With his bristly white face and dark sparkling eyes, the Westie makes a smart, proud, spunky, and hearty companion. Outdoors he is a speedy and skillful hunter; indoors he is an affectionate and devoted companion. Owners will especially appreciate a typical Westie mischievousness. The Westie loves people. With other animals he is generally friendly, but can get scrappy if not supervised. He will alert his family to visitors.
West Highland White Terrier breed facts
This is a game terrier and has a very strong will.
The West Highland White Terrier, according to notable authors originated at Poltalloch, Scotland, where they had been bred and maintained for more than 100 years prior to their appearance at dog shows. In 1916 Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch said that his father and grandfather both kept them. It is probable that the lineage of the Malcolm dogs goes back to the time of King James I, who asked for some “earth-dogges” out of Argyleshire.
Years ago the breed was known as the Roseneath Terrier, also as the Poltalloch Terrier. The name Roseneath was taken from the Duke of Argyll’s place in Dumbartonshire, Scotland.
It is probable that the West Highland White Terrier and all the terriers of Scotland came from the same stock; the Scotties, Cairns, Dandie Dinmonts, and West Highland Whites are branches from the same tree and its roots.
Information you should know before owning a West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland is all terrier – a large amount of Scots spunk, determination, and devotion crammed into a small body.
Outdoors they are truly sporty, good hunters, speedy and cunning, with great intelligence. In the house they are all that can be desired of a pet; faithful, understanding, and devoted, yet gay and light-hearted.
The Westie requires professional grooming every few months.
