How much exercise does a West Highland White Terrier need?
Daily exercise minutes, the activities a West Highland White Terrier enjoys and signs of too much or too little.
About 45 to 60 minutes a day of walking, sniffing and play keeps a Westie content. They enjoy exploring new routes, scent games, tug and short bursts of chase. Many also take well to earthdog trials, which give the digging instinct a legitimate outlet.
Recall is often unreliable once a Westie spots prey, so walk on a lead or long line in open areas unless you have practiced for months. A bored Westie digs, barks at the window and patrols the garden fence. An over-tired one gets grumpy and snappish, especially around children.
West Highland White Terrier exercise in numbers
Activity ranges are editorial planning estimates. The five-minutes-per-month puppy rule lacks scientific evidence. Adapt activity to the individual and seek advice for pain or exercise difficulty. PDSA puppy exercise guidance.
Editorial activity estimate
90 to 120 min
Puppy activity
Individual plan
adapt to age, health and development
Senior activity
Individual plan
adapt to comfort and ability
Size
small
6 to 10 kg
Energy level
Playfulness
Handles heat
Handles cold