West Highland White Terrier Weight & Growth Chart

Complete weight guide with growth charts for male and female West Highland White Terriers from puppy to adult.

Male Adult Weight

15–20 lbs

Female Adult Weight

12–17 lbs

West Highland White Terrier Weight Overview

The West Highland White Terrier weighs 15–20 lbs at maturity. Males (15–20 lbs) are typically heavier than females (12–17 lbs).

Compact at 15 to 20 pounds and 10 to 11 inches tall, they are sturdy and well-muscled despite their small size.. The growth chart below shows the typical weight progression from puppyhood to adulthood.

Growth Chart

When Does a West Highland White Terrier Stop Growing?

Expect your West Highland White Terrier to reach adult height of 10–11 inches by 12–15 months. Full body maturity—including muscle development toward the 15–20 lb target—may continue until 14–18 months.

Growth is influenced by genetics, nutrition quality, and spay/neuter timing. Skin allergies are extremely common in the breed, with some estimates suggesting over 25 percent of Westies develop atopic dermatitis..

Is My West Highland White Terrier Overweight?

Assessing your West Highland White Terrier's body condition (healthy range: 15–20 lbs):

Rib check: Run your hands along the ribcage—you should feel individual ribs under a slight fat layer
Overhead view: A defined waist should be visible between ribs and hips
Side profile: The abdomen should tuck upward behind the last rib

Overweight West Highland White Terriers face higher risks of Atopic Dermatitis, joint problems, and shortened lifespan. Even for a small-sized breed, excess weight significantly impacts joint health and overall wellbeing. Work with your vet to adjust feeding and exercise if needed.

Feeding Recommendation

Feed an adult West Highland White Terrier approximately 0.5–0.4 cups of quality kibble daily, split into two meals. Males (15–20 lbs) may need slightly more than females (12–17 lbs). Compact at 15 to 20 pounds and 10 to 11 inches tall, they are sturdy and well-muscled despite their small size.. Active individuals with energy rated 4/5 may need portions at the higher end of guidelines.

Weight by Age Table

Age	Male (lbs)	Female (lbs)
3 months	4.6–5.4	3.9–4.6
6 months	10.0–12.0	8.5–10.2
9 months	14.6–17.4	12.4–14.8
12 months	18.2–21.8	15.5–18.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Adult West Highland White Terriers weigh 15–20 lbs (males: 15–20 lbs; females: 12–17 lbs). Compact at 15 to 20 pounds and 10 to 11 inches tall, they are sturdy and well-muscled despite their small size..

The West Highland White Terrier reaches full adult size (10–11 inches, 15–20 lbs) by approximately 12–15 months. Moderate exercise needs of 30 to 60 minutes daily, enjoying walks, games, and earthdog trials that tap into their natural digging instincts.. Growth rate is influenced by genetics, diet, and overall care.

For a West Highland White Terrier at healthy weight (15–20 lbs), you should feel ribs without pressing hard, see a defined waist from above, and notice an abdominal tuck from the side. Even modest excess weight stresses this small-sized breed's frame and can worsen conditions like Atopic Dermatitis.

Start with the food label's guidelines for your puppy's current weight and adjust based on body condition. West Highland White Terrier puppies should eat 3–4 meals daily until 6 months, then transition to twice daily. Given the breed's predisposition to Atopic Dermatitis, your vet may recommend specific dietary considerations. Target adult weight is 15–20 lbs (15–20 for males, 12–17 for females).

A West Highland White Terrier puppy not gaining weight needs veterinary attention. Expected growth milestones lead to an adult weight of 15–20 lbs (males 15–20, females 12–17). Possible causes: parasites, insufficient calorie density in food, stress, or underlying conditions. With energy needs rated 4/5, high-energy puppies may burn more calories than expected.