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Introduction about West Highland White Terrier dogs:

At around 1700s, the Isle of Skye and other highlands in Scotland were already producing lots of small terriers. Scottish breeds were separated into two: the Skye terriers and the Dandie Dinmont terriers.

Dandie Dinmonts:

The Dandie Dinmonts were categorized as a separate breed.

Skyes:

The Skyes included the Scotties, the Cairns and the West highland white terriers or the Westies.

It was also noted that these terriers were the hybrids among the crossed Cairns, Scottish, and Dandies terriers. One could assume that the hybrid would really be loyal and its hunting instincts could not be belittled. In fact, many royalties in Scotland owned terriers that were very similar to the Westies of today.

A remarkable story about a Westie:

Another remarkable story is about a Westie that stopped a mother from constantly yelling at her daughter. Every time the mother would yell at her teenage daughter, the Westie would attack the mother. The aggression of the dog got worse over the years that resulted in the mother’s complete inability to scold her teenager.

It turned out that the girl was actually rewarding the dog for his protection by calming and soothing him down after every “threat” from her mother. Many would perceive that the daughter was able to help her mother to change her ways when in fact she was helping herself by rewarding the dog for its behavior.

Origin/History of Westies:

As noted, they share the same lineage with Cairns and Scotties (from Skye terriers), and even with the Dandies.

This trio was developed in the Isle of Skye, which was one of the highlands in Scotland.

It was noted that white whelps were chosen from the wiry-coated Cairns, Scotties, and Dandies to produce the variety that were known as Poltalloch terriers.

News about Westies in History:

Following are some items in the history that show the Westies’ reputation of being owners’ favorite companion dogs.

News about Westies in History In 1620:

Records in the history mentioned that around 1620, King James 1 of England requested some small white dogs from Argyleshire in Scotland.

Colonel Malcolm, who was considered as the originator of Poltalloch terriers, that are very similar to the Westies of today, accidentally shot his terrier (a dark one). From then on he vowed to have only white terriers.

News about Westies in History in 19th century:

In the 19th century, terriers that were very similar to the Westies were known as Roseneath terriers in honor of Duke of Argyll’s interest and patronage of this breed.

Roseneath was the name of his estate at Dumbartonshire.

News about Westies in History in 1800:

In the first-ever dog show that were organized in the late 1800s, the Westies were called as White Scottish terriers.

News about Westies in History in 1904:

In 1904, Westies were classified under the name West Highland White terriers.

News about Westies in History in mid-1900:

During the mid-1900s, breeders of the Cairns in Argyll, Scotland selected white puppies from the stock and interbreed some to obtain white Cairns.

News about Westies in History in 1917:

In 1917, the American Kennel Club ruled that Cairns could be listed if they have the Westies’ lineage.

basic facts for breeders about Westies:

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Westies:

Category: Terrier

Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard)

Coat: about two-inch coarse and wiry outer coat and soft, dense, and furry undercoat

Color: white

Height: between 10 and 12 inches

Weight: between 13 and 22 pounds

Temperament:

Naturally,

• Westies like to bark and dig

• Westies are not as willful like most terriers

• Westies love companionship

When Westies are properly trained:

• Westies can become fairly friendly towards strangers

• Westies develop close affinity with behaved children

• Westies love to chase cats but they do not hurt them

• Westies can become a very good watch dog

• Westies can become very lively

Breeders should note of the following health issues of Westies:

• Chronic skin problems

• Perthe’s disease (hip problems)

• Jawbone calcification

• Cranio mandibular osteopathy (lion jaw)

• Patella luxation, a disorder in the kneecap

• Liver ailments

• Deafness

• Congenital heart disease

Care and Exercise for Westies:

• Westies coat should be brushed regularly using a brush with stiff bristles.

• Westies should bathe only when necessary.

• Their whole coat should be stripped at least twice a year and trimmed every four months.

• The fur on the eyes and ears of Westies should be trimmed using blunt-nose mirrors.

• Westies will surely be more agile and healthy after regular sessions of play and/or walk.

We can say that this delightful terrier is now mostly a favorite companion dog of many households.

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