Filled with spunk and a mighty determination- this is what the tiny West Highland White terrier is popularly known for and more. With a compact little body and a magnificently bright white fur, this dog is an undeniable charmer and a surprisingly energetic and agile little gamer. Also widely known as “Westie”, this little hairy creature has a wide following and is still counting.

A lot of breeders favor the West Highland White terrier today but going back in time, it is but a pity and a shock to know that they weren’t so favored as they are today. In Scotland, where this breed first appeared, they were merely treated as worthless, least productive and scruffy dogs of peasant and poor workers. These ruthless and unjust assessments then widely prompted the people of that time to abandon, allow perishing, and ultimately killing these poor terriers.

Thanks to the influence of a soft- hearted man of rank, however, that this creature was saved from cruelty and was started to be recognized as one having unique abilities and useful strengths as a watchdog and vermin hunter. Col. Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch, Scotland was the first man to give importance to this breed and so it was called the Poltalloch terrier then. Col. Malcolm developed several colored terriers but it is the white colored one that gained the most concentration for this typical color is the most useful in bushes and woods setting.

It is believed that the Westie of today descended from other Scottish terriers such as the Skye, Cairn, and Dandie Dinmont. And with the efforts of Col. Malcolm, this breed came to be and a club was organized in 1905, Col. Malcolm being its first chairman. In 1906, the club gained recognition from The Kennel Club and was given the name The West Highland White Terrier club; by 1908, the breed was recognized as a part of the American Kennel Club in the US.

Being a typical terrier, the Westie is fearlessly game, hardy, fairly amiable to new people, playful to children; energetic, self-assured, and feigns companionship. It’s common for this breed as well to be inclined in running, playing, and chasingaround small animals such as cats; it is never to hurt other animals but that this terrier loves chasing them around but merely as a form of entertainment. If surrounded by other dogs, this breed will interact just fine for it is never touchy and antagonistic, but rather affable and possesses a high self-esteem.

Outwardly, this dog is covered with 2 inches length of hair that’s thick, soft, and pearly white in brilliance. It solidly and robustly boasts its 10-12 inches of height and its hair that has a softer and thicker undercoat and courser and tougher overcoat. Maintenance for the hair minimally requires daily brushing and regular trimmings and clippings.

In addition to its already beautiful appearance, this dog is quite the showman, too, for it is docile in training and obedience which makes him a winner at every dog show competition. In terms of health, this dog requires an amount of regular walks so as to avoid the development of problem behaviors. Aside from that, this dog also needs a regular chance at playing, running around, and frolicking in order to keep his physical and mental health in check.

The Westie of today and the Westie of yesterday is by far distance apart in terms of social acceptance and treatment. As a proof, West Highland White Terrier clubs are founded and are being founded still all over the world in honor of this excellent and charming little dog. If it wasn’t for the conviction of one person then, who knows but this breed would’ve stopped existing long ago and for that we must be thankful for we have the brilliant little Westie to be enjoyed today.

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