West Highland White Terrier

Brushing Routine

Brush 3-4 times per week with a slicker brush to maintain the wiry outer coat. Use a fine comb around the face and ears. Hand-stripping is the traditional method to maintain proper coat texture; if clipped instead, use a stripping knife monthly to preserve some wire texture. Pay attention to the skirt and leg furnishings.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 3-4 weeks using a whitening or brightening shampoo to keep the coat brilliant white. Avoid heavy conditioners that soften the wire coat texture. Apply a whitening conditioner only to stained areas. Rinse extremely thoroughly as residue yellows the white coat quickly.

Common Issues

• Coat yellowing and staining
• Skin allergies and atopic dermatitis (breed-prone)
• Tear staining on white face
• Coat softening from repeated clipping instead of stripping
• Hot spots from skin allergies

Extend Your Grooming Results

Use a waterless whitening foam between baths on beard and leg stains. Wipe the face and beard after meals to prevent food staining. A light sprinkle of grooming powder helps absorb oils and maintain brightness between baths. Keep the belly area trimmed short to avoid grass staining.

Seasonal Care

Westies have a moderate double coat that sheds lightly year-round. In spring, use an undercoat rake to remove loose hair. Houston humidity can aggravate their common skin allergies, so monitor for excessive scratching and hot spots during warm months. Consider a hypoallergenic diet during high-allergen seasons.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 3-4 times weekly. Professional groom every 4-6 weeks. Hand-strip or card every 6-8 weeks for show coat. Clean face daily. Monitor skin for allergy flare-ups weekly.