West
Highland White Terrier
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 Description:
The West Highland White Terrier is a small, sturdy,
spunky and compact dog originally bred to hunt
small game. The breed is believed to have originated
in Poltalloch, Scotland in the nineteenth century.
The most popular legend of how the breed came
to be, tells us the distinctive all white coat
is credited to Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm.
It is believed Malcolm desired an all white terrier
after one of his dogs with a reddish coat was
mistaken for a fox and was shot. It was at that
moment, legend states, that Malcolm decided to
make it his mission to produce an all white terrier
which would easily stand out during the hunt.
Another version of how the West Highland Terrier,
or Westie for short, originated was by luck. This
story claims that also in the nineteenth century,
among a breeder's litter of Cairn Terriers, there
were several all white puppies. The breeder then
selectively bred them to maintain the desirable
all white coat. Regardless of which story is true,
many are in agreement that in addition to Cairn
Terriers, Scotties and Dandie Dinmonts are also
very likely related to the West Highland White
Terrier.
In 1907, The West Highland White Terrier was first
shown in London at the Crufts dog show and in
1908, the breed was officially recognized by the
American Kennel Club in the Terrier Group.
Height:
The ideal height of a West Highland White Terrier
is Ideal height is 10 to 11 inches (25 - 28 cm)
at withers. Females are generally just a bit shorter
than males.
Weight:
The weight of a West Highland White Terrier can
range between 15 - 20 pounds (7 - 9 kg) for males
and and 13 - 16 pounds (6 - 7 kg) for females.
Coat Type:
The West Highland White Terrier has a double coat.
The top coat is about 2 inches (5 cm) long, harsh
and straight. The shorter undercoat lies close
and is soft. Regular brushing is necessary to
help keep the coat in good condition and helps
reduce shedding. West Highland White Terriers
are very light shedders.
Color:
The color of West Highland White Terrier's coat
is all white.
Temperament:
The West Highland White Terrier is charming, hardy
and robust. This mischievious breed is also feisty,
proud, keen and friendly. The White Terrier makes
an excellent and enjoyable family pet and does
well with well behaved and respectful children.
Westies are very smart, learn quickly and respond
best to positive training methods. However, they
can become easily bored, therefore, creative training
is also recommended. A West Highland White Terrier
needs to have an owner which is their pack leader.
This breed is alert and makes a good watchdog.
Westies have lots of energy and need to be exercised
daily - but be warned, his favorite form of exercise
is digging! The Westie enjoys country or city
life and on a last note, they're great little
vermin hunters.
Health Concerns:
The West Highland Terrier is
generally a healthy breed, although there are
several concerns which include Craniomandibular
osteopathy or lion jaw (is a non-cancerous bony
growth), Westie Lung Disease (or pulmonary fibrosis),
skin and allergy problems and White Shakers Syndrome
which small dogs are prone to. The average life
span of a West Highland White Terrier is between
12 - 15 years.
Special Interest:
• The West Highland White Terrier was initially
named Poltalloch Terrier, but was also referred
to as Roseneath Terrier. When this breed was first
shown in the U.S. in 1906, it was under the Roseneath
Terrier name. In 1909, the name was permanently
changed to the West Highland White Terrier.
• Black & White scotch whisky features
a white and black dog its label. The white dog
is a West Highland White Terrier - the black dog
is a Scottish Terrier. The Westie is also featured
on the Cesar brand dog food.
Classifications:
AKC: Terrier Group
ANKC: Terrier Group 2
CKC: Group 4 Terriers
FCI: Group 3 Section 2 Small-sized Terriers
KC: Terrier
NZKC: Terrier
UKC: Terriers
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