shaking or scratching at the ear
- A smell or discharge from the ear
- Red, swollen or scaly skin in the ear
- Pain when the ear is touched
How a vet treats it
A vet looks into the ear with an otoscope and examines a swab under the microscope, then cleans the ear. Merck says most ear drops combine antibiotics, antifungals and anti-inflammatories, and severe cases may need antibiotics by mouth. Avoid home remedies such as vinegar mixtures.
Prevention
Regular ear checks, cleaning only as your vet shows you, and keeping ears dry after baths.
Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
See a vet soon
The immune system gradually destroys the glands that make the watery part of tears. Science for Animal Welfare describes this form in the Westie, and it affects both eyes. Science for Animal Welfare (formerly UFAW)
Signs to watch for
- A red eye
- A sticky, thick discharge
- A dull or uneven-looking cornea
- Blinking or rubbing at the eyes
How a vet treats it
A vet confirms it with a Schirmer tear test. Treatment is almost always lifelong: eye drops that suppress the immune attack on the tear glands, artificial tears and antibiotics for infection. If medicine fails, surgery can redirect a salivary duct to moisten the eye.
Gum disease (periodontal disease)
Ask at a routine check
Bacterial infection of the tissues that hold the teeth. It was the most common single disorder in UK Westies, recorded in 15.7%. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (2019), RVC VetCompassstudy
Signs to watch for
- Bad breath
- Red or purple, swollen gums that bleed
- Tartar on the teeth
- Reluctance to chew
How a vet treats it
A vet may take X-rays of the jaws to see the bone loss. Merck says treatment is thorough professional cleaning above and below the gum line under anaesthesia, and extractions are often needed in advanced disease.
Prevention
Daily tooth brushing, which Merck says is the ideal home care.
Skin infection (pyoderma)
See a vet soon
A bacterial infection of the skin, usually secondary to another problem such as allergies, which is why it follows atopic dermatitis in many Westies. Merck Veterinary Manual
Signs to watch for
- Scaling and flaking
- Bald patches and small bumps around hairs
- Scabs and crusts
- Pain, smell or pus in deep infections
How a vet treats it
A vet takes skin scrapings and sometimes cultures. Merck says antibiotics are given for at least 3 to 4 weeks, longer for deep or repeat infections, along with medicated shampoos, and the underlying cause must be treated or it comes back.

How does a Westie cope when you are away?

Usually well, if the sitter respects its independence and keeps the house rules the same.

The FCI standard describes the Westie as small, active and game, alert, courageous and self-reliant but friendly, with "no small amount of self-esteem". AKC adds that, like all terriers, Westies were bred to work alone, which can make training a challenge. In practice that means a dog that is often fine with a calm new person, but that will not simply obey someone it has just met. A sitter does best by following your exact routine and your words for things, and using treats and play rather than force.

Two traits matter in a flat. AKC scores the Westie's barking at 5 of 5, so a dog alone in a flat may bark at every door, lift and delivery in the corridor. And AKC says Westies "will run after anything that moves", so the breed does best on a leash or in a fenced area. In an Indian housing society that means society cats, squirrels on the boundary wall and community dogs at the gate. A Westie that slips its collar after a cat can be on the road in seconds.

PDSA's general advice is no more than 4 hours alone at a time for any dog. If your Westie barks or digs when left, plan for a sitter in your home or a midday walk, and tell the sitter what the dog does when it is bored.

What vets recorded in 6,605 UK Westies

From the RVC VetCompass study of Westies under primary veterinary care in 2016. Skin, teeth and ears top the list.

22.7 %
had a skin (cutaneous) disorder, the most common group of problems Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (2019), RVC VetCompassstudy
15.7 %
had periodontal (gum) disease, the most common single disorder Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (2019), RVC VetCompassstudy
10.6 %
had an outer ear infection (otitis externa) Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (2019), RVC VetCompassstudy
6.5 %
had an allergic skin disorder recorded that year Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (2019), RVC VetCompassstudy
6.1 %
had obesity recorded Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (2019), RVC VetCompassstudy

Westie health words your vet may use

Names that come up often with this breed, so a sitter can understand the owner's notes.

Atopic dermatitis (atopy): An inherited allergic skin disease, usually to things like house dust mites and pollen. Science for Animal Welfare says it may affect about 25% of Westies and usually starts before 3 years of age. Science for Animal Welfare (formerly UFAW)
Otitis externa: Inflammation of the outer ear canal. In a large UK study, Westies had 1.72 times the odds of crossbreds. Canine Medicine and Genetics (2021), Royal Veterinary Collegestudy
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye): Too few tears, so the eye becomes red, sticky and sore. Westies are predisposed; it affects both eyes and needs lifelong treatment. Science for Animal Welfare (formerly UFAW)
Pyoderma: A bacterial skin infection, often following scratching and broken skin. Merck Veterinary Manual
Demodicosis: Skin disease from Demodex mites, listed among the Westie's inherited welfare problems. Science for Animal Welfare (formerly UFAW)
Lower respiratory tract disease: Lung disease, which with cancer was the joint most common cause of death in UK Westies (10.2% each). Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (2019), RVC VetCompassstudy

Westie signs a sitter should report

Note it, tell the owner, and call the vet for anything sudden, painful or severe.

