West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the Westie, is a plucky and distinctive breed hailing from the rugged highlands of Scotland. Developed in the mid-19th century, they share ancestry with other Scottish terriers like the Cairn, Skye, and Dandie Dinmont Terrier. These terriers were bred by lairds and farmers to be tenacious hunters of vermin such as foxes, badgers, otters, and rats that threatened game and crops.

The Westie’s signature white coat is said to have become favored after an unfortunate hunting accident involving Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch, Argyllshire. Legend has it that he accidentally shot one of his reddish-brown terriers, mistaking it for a fox. Devastated, he resolved to breed only white terriers thereafter to prevent such a tragedy from recurring. These white terriers were hardy, courageous, and agile enough to navigate rocky dens and burrows. First shown as “Poltalloch Terriers,” they were officially recognized as West Highland White Terriers by The Kennel Club (UK) in 1907 and by the American Kennel Club in 1908.

Westies embody the quintessential terrier spirit: they are confident, curious, courageous, and always ready for adventure. They possess a happy and playful disposition, often entertaining their families with their amusing antics. Despite their small size, they are sturdy and self-assured, rarely backing down from a challenge. They are intelligent dogs but also have a strong independent streak, which can sometimes translate to stubbornness during training.

Westies are generally friendly and outgoing but can be initially reserved with strangers, true to their watchdog nature. They are typically loyal and affectionate with their families. Early and consistent socialization is important to ensure they are well-mannered around other dogs, as terriers can sometimes be feisty. They retain a strong prey drive and a love for digging, so a secure yard is a must. They are active indoors and enjoy being part of all family activities.

The West Highland White Terrier has a distinctive harsh, wiry double coat – a hard, straight outer coat (about two inches long) and a soft, dense undercoat. This coat helped protect them from harsh weather and bites from quarry. While they are considered low-shedders, their coat requires specific grooming to maintain its texture and appearance.

Regular brushing, several times a week with a pin brush or slicker brush, is needed to prevent matting and remove loose hair. For pet Westies, many owners opt for professional grooming and clipping every 4-6 weeks to keep the coat tidy and manageable. Show Westies, however, are typically hand-stripped (a process of plucking dead outer hairs) to maintain the correct harsh texture; clipping makes the coat softer. Their white coat can get dirty, so occasional baths are necessary. It’s important to keep the hair around their eyes and ears trimmed and clean to prevent irritation and infections. Regular nail trims and dental care are also essential.

Westies are active and energetic little dogs that require regular daily exercise to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. They are not couch potatoes and thrive on having things to do. Aim for at least two moderate walks per day, along with opportunities for vigorous playtime.

They enjoy exploring and will appreciate varied walking routes. Playtime in a securely fenced yard is ideal, as their strong prey drive and love for digging mean they should not be trusted off-leash in unsecured areas. Interactive games like fetch (with a small ball or toy), puzzle toys, and learning new tricks can provide excellent mental stimulation. Due to their terrier nature, they might also enjoy activities like Earthdog trials or barn hunt if available.

West Highland White Terriers are generally a hardy breed, but like all purebreds, they can be prone to certain genetic health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for these issues. Some conditions to be aware of in Westies include:

• Skin Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis): Westies are particularly prone to skin allergies, which can cause intense itching, redness, and secondary infections. Managing allergies often requires dietary changes, medication, and specialized shampoos.
• Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO) or “Westie Jaw”: A painful condition affecting the jaw bones of growing puppies, usually appearing between 3-8 months of age. It typically resolves as the dog matures but can cause significant discomfort.
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A condition affecting the hip joint, leading to degeneration of the head of the femur bone.
• Patellar Luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap.
• Pulmonary Fibrosis (“Westie Lung Disease”): A serious and progressive lung disease.
• Eye Conditions: Such as cataracts and dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca).
• White Shaker Dog Syndrome: A condition causing generalized body tremors, more common in small white dog breeds.

Choosing a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs and providing regular veterinary care are crucial for a Westie’s long-term health. Early detection of skin issues is particularly important.

Training a West Highland White Terrier requires understanding their intelligent but often independent and stubborn terrier nature. They are smart and learn quickly, but they need to be motivated and see a reason for complying. Positive reinforcement techniques, using treats, praise, and play, are most effective. Harsh methods will likely be met with resistance.

Key aspects of training a Westie include:

• Early Socialization: Crucial for developing a well-rounded and confident dog. Expose them to various people, dogs, sights, and sounds from a young age.
• Positive Reinforcement: Keep training sessions fun, short, and rewarding to maintain their interest.
• Consistency and Firmness (but kind): They need clear boundaries and consistent rules from all family members.
• Channeling Instincts: Provide outlets for their energy and prey drive, such as puzzle toys, scent games, or supervised digging in a designated spot.
• Recall (“Come” command): Very important due to their potential to chase small animals. Practice in a safe, enclosed area.
• Managing Barking: Terriers can be vocal; train a “quiet” command.

Puppy classes and ongoing obedience training can be very beneficial. Their intelligence and agility make them suitable for dog sports like agility, Earthdog, and barn hunt.