West Highland Terrier Grooming Guide: How to
The West Highland White Terrier (Westie) is Scotland’s iconic little white warrior—brave, friendly, and unmistakably fluffy. Their double coat (a harsh outer coat and soft undercoat) keeps them warm on the moors, but it also demands regular care to stay bright white and tangle-free. At Kinga’s Dog Grooming, we’ve fine-tuned Westie coat care to handle our damp, muddy climate. Follow our guide to keep your Westie looking sharp all year round.
How Often Should You Groom a Westie?
Brushing: 2–3 times weekly (daily in heavy moult).
Professional trim/hand-strip: every 6–8 weeks.
Bathing: every 4–6 weeks, or after muddy outings.
A consistent schedule prevents mats, keeps coat texture crisp, and preserves that signature “Westie look.”
🪮 Step-by-Step Brushing & Combing Routine
Setup
Choose a bright, quiet spot. Lay down a towel to catch loose hair.
Keep all tools within easy reach.
Slicker Brush First
Section the coat: start from the shoulders and work back toward the tail, then the sides, belly, and legs.
Brush with the grain to lift dead hairs and surface debris.
Undercoat Rake
Hold the coat at the roots to avoid pulling skin.
Gently rake through each section, especially on the flanks and belly, where the undercoat is thickest.
Comb-Through
Use the Hertzko comb to catch any remaining mats.
Pay extra attention behind the ears, under the collar, and around the tail base.
Tackle Small Tangles
Mist the area lightly with water or detangling spray.
Hold the fur close to the skin and tease out knots with the comb.
For stubborn mats, book a dematting service at Kinga’s—never cut close to the skin.
Finish
Smooth the coat with a final slicker pass.
Give your Westie a treat and plenty of praise!
🛁 Bathing Your Westie in Damp Scotland
Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks, or after muddy adventures.
Shampoo: Apply Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe; massage gently into undercoat.
Conditioner: Leave on 2–3 minutes to soften harsh guard hairs.
Rinse: Rinse thoroughly—soap residue can irritate skin.
Dry: Towel-dry, then use Andis ProDry on low heat and medium airflow, brushing as you dry to prevent tangles.
Scottish Tip: Always finish drying indoors—Westies’ dense coats trap moisture, which can lead to hot spots and dull fur.
✂️ Hand-Stripping vs Clipping
Hand-Stripping: Plucking dead hairs by hand or knife to preserve harsh coat texture—ideal for show or traditional Westie look (Every 6–8 weeks)
Clipping: Electric clippers trim coat uniformly—softer texture, faster, and painless (Every 6–8 weeks)
Home Grooming vs Professional Grooming
Brushing & Combing:
Home Care: 2–3× weekly
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Included in every full groom
Bathing:
Home Care: 4–6 weekly
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Premium bath + blow dry
Nail Trims:
Home Care: Every 3–4 weeks with Safari clippers
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Precise trim
Ear Cleaning:
Home Care: Weekly with Virbac Epi-Otic
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Thorough cleaning & inspection
Coat Stripping/Clipping:
Home Care: Basic clipping with home clippers
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Expert hand-strip/clip styling
Finishing Touches:
Home Care: DIY face & paw trims
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Professional scissor work
Regular professional visits keep your Westie’s coat in peak condition, prevent hidden mats, and allow for skin checks.
❓ FAQ Section
Q: Why hand-strip instead of clip?
A: Hand-stripping preserves the coarse texture of the outer coat, which protects your Westie from rain and brambles. Clipping softens the coat but is kinder for anxious dogs.
Q: How do I whiten my Westie’s coat is yellowing?
A: To brighten fur, use a whitening shampoo (like Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe) followed by a vinegar rinse (1 cup apple cider vinegar to 4 cups water). Rinse well and dry thoroughly.
Q: Are Westies heavy shedders?
A: No—they shed minimally compared to double-coated breeds. But their undercoat still sheds seasonally; regular brushing keeps loose hairs under control.
🏴 Scottish-Specific Grooming Tips
Protect the Beard: Use damp wipes after meals to keep the “Westie beard” clean and stain-free.
Mud Patrol: Keep a grooming station by the door with towels and wipes—Westies love a puddle!
Winter Coat Management: Consider a short clip in late autumn to reduce ice-ball formation in the undercoat.
UV Awareness: White fur can sunburn. If your Westie spends long hours outdoors in summer, apply pet-safe sunscreen to exposed skin areas.
Ready to Book Your Westie’s Next Groom?
At Kinga’s Dog Grooming in Edinburgh, we specialise in Westie coat care—hand-stripping, clipping, and detail trims to keep your little terrier looking its best.
Book Your Appointment Today and let your Westie shine—bright, white, and as bold as the Scottish hills!
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