by Angie Pollock

Created on: December 01, 2009

The West Highland White Terrier or Westie is a small terrier breed that is highly popular by dog owners around the world. Understanding their history and general characteristics will help potential owners better care for their Westie. They are highly adaptable to many living environments which adds to the appeal of prospective buyers.

Short History of the West Highland White Terrier

This small dog like many of its counterparts was developed as a hunting dog for small vermin. This breed has previously been known as the Poltalloch Terrier and Roseneath Terrier but has been referred to as the West Highland White Terrier since 1909. Their breeding has contributed to the Westie's keen intelligence, trainability, and devotion to their owner.

Characteristics of the West Highland White Terrier

The Westie has a small compact body and an adorable face - attributes that are hard to resist. Their average height is about 11 inches and they generally weigh in the 15-20 pound range with males being slightly larger than females. When alerted, the Westie's ears will stand erect which add to the "cuteness" factor of the breed.

Like the name implies, the Westie is a white dog breed. They have a dense undercoat that is soft while the outer coat is harsh. Although they are not an overly hyper breed, the Westie still requires ample amounts of exercise. Daily walks can help prevent behavioral issues that may arise from boredom.

Care for the West Highland White Terrier

An important aspect in the Westie's care is proper care of the coat. Their coat requires daily grooming and when used for show purposes, the coat will need stripping and professional trimming. The Westie sheds very little and should only be bathed when necessary. The facial hair tends to grow long and will need regular trimming around the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Westies are highly trainable which is a must for owners unless they want their dog to take over the home. They love companionship and enjoy spending time with their owners which helps with training. Westies also enjoy digging and have a tendency to bark. Some owners have stated that without proper leadership and training, these dogs can become "yappy" and even ill-tempered.

A high-quality diet is important for the West Highland White Terrier. This breed is prone to skin allergies which sometimes can be brought on by a poor quality dog food. Other health issues related to this breed include hernias, hip dysplasia, and other hip problems. All dog breeds can be affected by illness and/or disease however; the Westie has a variety of issues that can cause them problems during their lifetime.

According to the West Highland White Terrier Club of America, "Failure to screen for hereditary problems before breeding often results in the "doubling up" of some unfavorable genes, and the results are distressing for the buyer and dog alike." It is important to only purchase a Westie from a reputable breeder that screens their dogs prior to breeding.

References:

THE ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DOG BREEDS, by Joan Palmer, copyright 2003.

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