West Highland White Terrier (Westie): Keeping Rough White Coats Crisp & Clean
How to Keep a Westie Coat White and Bright Without Stripping It
The Westie coat is completely different from a Maltese. Both may have white coats, although the dogs have different grooming needs.
The West Highland White Terrier has:
- Straight, Rough Outer Coat
- A Dense Double Layer Undercoat
- High Shedding Fur
- Wonderfully White Coat
Because of that double coat, keeping it white isn’t about softness - it’s about maintaining structure and cleanliness without over-stripping your Westie’s natural protection.
Featured Ingredients:
Apple Cider Vinegar: A gentle clarifying ingredient to assist with a deep clean and revitalise natural shine in rough coats. It also helps strengthen the coat and improve coat health.
Bicarbonate Soda: a gentle, yet effective, method to naturally lift stains and restore natural colour in white coats.
Why Westie Coats Look Dull or Yellow
Common causes include:
- Undercoat build-up
- Incomplete rinsing
- Over-conditioning
- Harsh shampoos that dry the coat
- Environmental dirt trapped in the double coat
Westies trap more debris because of their dense undercoat - so technique matters.
2. Use a Shampoo Designed for Rough Double Coats
A Westie’s coat needs cleansing power - but not stripping.
Using products designed for long silky coats can make a Westie coat too soft and flat.
A hypoallergenic formula for rough, double coats helps:
- Lift dirt from the undercoat
- Support natural coat structure
- Reduce excessive shedding
After shampooing, rinse deep into the dense undercoat, to remove any moisture build up or residue. Residue leads to dullness and irritation. Use your fingers to work water down to the skin while rinsing.
3. Apply a light coating of Westie Conditioner
Apply the conditioner sparingly, as unlike Maltese dogs, Westies don’t need heavy conditioning. It can weigh down their wonderfully white coat.
Conditioning is a key step to helping release shedding fur gently.
Too much conditioner can:
- Flatten the coat
- Make it overly soft
- Increase dirt attraction
A light, breed appropriate conditioner (if needed) is plenty.
Ensure the coat is dried fully to keep a crisp clean and bright white coats.
If a Westie coat stays damp at the base, it can feel heavy and develop a yellow tinge.
Towel dry thoroughly and blow dry if your dog tolerates it. This keeps the coat crisp and fluffy.
4. Maintain your Westies coat between washes with Leave in Spray
Regular brushing results in a brighter coat.
Leave in conditioner will nourish and protect your westies skin and coat between washes.
A well maintained double coat always looks brighter.
The Bottom Line for Westie Owners
Westies don’t need bleaching or heavy whitening products.
They need correct cleansing for rough double coats, proper rinsing at each step, gentle deshedding conditioner and regular brushing.
When the coat structure is supported properly, the white stays brighter naturally.
Check out our Westie range:
