Animated, and full of self-esteem, the West Highland White Terrier (or simply "Westie" to many of his owners) have the courageous and sometimes foolish personality typical of a terrier. They enjoy their family and view themselves as an always armed alarm system ready to warn of a trespassing squirrel or any unexpected sound. But with their small size and love of people, they make a substandard guard dog. With some, the same quick bark that makes them a reliable watchdog becomes too frequently used. Their high activity level inside and out combined with a normal interest in play make them a good match for older, well-behaved children who can provide for the dog’s reasonable exercise needs. Younger children must be taught proper dog etiquette and encounters should be supervised. Strangers are announced then normally greeted with a wagging tail. But small animals beware. The Westie was bred to catch vermin as large as he is. Mice, hamsters, ferrets, rabbits, and similar pets can be quickly dispatched if not protected. Westies can also be testy with dogs, especially those of the same sex. Cats, however, are frequently accepted. A Westie enjoys being outside. They even like the cold and snow. But when outside they must always be on-leash or securely confined otherwise their prey drive can quickly lead them astray. They also enjoy digging and are often possessive of both their food and toys.

Westies are small dogs, growing to 10 or 11 inches tall and weighing 15 to 20 pounds. They have a distinctive thick, wiry, white coat about two inches long. They shed very little and need only occasional brushing. But they benefit from professional trimming every three months or so. Frequent bathing is also needed to keep their coat white. They do just as well in heat as in the cold.

As puppies, Westies benefit from an extra dose of socialization with dogs and small mammals to help increase their acceptance of these animals. Although they have a wide streak of willful stubbornness, they are quite intelligent and are perhaps the easiest terrier to train. Use consistency and food rewards to obtain the best results. They are not recommended for first-time owners.