Highland White Terrier Information

Breed Origin

• Westies are thought to have been bred from a variety of Scottish terrier breeds, all undoubtedly from the same general roots. Valued as small game and vermin hunters, it is said that Westies were bred for their white coat by Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Scotland after one of his red terriers was mistaken for a fox and shot during a hunt, according to the West Highland White Terrier Club of America. Colonel Malcolm allegedly decided, from that point forward, to breed white dogs that would be highly visible and instantly distinguishable from game.

Naming the Breed

• Originally known as the Roseneath Terrier, named for the Duke of Argyll's estate in Dumbartonshire, Scotland, the Westie was shown as the West Highland White Terrier at the 1906 Crufts dog show, almost 100 years after the breed was created. Named for their rugged temperament and the general region in which they were bred, the West Highland White Terrier breed was accepted into the terrier group of the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1908. The breed has excelled in various AKC events, including obedience and agility.

Body Type

• The Westie ideally measures 10 to 11 inches high at the shoulder, with a compact, substantial build, deep chest and ribs and a straight back, according to the American Kennel Club. The head is in proportion to the body, and the eyes are wide-set, with a direct, piercing look. The Westie's small, pointy ears are also wide-set, and should be carried erect. The legs are muscular and thick-boned, although somewhat short. The gait is powerful and straight, but not stilted.

Coat Type

• Westies' distincitve white coats are comprised of two layers--the coarse, longer outer layer and the softer, shorter inner layer. The dog should be entirely white, but some wheaten tipping is acceptable. The coat should look slightly wiry, and any indication of softness and fluffiness is considered a fault. The Westie's distinctive coat rarely sheds hair or dander, making them good pets for people with allergies. This, combined with the wiry nature of the coat, makes frequent bathing unnecessary. In fact, overbathing can cause skin problems, to which Westies can be prone.

Health Issues

• Westies are generally free from serious health problems, but they can be prone to several conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease and lymphoma--although incidences are rare. The most common health problems Westies encounter are much less serious, including atopic dermatitis, a skin condition, and patellar luxation, a condition in which the kneecap slips out of place. Patellar luxation generally only requires surgery in very severe cases, and most reputable breeders will not have the condition in their breeding stock. Atopic dermatitis, on the other hand, while not a life-threatening illness, has the potential to become a chronic condition if not treated quickly, especially if the dog is exposed to fleas or allergens.

Conclusion

• Overall, the Westie is a beloved pet to many who enjoy a feisty yet lovable companion. Westies are rarely aggressive, but they do play rough, so they are not the best pets for households with very young children. They require a minimum of an hour of vigorous exercise daily, or destructive behaviors can result. Westies require daily brushing but infrequent bathing, making them a relatively low-maintenance pet the whole family can enjoy.