 Several breed @-@ specific and nonspecific health issues appear in the breed , including a condition in young dogs nicknamed " westie jaw " which causes an overgrowth of bone in the jaw of the dog . It can also be prone to skin disorders , with a breed @-@ specific condition called hyperplastic dermatosis occurring . They are very energetic and need plenty of exercise . Cousin to the Cairn Terrier , the Westie was bred to hunt small rodents at places such as farms . 