If Licking the paws, rubbing the face on the carpet, scratching the armpits or belly, red or brown-stained skin. Atopic itch can range from mild to severe.
Tell the owner the same day and follow the vet's plan exactly. Do not start any new cream or shampoo. Science for Animal Welfare (formerly UFAW)
If Head shaking, scratching an ear, a smell or discharge from the ear.
Call the vet. Keep ears dry after baths and wet walks, and clean them only as the vet showed the owner. Merck Veterinary Manual
If A red, sticky eye with thick discharge, blinking or holding the eye shut.
Call the vet the same day. Dry eye can lead to painful ulcers; give any eye drops on schedule. Science for Animal Welfare (formerly UFAW)
If A raw, wet, smelly patch of skin that appeared quickly, often in humid weather.
Stop the dog licking it and call the vet; hot spots can spread fast. VCA Animal Hospitals
If Coughing, fast breathing at rest or tiring quickly on a short walk, especially in an older Westie.
Call the vet. Lung disease was a leading cause of death in UK Westies. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (2019), RVC VetCompassstudy
If Heavy panting, drooling or wobbliness after a walk in the heat.
Shade, cool water poured over the body, a breeze, then call the vet. PDSA

Westie coat and skin care in humid weather

A hard terrier coat and allergy-prone skin need a light, regular touch, not frequent baths.

Do

Brush and comb daily, as AKC advises, and look at the skin as you go for redness, scabs or ticks. American Kennel Club
Keep the groomer's schedule. AKC says a visit every 4 to 6 weeks usually works for a pet Westie. American Kennel Club
Towel the belly, paws and ears dry after monsoon walks; damp skin folds and ears are where trouble starts.
Brush the teeth if the owner does: AKC says a Westie's teeth should be brushed often with a dog toothpaste. American Kennel Club

Don’t

Do not bath often. AKC says that because the Westie has a hard coat, bathing too often can do more harm than good. American Kennel Club
Do not use human shampoo or a new product: allergic skin reacts easily. VCA Animal Hospitals
Do not let Holi colours or wet paint near the white coat; keep the dog indoors on the day.
Do not change the diet during the stay. Some allergic dogs are on a vet's food trial, and one treat can undo weeks.

A Westie through the Indian year

	Hot months (March to May)	Monsoon (June to September)	Winter (December to February)
Walks	Early morning and after sunset; hand test on the pavement first	Between showers; keep off waterlogged grass	Midday walks are pleasant; a longer outing is easy
Skin	Watch for licking of paws after hot, dusty walks	Humid months: check for damp, red skin and smelly ears daily	Dry indoor air in North India; note flaking or itching
Coat	Keep the coat neat, not shaved to the skin	Dry fully after every wet walk	Normal coat; brush daily
Watch for	Heat after play	Ticks, ear infections, hot spots	Coughing in older dogs in smoky, polluted weeks

Petym's practical plan, based on the sources on this page. Your vet's advice for your own dog comes first.

Westie sitter checklist

Skin plan: any medicine, special food or shampoo the vet prescribed, and how often.
Ear routine: whether to clean, with what, and how often, as your vet advised.
Eye drops for dry eye, if prescribed, with the times written out.
A harness and leash, and a firm note: never off the leash outside a fenced area.
What the dog chases (cats, squirrels, scooters) and the escape points at home and in the society.
How the dog behaves when it barks at the door, and the word you use to settle it.
Tick prevention: product and next due date.
Your vet's number and the nearest 24-hour vet on Petym's city list.

Which Petym service suits your Westie?

If Your Westie is on a skin or ear treatment plan
Overnight pet sitting in your home, so the same food, shampoo and medicine routine carries on and is logged. Overnight sitting
If Your Westie needs daily eye drops or several medicines
Special-needs pet care, with the vet's plan followed and logged as it happens. Special-needs care
If Your Westie is relaxed with other dogs and new places
Pet boarding in a sitter's home that has passed Petym's video walk-through, inside its pet limit. Home boarding
If You work long days but are home at night
A midday walk on a leash, on a route away from the society cats. Dog walking

Breeds with similar care needs to the West Highland White Terrier

Going away soon? Tell us your dates.

A checked local sitter feeds, walks and keeps your pet company at home, follows your care sheet to the letter and sends a photo every day. Petym is opening city by city: send your dates and we will tell you when a sitter can take them.

