West Highland Terriers

Question
Hilary:  We have a West Highland Terrier, who is 11-1/2 years old.  She has always been in good health but we are beginning to see signs of age in her  (fearfulness about jumping up a step that  never used to cause her any concern; lying around and sleeping during the daytime), and my children are expressing concern about her life expectancy. My question is: generally speaking, to what age can an otherwise healthy Westie be expected to live? Thank you so much for your assistance.  

Answer
Hi Marvin!  Unfortunately, it is so difficult to pin point a life expectancy of a dog.  I have seen all different breeds of dogs pass away at young ages from health problems, and I have seen all different breeds live until a ripe old age of 18 years.  At my work, we actually have a client that owns a 26 year old dog!  It's amazing how long some will live with no health problems.  I can tell you, though, that it is not uncommon for a west highland terrier to live to 18.  They tend to have very long lives.
Since your dog is exhibiting the signs you have described, it may be beneficial to have a geriatric blood profile done by your veterinarian.  It is not uncommon for an older dog to take more naps throughout the day.  It can be a sign of an ailment if the dog can be described as lethargic.  A blood profile will pin point whether or not there is an ailment present, or if these extra naps are just due to her age.  Even if there is an ailment present, veterinary medicine is very "high tech" these days, and there is a treatment for just about anything.  
The fearfulness of jumping steps would indicate possible arthritic pain.  Etogesic, Glycoflex and Rimadyll are all medications that are used in veterinary medicine to mask the pain of arthritis and improve the cartlidge in canines.  Just a reminder, no matter how painful your dog may seem, it is important to never give her over the counter pain medications (advil, tylenol, ect.) as they cause an animal's heart rate to raise to a dangerous level, causing cardiac arrest.
Since you are seeing these signs now, it would be most beneficial to have a diagnosis as soon as possible, so that if there is an ailment present, it can be treated promptly and successfully.
I hope this helps and please let me know how that little girl is doing!
Sending tons of westie kisses,
Hilary