West Highland White Terrier

Size: Small
Other Names: Westie (or Westy), Poltalloch Terrier, Roseneath Terrier, White Roseneath Terrier
Country of Origin: Scotland
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Terrier
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Terriers
United Kennel Club (UKC): Terrier
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Terriers
The Kennel Club (KC): Terrier
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Terrier
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Terrier

Height:

Male: 9-11 inches

Weight:

Male: 15-21 pounds; Female: 13-16 pounds

Color(s):

White

Coat:

Soft, dense undercoat; rough outer coat, about 2 inches long

Description:

The West Highland White Terrier, known for his distinctive white coat, is descended from white Cairn Terriers and white Scottish Terriers.  Up until the 1850s, white offspring from other terriers, such as the Bedlington Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier were occasionally introduced to the bloodline for desired characteristics.  It may have taken as long as a hundred years of selective breeding to produce all the desired qualities.  The Westy has a sturdy frame, and was bred for hunting.  His white coat made him highly visible when hunting on the Scottish moors and easily distinguished him from the game (prey).  His prey is a usually small animal such as rabbits, squirrels and mice, but he was also used to hunt foxes and badgers.  Young females are known as the keenest hunters.  The West Highland White Terrier can be seen on packaging and advertisements for Black & White, a brand of Scotch whisky, and on the packaging of Cesar brand dog food.

Temperament:

The West Highland White Terrier is alert, happy, courageous, and self-reliant, while remaining friendly.

Training:

A firm and consistent approach is best, as the West Highland White Terrier can be stubborn and difficult to train.

Care & Grooming:

The West Highland White Terrier’s coat requires regular grooming.  Frequent brushings are needed to keep his coat clean and oils evenly distributed throughout the coat.  Washing with a detergent-free, baby-oriented, or another soft skin shampoo will help keep a Westie's skin hydrated.  However, Westies are prone to allergies and dry skin issues, and bathing too frequently may aggravate these problems.  Washing once a month or on a longer interval will generally not cause issues.  Weekly washing of the inside of his ears with cotton balls will prevent oil and wax build-up and ear infections.  Like most other dogs, Westies generally require 13 hours of sleep out of every 24, and will usually conform to the sleep patterns of their human companions, and take several naps during the day as well, to accrue their needed sleep.

Shedding:

Low; the harsh white coat sheds less when it is stripped.

Health:

West Highland White Terriers may develop skin allergies, a condition called hyperplastic bronchitis, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.  Skin care and a lean body weight help many Westies.

Lifespan:

12–16 years

Litter Size:

3–5 puppies