Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How Much Do Westies Bark? Read Before You Bring One Home

West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terriers are some of the most popular dogs, and it’s easy to see why. They are smart and entertaining, but they’re also so darn cute that you can’t help but fall in love with the breed. Many terriers have a reputation for being barkers. Their history and relationship with people significantly influence this trait for good and bad.

Westies can definitely bark a lot. However, every dog is different. The environment in which a pet is raised can lead even the quietest pups to bark since it invariably affects an animal’s behavior. Research has shown excessive barking is one of the most commonly identified issues.1 Nevertheless, much variability exists, with some apparent genetic components. Ironically, people are also a part of the problem.

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

Why Dogs Bark

Barking is the primary way dogs communicate with us. They’ve had plenty of practice in learning our habits and emotions from being domesticated for between an estimated 20,000–40,000 years.2 Our pets have also figured out how barking fits into our relationship. Interestingly, adult wild canines don’t bark3 nearly as much as our pups.

The Westie and other dogs learned to bark for several reasons. If something excites them, they may yip and carry on with plenty of tail-wagging. Canines also bark out of fear, whether it’s a threat to them or their perceived territories. Our pets also bark to get our attention. And sometimes, it works, thus reinforcing this unwanted behavior. History and a breed’s intended job may have also played a role.

West Highland White Terrier - Westie, Westy Barking Outdoor
Image Credit: Grisha Bruev.Shutterstock

The History of the West Highland Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier began life as a hunting dog. The animal’s small size and speed made it a clear choice for hunting rats and other rodents. Undoubtedly, the excitement of the hunt encouraged barking. We can also speculate that the noise might have roused their prey to make getting rid of them easier for landowners.

Legend has it that enthusiasts selectively bred the Westie to be white to protect it from friendly fire in the field. However, we don’t know if this trait was encouraged through the ages. However, being courageous and alert is part of the breed’s official standard. Shyness is considered a fault.

The Genetics Behind Barking

Research has also shown a correlation between the growth factor gene and aggression. That may explain the tough-guy attitude present in many small dogs like the Westie. Many small dogs, such as the Chihuahua, also have a reputation for excessive barking. Their size may influence how we react to a pet’s demands, inadvertently encouraging the behavior if we don’t respond to their demands for attention.

The combination of genetics and the owner’s behavior could explain why some Westies are barkers. Environmental factors can also play a role because of the Westie’s intelligence. Remember this pup’s history as a hunting dog. It set the stage for a smart animal that needs mental stimulation. A bored pet will develop unwanted behaviors, like excessive barking. Therefore, it’s essential to control it.

Westie background wooden wall_
Image By: Bogdanovich Alexander, Shutterstock

Controlling Excessive Barking

Knowing your pet is a vocal breed can provide the necessary stimulus for early training and socialization. The sweet spot for puppies learning by exposure is between 16–20 weeks. It is the ideal time to hone your pet’s canine manners, which include controlling excessive barking and nippiness. However, if your Westies is already a barker, it’s imperative to determine what is triggering this bad behavior to stop it.

The critical factor is not to punish your dog for doing what comes naturally to them. After all, people likely caused it in the first place. You should also avoid encouraging it by rewarding it. If your pup is barking for attention, leave the room briefly. Your Westie will soon learn that barking doesn’t work. Instead, use positive reinforcement.

When your pup is quiet, give them a treat. You can also associate it with a verbal command, such as “No barking,” followed by the treat. Westies are easy to train. It won’t take long for your dog to catch on and stop barking, as food is a convincing motivator for many pets.

We strongly urge you to discuss the situation with a vet if your Westie isn’t getting the message. A behaviorist or trainer can work with you one-on-one to control the problem.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

Conclusion

Westies are adorable pups that make excellent pets. However, it’s essential to start training your pouch from day one, especially if they are young. They’ll be more receptive to learning what’s expected of them as puppies. The breed is often vocal, given its history as a hunting dog. Therefore, you should make it a high priority to control it while your pet is young.


Featured Image Credit: anetapics, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Do Dogs Sweat? How Do They Cool Down? Vet-Verified Facts

When the weather heats up and we start turning on fans and air conditioners to keep ourselves from sweating, it’s not uncommon for...

Why Does My Dog Flip His Food Bowl? 15 Common Reasons

You may be wondering why your dog flips their food bowl over. There are many reasons why this may happen, and we will...

10 Best Couches & Beds for Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Our four-legged buddies need a place to lounge. After all, as much as you love their couch snuggles, they can be space hogs....

Ask Dr. Paola- Gas, Fleas & Yawning (January 6, 2025)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

More related

4 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Laramie, WY You Can Visit Today (2025 Update)

Whether you live in Laramie, Wyoming, or you’re just passing through on vacation, you may want to visit an area that allows you...

Bichon Frise vs. Maltipoo: The Differences (With Pictures)

Small dogs have their advantages, particularly if you live in an apartment or condo. Choosing between the Bichon Frise and Maltipoo is not...

8 Off-Leash Dog Parks Near Reston, VA (2025 Update)

Dogs need socialization. While you may be their best friend, getting to know other people and their dogs is a great way for...

230+ Dog Names That Start With J for Your Joyous Pup!

Naming your new furry friend is an exciting endeavor, as it’s a way to reflect their personality and charm. Whether you’re drawn to...

Keep reading

Nutra-Nuggets Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Recalls

Review Summary Nutra-Nuggets is a pet food company that’s under the umbrella of Diamond Pet Foods. It has two main lines of food—US and Global. The types of dog food available through each line are pretty similar, and the ingredient...

Dogster_Nutra-Nuggets Dog Food Review

Vitamin K for Dogs: 5 Vet-Approved Food Sources

Vitamin K is a necessary nutrient for all humans and animals. In addition to making this vitamin within our bodies, we can get the vitamin from the foods that we eat, and so can your dog! Here are five great...

white samoyed dog looks at a plate of vegetable salad

Can Dogs Eat Doritos? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Our canine companions will eat just about anything they can get their paws on, including food snatched right from our hands or plates. But just because your dog will eat something doesn’t always mean they should eat it. There are...

Can Dogs Eat Doritos

10 Best Dry Dog Foods for Senior Dogs in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Owning a senior dog can be a bittersweet time in your life. While you have all these wonderful memories together and a close bond, you also have to watch their health and mobility decline. Keeping our dogs around for as...

german shepherd dog lying near food bowl

Which Nuts Are Bad for Dogs? Vet-Reviewed Safe & Toxic Options

Keeping our animals healthy is a top concern for us pet owners, and the foods that they eat often present the biggest danger. For example, many people worry about nuts because there are several kinds, and some are safe for...

a bowl of assorted nuts

Can Dogs Eat Flan? Vet-Reviewed Potential Risks & Safety Guide

Flan is a custard-like dessert that can contain several ingredients. However, it typically contains eggs, milk, and sugar. While dogs can eat a small amount of dairy products like flan, it isn’t recommended. While flan isn’t toxic, it isn’t usually...

Can Dogs Eat Flan

10 Best Dental Treats for Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Dental treats aren’t meant as a replacement for regular brushing, but your dog will love them, and they work as a good backup. They help remove plaque and tartar buildup, thanks to their abrasive surface, and sometimes the ingredients they...

siberian husky given a dental treat

Can Dogs Eat Bamboo Shoots? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Bamboo shoots are a popular vegetable in many Asian countries and have been enjoyed as a dietary staple for centuries. If you’re cooking with bamboo shoots in your home and your dog steals a bite, or you’re just wondering if...

Can Dogs Eat_bamboo shoots