How Much Do Westies Bark? Read Before You Bring One Home (Vet-Reviewed)

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 undesirable behaviors in dogs in general.¹ Nevertheless, much variability exists, with some apparent genetic, breed, and socialisation components. Ironically, people can also sometimes be a part of the problem.

Why Dogs Bark

Barking is one of the primary ways 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 bark nearly as much as our pups.³

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 may also bark out of fear, whether it’s a threat to them or their perceived territories. Our pets also often bark to get our attention. And sometimes, it works, thus reinforcing this behavior. History and a breed’s intended job may have also played a role.

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. While the breed's hunting background may have influenced some behavioral traits, the exact role barking played in their work is unclear.

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. While the exact origin story remains unknown, the white coat became a defining characteristic of the breed. However, being courageous and alert is part of the breed’s official standard. Shyness is considered a fault.

The Genetics Behind Barking

Research has identified links between certain genetic factors and behavioral traits, including some forms of 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 is more likely to develop unwanted behaviors, like excessive barking. Therefore, it’s important to provide adequate mental stimulation and address excessive barking appropriately.

Controlling Excessive Barking

Knowing your pet is a vocal breed can provide the necessary stimulus for early training and socialization. Early puppyhood is an important period for socialization and learning through positive experiences and exposure to new people, places, and other pets. It is the ideal time to hone your pet’s canine manners, which include controlling excessive barking and nippiness. However, if your Westie 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, excessive barking can develop for a variety of reasons, including genetics, environment, and learned behavior. You should also avoid encouraging it by rewarding it. If your pup is barking for attention, leave the room briefly. Your Westie may soon learn that barking doesn't get them the desired response when this approach is used consistently. Instead, use positive reinforcement.

When your pup is quiet, give them a treat. You can also pair the behavior with a cue such as “quiet” and reward your dog when they stop barking. Westies are usually easy to train. Many dogs respond well to food rewards, but reducing excessive barking can take time and consistent training.

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.

Conclusion

Westies are adorable pups that make excellent pets when socialised and trained. However, it’s essential to start training your pooch 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, it’s a good idea to make training and socialization a priority while your pet is young, including teaching appropriate barking and other desirable behaviors.

Featured Image Credit: anetapics, Shutterstock