West Highland White Terrier
Appearance and Characteristics
– Westies have dense, thick undercoat and a smooth outer coat
– Bright, deep-set, almond-shaped eyes that are dark in colour
– Pointed and erect ears
– Average weight is between 15 and 20 pounds (6.8 and 9.1kg)
– Average height is between 10–11 inches (25–28cm) at the withers
– West Highland White Terriers develop a condition called achshund, which results in tremors, ataxia, and hypermetria.
– Hydroxyglutaric aciduria, a less common condition, can cause seizures, muscle stiffness, and ataxia.
– Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome, a degeneration of the hip joint, also occurs in the breed.
– Westies are less likely to be affected by a luxating patella compared to other breeds.
– Males and females can be affected by these conditions for different lengths of time.
Temperament and Health
– Temperament can vary greatly, with some being friendly towards children
– Does not tolerate rough handling
– Independent, assured, and self-confident
– Loyal breed that bonds with its owner
– Requires daily exercise of at least one hour
– Lifespan ranges from 10.5 to 16 years
– Typical litter size is between three and five puppies
– Prone to abdominal hernias
– Can be affected by craniomandibular osteopathy (lion jaw)
– Prone to skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis and hyperplastic dermatosis
Breed History and Origin
– Descended from breeding programs of white terriers in Scotland
– Bred to hunt small rodents
– Edward Donald Malcolm credited with creating the modern breed
– Related breeds include Roseneath Terrier and Pittenweem Terriers
– Named West Highland White Terrier in 1908
– Scottish white terriers were recorded as early as the reign of James VI of Scotland.
– Shipwrecked Spanish Armada dogs contributed to the breed’s development on the island of Skye.
– George Campbell bred white Scottish terriers known as the Roseneath Terrier.
– Dr. Americ Edwin Flaxman developed the Pittenweem Terriers, aiming to restore the ancient white trait.
– Edward Donald Malcolm, 16th Laird of Poltalloch, played a significant role in developing the breed.
Popularity and Recognition
– Popular breed in the UK and US
– Multiple wins at Crufts
– Recognized by major kennel clubs
– Has been in the top third of all breeds in the US since the 1960s
– Kennel club standards set by The Kennel Club and Fédération Cynologique Internationale
– As of 2010, the Westie is the third-most popular breed of terrier in the UK.
– The breed’s popularity in the UK has decreased since 2001 when it was the most popular terrier breed.
– In the United States, the Westie has remained in the top third of all breeds since around 1960.
– It was ranked 30th-most popular in the US in 2001 and 34th in 2010.
– As of 2020, the Westie was the 44th-most popular breed according to the American Kennel Club.
Show Success and Recognition
– Ch. Morvan, registered as a Scottish Terrier, won the title at the Scottish Kennel Club show in 1905.
– Ch. Wolvey Pattern of Edgerstoune won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1942.
– Ch. Elfinbrook Simon also won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1962.
– Ch. Dianthus Buttons won Best in Show for the breed at Crufts in 1976.
– Ch. Olac Moon Pilot won Best in Show at Crufts in 1990, and Burneze Geordie Girl won in 2016.
– The breed was initially known as the Roseneath Terrier but was renamed West Highland White Terrier in 1908.
– The first breed club was established in 1904, and Kennel Club recognition followed in 1907.
– The Westie was imported into the United States in 1907–1908.
– The breed gained recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1908 and was renamed the West Highland White Terrier Club of America.
– The Westie became popular almost immediately upon its arrival in the US and Canada.