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WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Grooming / Training / Additional Information
Breed Description
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| Breed Registries: |
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees. |
| Origin: |
Great Britain |
| Height: |
Males — 11 inches (28 cm); Females are about one inch less |
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The West Highland White Terrier was given his official name and breed status by the Kennel Club (England) in 1907. The short-legged Terriers from Scotland include the Scottish Terrier, Skye Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Dandie Dinmont, and the West Highland White Terrier. There is no doubt that they all descended from the same roots. Originally their coat colours ranged from black to red to cream or white. Legend has it that the West Highland White Terrier was developed by Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm who had kept a pack of light coloured working terriers for hunting. However, when one of his reddish dogs was mistakenly shot for a fox, Malcolm decided on the spot to breed only white dogs that could easily be identified in the field.
Westies are very people-oriented and, although independent, they do need human companionship and attention. They are very intelligent, have tremendous stamina, are agile and quick in movement. They do well in obedience, agility, tracking, earthdog tests, flyball, as well as therapy work. Although Westies will alert you to a stranger approaching, they have a very friendly nature so are not normally considered good guardians.
The Westie's white coat is straight and hard and about 2 inches long with shorter hair on the neck and shoulders.
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Health Issues:
If you are considering the adoption of a West Highland White Terrier puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards
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Grooming Information:
The West Highland White Terrier should be brushed weekly in order to help remove dead hairs and trimmed every six to eight weeks. During seasonal shedding of the undercoat (twice yearly), brushing should be done thoroughly on a daily basis.
- Grooming your Westie — From the WHWTC
- Grooming — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
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Training Resources:
The West Highland White Terrier is a very intelligent breed who is also strong-willed. Training is not difficult but must be consistent and done using positive training methods.
- Training — For information on training your West Highland White Terrier, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
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