Scotland is the home of several terriers, including the Cairn Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Scottish Terrier, and West Highland White Terrier. All of these breeds share ancestry at some point in history. A Westie fancier, Colonel Edward Malcolm, is said to have had a reddish-colored dog who was shot by hunters who mistook the dog for a fox. At that point, Colonel Malcolm decided to breed white dogs who would stand out in the field.
Westies stand between 10 and 11 inches tall and weigh 15 to 20 pounds. This is a compact dog, with medium-sized, dark brown eyes and small, erect ears. The body is slightly shorter than the dog is tall at the shoulders. The tail is short. The undercoat is soft, while the outer coat consists of hard, straight, white hairs. The face is framed by the coat to present a round appearance.
The coat should be brushed a couple of times each week to keep it neat and clean. Show dogs must be presented in a specific way, with the coat hand-stripped (or plucked). Pet owners usually have the dog clipped every four to six weeks. Potential owners should discuss coat care with a breeder.Westies are active dogs who enjoy long, brisk walks and a chance to play in the yard. They can be great at amusing themselves with toys, but when bored can be destructive chewers or dig amazingly large holes. All exercise should be on leash or within a fenced-in yard.
Westies are easily trained when the owner has figured out what motivates the individual dog. Although not stubborn, Westies can be independent.
A Westie may be too much terrier for a first-time dog owner. They can be good with children but will not tolerate rough play and are too easily stimulated to be a part of a large group of kids playing. Male Westies can be aggressive toward other male dogs. Most Westies should not be trusted with other small pets. Health concerns include eye problems, deafness, copper toxicosis, and Legg-Perthe’s disease.Registries: AKC, UKC, CKC

Occupation: Vermin hunter,
companion

Size: 10 to 11 in tall; 15 to
20 lbs
Longevity: 13 to 15 years

Exercise: Moderate

Training: Moderate

Grooming: Difficult