Information on the West Highland White Terrier (Westie) Dog Breed

The West Highland White Terrier dog breed is a Scottish breed. In fact, it was once grouped together with other Scottish terrier dog breeds like the Scottish Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. But over the years, the traits of these dog breeds have been selectively bred to distinguish them as separate dog breeds.

What especially makes the West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, dog breed distinctive from its cousins is the white color. There are other characteristics, of course. The Scottish Terrier dog breed is black, wheaten, or brindle and has a longer skull. The Cairn Terrier dog breed is any color but white and is generally a little smaller in build. And the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is pepper or mustard, has a longer body, long ears hanging low, and a little bit longer tail which is curved rather than carried straight.

The West Highland White Terrier dog breed has a compact body shape. He stands about 10 to 11 inches tall and can weigh 15 to 21 pounds. He has small pointed ears which stand erect and a short carrot-shaped tail which is carried upwards. The Westie has a round head and almond-shaped eyes set wide. His outer-coat is hard and straight and almost wiry while his undercoat is short, soft, and dense. The outer-coat is medium in length and requires brushing 2 to 3 times per week and shaping every three months.

The West Highland White Terrier dog breed generally has a happy and very affectionate temperament. He has a confident and carefree attitude which makes him relatively easy to train. But that carefree attitude can also be stubborn and strong-willed. He can be determined when he wants something whether it is extra attention or a gopher which has disappeared down a hole. This determined trait can lead to excessive barking or digging.

Like many other terrier breeds, the West Highland White Terrier dog breed was bred to be a tenacious hunter of small vermin. The Westie was originally used to hunt fox, badger, and other small animals. The West Highland White Terrier dog breed was said to have been developed in Poltalloch, Scotland. In fact, he was once called the Poltalloch Terrier. He has also been called the Roseneath Terrier. Roseneath is the name of the Duke of Argyll's estate in Dumbartonshire, Scotland. When the Westie was originally accepted into the American Kennel Club, he was called the Roseneath Terrier. But in 1909 the AKC changed his name to the West Highland White Terrier.

The West Highland White Terrier dog breed can make a great family pet. He is generally good with every member of the family, including children. He tends to get along well with other pets, and he is good with strangers. But like many pure bred dog breeds, the Westie is genetically inclined to acquire a number of health issues. The most common health issues include skeletal issues like patellar luxation and Legg-Perthes disease, nueral issues like globoid cell leukodystrophy, liver problems like copper toxicosis, and other issues like jaw problems and cataracts.

These health issues could be more apparent in dogs bred in puppy mills and by irresponsible dog breeders. If you are considering purchasing a West Highland White Terrier dog breed, be sure to research your breeders thoroughly so that you can reduce your chances of getting a dog with serious health problems.

While the West Highland White Terrier dog breed requires more grooming than some other dog breeds, his coat will not trigger allergic reactions. He is a great dog for any family, including family members with pet allergies. And while he is an energetic dog, his exercise requirements are average. Take him for a short walk every day or take some time to give him a lively play session and he will be a happy companion.