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West Highland White Terrier

Average Weight (males): 15-22 lbs. (6.8-9.98 kg)
Average Weight (females):13-16 lbs. (5.89-7.25 kg)
Average Height: 10-11 inches (25.4-27.94 cm)
Pronounced: West Hi-Land White  TEH-ree-er
Group:  Terrier
Life Span: 14 Years
Average Litter: 3
Origin: Scotland

Description

 The nickname for the West Highland White Terrier is Westie and this is one cute small breed dog.  The Westie is strongly built, deep in chest with a straight back and powerful hindquarters.  This little dog has a great combination of strength and agility. The body between the withers and root of tail is slightly shorter than his height at the withers.  The head is shaped to give a round appearance and the dark, almond shaped eyes are set wide apart, which helps to give this dog a sharp, intelligent look.

The eyebrows are heavy and the wide skull is slightly domed between the ears and a little longer than the muzzle.  The teeth of this breed are large for the size of the dog, both a scissors or level bite are equally acceptable.  The small, erect ears are set wide apart on the top outer edge of the skull.  Hair on the ears is customarily trimmed short and is smooth and velvety, with no fringe at the tips.

The tail on the Westie is naturally short, so docking is not done.  It is shaped rather like a carrot and stands up straight.  This dog, like many terriers, has a double coat.  The outer coat is usually just about 2 inches (5.08 cm) long with shorter pieces on the neck and shoulders.  This is usually trimmed to blend shorter areas into furnishings, which are longer on the stomach and legs.

Color Information

The name of this small dog is not deceiving, the only color of a purebred West Highland White Terrier is white.

Personality

The Westie is very friendly, while this small dog is independent and can be self reliant to some extent, he does need human companionship to be truly happy and content.  If you are looking for an active dog, this may the the one for you, the West Highland White Terrier has excellent stamina and is very quick.  Known for high intelligence, this breed typically does very well in obedience, agility, flyball, tracking and earthdog tests.  When outside,  his instinct makes him a truly  good hunter with speed and cunning.  A Westie will always alert his owners to the approach of a stranger, but because of his friendly nature, he does not make a particularly great watchdog.  This terrier is a companion dog at heart.

Origin & History

The West Highland White Terrier descended from similar stock to that of his Scottish cousins, the Scottish Terrier, Skye Terrier, Cairn Terrier and Dandie Dinmont.  The Westie is believed to have originated at Poltalloch in Scotland, where he had already been bred for over 100 years before appearing at dog shows.  In 1916, Col. Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch said both his father and grandmother had kept these dogs and it is probable that t heir lineage goes back to the time of King Jame I, who asked for some "earth dogges" out of Argyleshire.  Legend has it that Col. Malcolm kept a light colored pack of terriers for his personal hunting expeditions, however when one of his reddish colored dogs was mistaken for a fox and shot, he decided at the very moment that he would only breed white dogs which would be clearly visible to all hunters. 

In the past, the Westie was known as the Roseneath Terrier and the Poltallock Terrier.  The name officially changed to West Highland White Terrier in 1909, one year after the AKC gave recognition in 1908.

Health

A lot of research has been done regarding the health of this breed.  There are, unfortunately, quite a few issues that the breed, in general, is prone to. Possible issues are:
  • Addison's disease - A very hard to diagnose disease, usually affecting the glands right above the dog's kidneys.
  • Atopic dermatitis - A skin disease, usually caused by a hyper-sensitivity to contact elements
  • Diabetes mellitus - The pancreas does not produce enough insulin
  • Heart disease
  • Hip dysplasia - A malformation of the hip joint
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Juvenile cataracts
  • Legg-Calve Perthes- A disease of the hip joint
  • Patella Luxation - A slipping of the kneecap
  • Portosystemic shunt
  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (Commonly referred to as Westie lung disease)
  • Allergies
Exercise

This small dog generally does a good job of staying busy with toys and their own entertainment, however an owner should providea daily walk and plenty of playtime for this generally very active dog.  

Grooming

There will be a big difference in grooming between a show dog and a pet Westie.  The requirements for the show ring can be a bit demanding.  However, when allowed to have a simple pet trim, a regular schedule of brushing and then going of the coat with a wide tooth comb will be sufficient.  Be sure to mist sections as you go, with a water and condition mix.  Discoloring on the hairs around the eyes is not "normal" even if it is common...this is tear staining and can be resolved by using tear stain solution and often times, offering spring water which is much lower in mineral content than tap water. 

Teeth should be brushed each day, nails trimmed every 6-8 weeks and a bath given when needed, which is not often,  usually every 4 months.   It is recommended to have a professional, full grooming every few years.

Shedding

This small dog generally does not shed much. However, owners may find that shedding becomes heavy if too many baths are given.  The Westie does not have a lot of natural body oil, therefore giving baths too frequently can dry out the skin, cause itching and then hair loss which will appear to be shedding.  Often, using a dry shampoo powder every few weeks when brushing will keep the coat clean and allow you to cut down on baths which will resolve the issue.

Care & Training

 This dog has an instinct to dig, which may call out for an owner to do some training in that regard. Also, being such an independant thinker, one must be very firm and serious when training a Westie puppy in order to have a well behaved adult dog.

If you are thinking about getting a puppy, you may wish to read some important information about purchasing a puppy. Just click here.

If you already own a Welsh Terrier, you may wish to click here for more detailed are information





                 
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