Find a sitter for your Westie How it works

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PAN-checked, first-aid trained
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Questions owners ask

Can a Westie live in an Indian flat?: Yes. The Royal Kennel Club lists a flat as suitable and puts exercise at up to an hour a day. The challenges are barking, which AKC scores at the top of its scale, and a strong urge to chase, so plan walks on a leash and enough company that the dog is not bored alone.
Why does my Westie scratch so much?: Westies are prone to atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin disease that Science for Animal Welfare says may affect about a quarter of the breed. Ear infections and other skin problems are also common. Itching needs a diagnosis, so talk to your vet rather than changing shampoos or foods yourself.
How long can a Westie be left alone?: PDSA's general advice for any dog is no more than 4 hours at a time. Westies are independent but vocal, and a bored terrier may bark or dig. On long days, arrange a sitter or a midday walk, and leave a food toy from the day's meals.
How often should a Westie be bathed?: Not often. AKC says that because the Westie has a hard coat, bathing too often can do more harm than good. Daily brushing and combing, and a groomer every 4 to 6 weeks, keep the coat clean. Dogs with allergic skin may need a medicated shampoo only as the vet prescribes.
Does a Westie cope with Indian summers?: It can, with sensible hours. Walk early in the morning and after sunset, test the pavement with your hand, keep the dog lean, and play indoors at midday. Do not shave the double coat to the skin; ask your groomer for a neat, practical length instead.
Can a Westie be walked off the leash?: Only in a fully fenced area. AKC says Westies will run after anything that moves, and a terrier chasing a cat or squirrel rarely stops for its name. A sitter should use a well-fitted harness and leash on every walk.
How long do Westies live?: In the RVC VetCompass study of UK Westies, the median lifespan was 13.4 years, with males living a little longer than females. Lung disease and cancer were the most common causes of death. Regular vet check-ups help catch problems early.

Keep reading

Dog care hub
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Ticks and tick fever
Holi safety for pets
Jack Russell Terrier careAnother small, bold terrier.
What to leave for your pet sitter
Overnight pet sitting

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Sources

Each source was opened and read on the date shown. How Petym checks its sources

The Royal Kennel Club: West Highland White Terrier: breed information (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026
PDSA: West Highland White Terrier (opens in a new tab)checked 22 October 2026
Fédération Cynologique Internationale: FCI-Standard No 85: West Highland White Terrier (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026
Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry: Notification No. 3/2015-2020 (25 April 2016): policy conditions on import of dogs; import of commercial dogs for breeding not permitted (opens in a new tab)checked 22 October 2026
Science for Animal Welfare (formerly UFAW): West Highland White Terrier: canine atopic dermatitis (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026
WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee: Guidelines on selecting pet foods (updated 10 March 2021) (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026

Show all 25 sourcesShow fewer

Merck Veterinary Manual: Puppy care (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: People foods to avoid feeding your pets (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026
Merck Veterinary Manual: Garlic and onion (Allium spp) toxicosis in animals (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026
Merck Veterinary Manual: Grape, raisin, and tamarind (Vitis spp, Tamarindus spp) toxicosis in dogs (full review September 2024) (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026
AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association): 2021 AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats: energy requirement calculations (Box 1, PDF) (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026
Merck Veterinary Manual: Nutritional requirements of small animals (full review November 2023, updated September 2024) (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026
Merck Veterinary Manual: Ear infections and otitis externa in dogs (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026
Science for Animal Welfare (formerly UFAW): West Highland White Terrier: keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026
Merck Veterinary Manual: Dental disorders of dogs (dog owners; full review May 2018, updated October 2025) (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026
Merck Veterinary Manual: Pyoderma in dogs (opens in a new tab)checked 17 October 2026
American Kennel Club: West Highland White Terrier dog breed information (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026
Science for Animal Welfare (formerly UFAW): West Highland White Terrier: genetic welfare problems (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026
VCA Animal Hospitals: Hot spots in dogs (updated 10 July 2026) (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026
PDSA: Separation anxiety in dogs (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026
PDSA: Heatstroke in dogs (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026
VCA Animal Hospitals: True or false: it's okay to use human shampoo on pets (opens in a new tab)checked 21 October 2026
Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (2019), RVC VetCompass: West Highland White Terriers under primary veterinary care in the UK in 2016: demography, mortality and disorders (abstract read) (opens in a new tab)Peer-reviewed study · checked 21 October 2026
Canine Medicine and Genetics (2021), Royal Veterinary College: Frequency and predisposing factors for canine otitis externa in the UK (opens in a new tab)Peer-reviewed study · checked 21 October 2026
SCC Online: Madras High Court sets aside notification banning import of dogs for commercial activities (13 June 2023) (opens in a new tab)News report · checked 22 October 2026