Origin and History

The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the Westie, originated in Scotland and has a history that dates back to the reign of James VI of Scotland. In 1567, the king ordered a dozen white terriers from Argyll to be gifted to the Kingdom of France. The breed's development was influenced by several pre-20th century breeding programs of white terriers in Scotland, including the now-extinct Dumbarton Terrier and the now-extinct Scottish White Terrier.

Edward Donald Malcolm, the 16th Laird of Poltalloch, is credited with creating the modern breed from his Poltalloch Terrier. He was the one who decided to develop a white terrier breed after a reddish-brown terrier was mistakenly shot. Malcolm did not want to be known as the creator of the breed and insisted that his breed of white terriers be renamed the "Poltalloch Terrier. " However, the name was later changed to "West Highland White Terrier" in 1908.

The term "West Highland White Terrier" first appeared in 1908, and the breed gained recognition by major kennel clubs around the same time. The Westie has been very popular in the United Kingdom, with multiple wins at Crufts, and has been in the top third of all breeds in the United States since the 1960s. The breed's popularity has also spread to other countries, including Canada, where it is recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club.

Appearance

The West Highland White Terrier is a medium-sized terrier with a distinctive white harsh coat and a somewhat soft white undercoat. The breed has longer legs than other Scottish terriers, giving it a more agile appearance. Their bright, deep-set, almond-shaped eyes are dark in color, and their ears are pointed and erect, often described as "V-shaped. "

Westies typically weigh between 15 and 20 pounds (6.8 and 9.1 kg) and have an average height between 10–11 inches (25–28 cm) at the withers. Their bodies are shorter than their height at the shoulder, and they have a black nose, deep chest, muscular limbs, and a short closely-fitted jaw with a "scissors" bite, which is a dental alignment where the upper and lower teeth meet in a scissor-like action.

Westies have a rough outer coat that can grow to about 2 inches (5.1 cm) long and a soft, thick undercoat. The fur fills out the face, giving it a rounded appearance. Most Westies are pure white, although there are some light wheat color variations.

Temperament

The West Highland White Terrier is an intelligent and quick learner. They are social and can be good with children, but they rarely tolerate rough handling and sometimes prefer solitude. This temperament makes them ideal for families looking for a companion that is both playful and protective.

Westies are highly social and are the most friendly of all the Scottish terriers. They are loyal and bond well with their owners but require a minimum of one hour of daily exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Their high prey drive makes them interested in toys, especially chasing balls, and they can be quite playful and energetic.

Westies can be stubborn and may require their training to be refreshed occasionally throughout their lifetime. They are tied for 47th place with the Scottish Deerhound in Stanley Coren's 1994 book "The Intelligence of Dogs," which designates them as having "average working/obedience intelligence. " This means they can be trained to perform a variety of tasks but may require consistent and patient training.

Health and Genetics

Several breed-specific and non-specific health problems appear in Westies. Craniomandibular osteopathy, also known as "Westie jaw," is a condition that causes an overgrowth of the bone in the jaw, typically affecting young dogs under one year old. This condition can lead to pain and difficulty eating.

Westies are prone to skin disorders, including atopic dermatitis, a heritable chronic allergic skin condition that can cause itching, redness, and hair loss, and hyperplastic dermatosis, a severe chronic hyperplastic dermatological disease that can lead to thickened skin and hair loss. Another genetic condition that affects the breed is globoid cell leukodystrophy, a neurological disease where the dog lacks the enzyme galactosylceramidase, which can lead to progressive neurological symptoms.

A 2021 British study found predispositions to chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular death in Westies, with the breed being 3.23 times more likely to contract chronic hepatitis and 3.87 times more likely to contract hepatocellular death compared to other dogs.

Life Span and Litter Size

A 2015 French study found a life expectancy of 12.93 years for Westies, while a 2024 British study found a life expectancy of 13.4 years. This is relatively short for a dog of their size, and owners should be prepared for the possibility of health issues as their pet ages.

The typical litter size is between three and five puppies. However, some litters can be larger or smaller. Westies are predisposed to conditions such as abdominal hernias and Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome, a degeneration of the hip joint that can lead to lameness and pain. Westies are also one of the least likely breeds to be affected by luxating patella, where the knee cap slips out of place, which is a relief for many owners.

Breed Standard and Recognition

The West Highland White Terrier is recognized by major kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). The breed's standard includes traits such as a white coat, a short back, prick ears, and a short closely-fitted jaw with a "scissors" bite. These standards are used to judge the breed in conformation shows and ensure that the breed remains true to its original characteristics.

The first breed club for the West Highland White Terrier was set up in 1904, with the first Crufts appearance in 1907. The breed has been equally successful in major conformation shows on both sides of the Atlantic, with the first member of the breed to win a show championship being Ch. Morvan in 1905. This early success helped to establish the breed's reputation and popularity.

Practical Considerations for Potential Owners

When considering a West Highland White Terrier, potential owners should be prepared for a high-energy, independent, and playful companion.

Westies are not typically hypoallergenic, so individuals with allergies should consider this carefully. Potential owners should also be prepared for the commitment of providing one hour of daily exercise and consistent training to ensure a well-rounded and happy dog. This includes socialization, obedience training, and grooming to maintain their distinctive coat.