It was on the Isle of Skye that the Scots divided their dog breeds into two categories: Skye terriers and Dandie Dinmont terriers. The latter category was declared a completely separate breed of dog and the West Highland White Terrier was found to belong to the Skyes.

A West Highland White Terrier is commonly called a ‘Westie’ in Scotland and the following are the facts of this breed of dog that has won the hearts of many who have owned them:

The ‘Westie’ belongs to a species of dog called ‘terriers’. They like to live indoors or in a fenced yard. The Westie has a coat of hair that grows up to 2 inches and has a very rough or coarse texture. They also have a very thick and hairy undercoat that is usually white in color.

The Westie grows to about a foot tall and weighs roughly 13 to 22 pounds.

In regards to your temperament,

– bark and dig up mud
– they are not very obedient like other terriers (they seem to have a mind of their own)
– Companionship is important to the Westie

Proper training and handling will make the Westie

– friendly with friends and strangers
– understand and treat children correctly
– chase cats but never hurt them
– become a very smart and good watchdog
– become lively

People who breed the Westie should be aware of health concerns:

– Westies are prone to serious skin problems.
– A common problem known as ‘Perthe’s disease’ related to the hip
– Diseases of the jaw
– Lion jaw syndrome known as ‘cranio-mandibular osteopathy’
– A common disorder of the kneecap.
– Common liver diseases
– sudden deafness
– Heart disease

Caring for and exercising a Westie:

– Regularly brush loose bristles with a stiff brush.
– Do not bathe the Westie frequently. Once a month it will be fine.
– Remove the Westie’s fur once a year and trim quarterly.
– Keep hair trimmed over eyes at all times.
– Frequent walks will keep the Westie more agile and healthy.

History of the Westie:

The Westie was bred as early as 1600 on the Isle of Skye and belongs to a group of canines known as ‘Terrier’. The white-haired corded-haired type of terriers were chosen to breed and produce a variety of terriers known as the Poltalloch terriers. Since adolescence it has not been possible to look back for the famous Westie, which has had such proud owners as King James I of England in 1620.

Westies were initially known as White Scottish Terriers and were renamed West Highland White Terriers in 1904. The American Kenner Club also ruled in 1904 that the other Skyes terrier breeds can be included in their club if the terrier had the Westie lineage. Yet even without any formal recognition, the Westie had already carved a hole in the hearts and minds of real and ordinary people alike.