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West Australian Terrier Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about West Australian Terrier so you can get to know the breed more.

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West Australian Terrier dog profile picture
OriginAustralia flagAustralia Scotland flagScotland
Other Names
What other names does the West Australian Terrier have?
Westie Australia dog
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Australian Terrier and West Highland White Terrier mix

West Australian Terrier Size and Weight

Size
Is a West Australian Terrier small, medium or large dog?

How big do West Australian Terrier get?

What is the average size of a West Australian Terrier?

Small
Weight
How much does the West Australian Terrier weigh? How much should a West Australian Terrier weight? What is the normal weight of a West Australian Terrier? How much does a full-grown West Australian Terrier weight?
Male: 15-22 pounds (7-10 kg), Female: 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a West Australian Terrier?
Male: 18.5 pounds (8.5 kg), Female: 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the West Australian Terrier? West Australian Terrier height:
Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a West Australian Terrier?
Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm)

West Australian Terrier Price and Availability

Price
How much does the West Australian Terrier puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a West Australian Terrier in the United States? How much money is a West Australian Terrier?

Where to buy a West Australian Terrier with a good pedigree?

$900-$1200
If you choose to purchase the West Australian Terrier, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a West Australian Terrier for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the West Australian Terrier gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a West Australian Terrier? How many West Australian Terrier are there in the world?
Average: The West Australian Terrier is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

West Australian Terrier Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the West Australian Terrier? Is the West Australian Terrier breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The West Australian Terrier dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The West Australian Terrier is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are West Australian Terrier dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a West Australian Terrier?
West Australian Terrier dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is West Australian Terrier good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
West Australian Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do West Australian Terrier dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
West Australian Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the West Australian Terrier can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the West Australian Terrier will take care of unwanted people or animals.

West Australian Terrier Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the West Australian Terrier have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
IndependentAlertCourageousIntelligentFriendlyAffectionateLoyalOutrightTemperedCompanionableSpirited
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? West Australian Terrier sensitivity:
West Australian Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a West Australian Terrier a good family dog?
Average to High: West Australian Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Westie Australia dog need? West Australian Terrier social needs:
West Australian Terrier dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the West Australian Terrier to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does West Australian Terrier roam?
The wanderlust potential of the West Australian Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does West Australian Terrier have high prey drive?
West Australian Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that West Australian Terrier dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

West Australian Terrier Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The West Australian Terrier is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do West Australian Terrier dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Westie Australia dog bark?
Average to High: The West Australian Terrier is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is West Australian Terrier good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a West Australian Terrier in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep West Australian Terrier indoors.

West Australian Terrier Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
West Australian Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a West Australian Terrier be left alone? How long can you leave a West Australian Terrier alone?
West Australian Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

West Australian Terrier Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the West Australian Terrier has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a West Australian Terrier? How much bite force does a West Australian Terrier have? How strong is a West Australian Terrier bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

West Australian Terrier bite force: Weak. The West Australian Terrier bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force West Australian Terrier measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a West Australian Terrier may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of West Australian Terrier being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

West Australian Terrier bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a West Australian Terrier puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a West Australian Terrier can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do West Australian Terrier bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Westie Australia dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a West Australian Terrier? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The West Australian Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the West Australian Terrier do?
West Australian Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but West Australian Terrier dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

West Australian Terrier Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do West Australian Terrier dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Very healthy dog breed. The West Australian Terrier rarely meets with the veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the West Australian Terrier breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the West Australian Terrier breed? Most common health risks of West Australian Terrier:
CataractsLegg-perthes DiseasePatellar LuxationCraniomandibular OsteopathyGloboid Cell LeukodystrophyWhite Dog Shaker SyndromeInflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)Atopic DermatitisHyperplastic DermatosisPulmonary Fibrosis
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the West Australian Terrier breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the West Australian Terrier see the vet?
Rare
The West Australian Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do West Australian Terrier dogs live? How old can a West Australian Terrier be? What is the age limit of the West Australian Terrier? How many years can the oldest West Australian Terrier live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a West Australian Terrier?

How long is the lifespan of a West Australian Terrier?

12-16 years
The average lifespan of West Australian Terrier: 14 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

West Australian Terrier Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the West Australian Terrier have? What is the activity level of the West Australian Terrier?
West Australian Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a West Australian Terrier need? How much exercise do West Australian Terrier dogs require per day?

Do West Australian Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises?

West Australian Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the West Australian Terrier breed need?
West Australian Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

West Australian Terrier Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a West Australian Terrier need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a West Australian Terrier breed eat per day? What is good dog food for West Australian Terrier? How much food should I feed my West Australian Terrier?
1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? West Australian Terrier risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the West Australian Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the West Australian Terrier weight regularly.

West Australian Terrier Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the West Australian Terrier have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseRough
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper West Australian Terrier coats?
Tan Red Blue White Sandy
Grooming
How to groom the West Australian Terrier and how often? How often should I take my West Australian Terrier to the groomer?
Advanced: The West Australian Terrier requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your West Australian Terrier a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your West Australian Terrier, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do West Australian Terrier dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Westie Australia dog? Do West Australian Terrier dogs shed a lot?
West Australian Terrier dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. West Australian Terrier dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the West Australian Terrier need a bath? How often should you give a West Australian Terrier a bath? Can I bathe my West Australian Terrier every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the West Australian Terrier breed hypoallergenic?
Yes
West Australian Terrier dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The West Australian Terrier has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the West Australian Terrier drool?
The West Australian Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the West Australian Terrier could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the West Australian Terrier.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

West Australian Terrier Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do West Australian Terrier dogs get along with other pets? Are West Australian Terrier dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
West Australian Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? West Australian Terrier temperament with other people:
West Australian Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are West Australian Terrier dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? West Australian Terrier temperament with children:
West Australian Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do West Australian Terrier dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the West Australian Terrier breed live with a cat?
West Australian Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is West Australian Terrier good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do West Australian Terrier dogs get along with other dogs?
West Australian Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is West Australian Terrier breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is West Australian Terrier breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
West Australian Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are West Australian Terrier dogs good office canines? Do West Australian Terrier dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
West Australian Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do West Australian Terrier dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Westie Australia dog temperament with senior people? Are West Australian Terrier dogs good for elderly owners?
West Australian Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

West Australian Terrier As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can West Australian Terrier be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

West Australian Terrier is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can West Australian Terrier be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a West Australian Terrier be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

West Australian Terrier is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can West Australian Terrier be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

West Australian Terrier is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can West Australian Terrier be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The West Australian Terrier is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can West Australian Terrier be a boat dog?

Not really

West Australian Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can West Australian Terrier be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

West Australian Terrier is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where West Australian Terrier dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

West Australian Terrier Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a West Australian Terrier pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the West Australian Terrier breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female West Australian Terrier: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the West Australian Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can the West Australian Terrier breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a West Australian Terrier have? How many puppies can a West Australian Terrier give birth to?
3-6 puppies

West Australian Terrier Recognition

AKC Group
Is West Australian Terrier recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is West Australian Terrier recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the West Australian Terrier breed?
Not recognized by any clubs.

West Australian Terrier Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The West Australian Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: West Australian Terrier dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Issues: Very healthy dog breed.
  • Hypoallergenic: West Australian Terrier dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Shedding Level: West Australian Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Drooling Tendency: The West Australian Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Mouthiness: West Australian Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Adaptability: West Australian Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: West Australian Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: West Australian Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: West Australian Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Grooming: Advanced: The West Australian Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the West Australian Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the West Australian Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: West Australian Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Cat Friendly: West Australian Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: West Australian Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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