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The West Highland White Terrier is a game, hardy little dog that originated in Argyle, Scotland. In recent years it has gained tremendous popularity because of its attractive appearance, sporting instincts and handy size. It gets on well with children and other dogs and makes the ideal family dog.

The West Highland White Terrier's coat is one of the breed's most striking features. It consists of a hard outer coat and soft under coat.

Size
Height: 11 inches (28.5 cm) at the withers

Coat and Colour
Coat, very important, and seldom seen to perfection, must be double-coated. The outer coat consists of straight, hard hair, at least 2 inches (5 cm) long on the body of mature dogs, with proper blending of the shorter coat on neck and shoulders. Faults: Any silkiness or tendency to curl is a serious fault, as in an open or single coat. Colour and Pigmentation: Coat must be white, as defined by the breed's name. Nose must be black. Black pigmentation is most desirable on lips, eye rims, pads of feet, nails and skin.. Faults: Any coat colour other than white, and nose colour other than black are serious faults.

Exercise
The Westie will adapt to town or country, and will live either indoors or in a kennel. However, it will be happiest as a family pet allowed to share the comfort of the fireside, but given free runs in the countryside. Remember that it was originally used as a working terrier, and its job was to hunt fox and badger. It is also, of course, a good ratter. This breed will enjoy an energetic game of fetch with a ball.

Grooming
Although the Westie may be the ideal choice for someone who wants a healthy and active dog, it is perhaps not so ideal for the show aspirant who does not want to spend much time on grooming. The Westie's coat must be brushed and combed every day, and have surplus hair stripped twice a year, The neckline is particularly important, and staggly hairs should be removed from ears and tail. If you feel you cannot handle the stripping task yourself, then take your Westie to a professional dog groomer.

Feeding
Recommended would be 1 1/2 cans (13.3 oz 376 g size) name-brand dog food, with a biscuit, or 3 cups dry dog food. Always provide an ample supply of fresh water for your Westie.

Origin and History
The first West Highland White Terrier clubs were formed in 1905, when breeds such as the Cairn Terrier and Sky Terrier, which in the past had all been classified as Small Highland Working Terriers, attained individual status.

It does appear that in the late 1800's there existed a white Scottish Terrier, or Scottie, a strain of which was bred by Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch, from which the name Poltalloch Terrier was derived; they were also known as Roseneath Terriers.

The little, white terrier, 'Wee Jock' featured on the Hamish MacBeth television series was a West Highland White Terrier.

Read more about the West Highland White Terrier.