 White
Terrier
Description:
The West Highland White Terrier is a descendent
of the family once referred to as the "Terriers
of Scotland". Its closest cousin is most
likely the Cairn Terrier. Selective breeding of
these all-white terriers began in the western
regions of Scotland such as Poltalloch and Roseneath
and the dogs were originally named for the area
in which they were bred. The terriers were used
to hunt foxes, badgers and otters. By 1907, the
West Highland White Terrier gained popularity
at shows and official breed statuts in England.
Soon after, the breed was imported to North American
where it found many more admirers. The Westie
enjoys country or city life, but be warned, his
favorite form of exercise is digging.
Height:
11" (27.9cm) for dogs, 10" (25.4cm)
for bitches
Weight: 15 -
22 lbs (6.7 - 9.8 kg)
Coat Type: The
double, medium-length coat of the Westie is wiry,
straight and hard. The outer coat is 2" (5cm)
long, but somewhat shorter on the neck and shoulders.
The color should always be white, although wheaten
tinges are permissable. Regular grooming is required
to keep the coat tangle-free and to maintain the
correct body outline.
Temperament:
This mischievious breed is feisty, proud, keen
and friendly. It makes an excellent and enjoyable
pet for all kinds of families. He is also a great
little vermin hunter.
Special Interest:
At one time, breeders of terriers in Scotland
used to put the occasional white puppy in a litter
to sleep, claiming it would not be hardy enough
to survive, or if it did, it would be too visible
while hunting. However, other breeders saw the
potential of an all-white terrier and began selectively
breeding for this trait. Soon these little white
dogs were chasing their quarry over the rocks
and hard terrain of Scotland, and of course they
were always visible and distinguishable to their
owners.
Classifications:
AKC: Group 4 - Terriers
CKC: Group 4 - Terriers
KC: Sporting - Terrier Group
FCI: Group 3
ANKC: Group 2 - Terriers
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