West Highland White TerrierCharacteristics, history, training and care

Wikipedia says the modern breed is credited to Edward Malcolm, 16th Laird of Poltalloch. The story goes that one of his reddish terriers was mistaken for a fox and shot, so Malcolm decided to breed white terriers, known as “Poltalloch Terriers”. The Westie is a cousin of the Cairn Terrier.

Malcolm did not wish to be known as the creator of the breed. The name “West Highland White Terrier” first appeared in 1908, in L.C.R. Cameron's book “Otters and Otter Hunting”, and the first breed club was founded in 1904. The AKC says the Westie has been charming owners for more than 300 years.

How the breed developed

• Before 1904 – Malcolm of Poltalloch breeds white terriers.
• 1904 – The first breed club is founded.
• 1908 – The name West Highland White Terrier appears.
• 29 October 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as strongly built, with a deep chest, a level back and a powerful rump on muscular legs. The AKC says it stands 25–28 cm, with dark, piercing eyes, a compact body and a “carrot-shaped” tail that wags happily. Wikipedia says it has longer legs than other Scottish terriers.

General appearance

The coat is double: a harsh topcoat about 5 cm long, without curls, and a short, soft, close undercoat, like a fur. The head is thickly covered with hair, which gives it its round look.

The colour is white; no other colour or combination is accepted.

The standard describes it as active, game, hardy, alert, cheerful, self-confident but friendly. The AKC says that, like all terriers, it was bred to work alone, and its independence can make training a challenge, but as it is very intelligent it responds to patient, consistent, upbeat and interesting lessons.

The AKC says it will naturally chase anything that moves, so it should be kept on a lead or in a fenced area. Wikipedia says it is sociable and can be good with children, but rarely tolerates rough handling.

Tips for effective training

• Keep lessons upbeat. That is what the AKC recommends.
• Be patient. It is independent.
• Keep it on a lead. It chases anything that moves.
• Teach children to be gentle. It does not tolerate rough handling.

The AKC says it loves to romp and play and enjoys a good walk. With its intelligence, energy and attitude, it excels at obedience, rally and agility.

Tips for a balanced life

• It can also live in an apartment.
• Check the skin often.
• Keep it on a lead.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says regular grooming is a must. Hand-stripping (plucking out the dead hairs) is the traditional method and is required for shows; many owners of pet dogs have the coat clipped. Most turn to a professional groomer.

Common health problems

The AKC says the Westie is generally healthy, and responsible breeders screen for heart disease and luxating patella. Wikipedia adds skin problems. Things to watch for:

Other care

• Check the skin often.
• Brush its teeth often.
• Go for yearly check-ups.

The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age, and attention to its weight.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Treats count towards the daily portion.
• Split the food into two meals a day.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• White so as not to be shot. Malcolm wanted white terriers after an accident.
• A cousin of the Cairn. Wikipedia says they are cousins.
• A carrot-shaped tail. That is how the AKC describes it.
• “Westie jaw”. A jaw disease named after the breed.
• A name from 1908. It appeared in a book about otter hunting.

Is it good with children?

Yes; the AKC gives it the top score, but it does not tolerate rough handling.

Does it bark a lot?

Yes; the AKC gives it 5 out of 5 for barking.

What colour is it?

Only white.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 13–15 years.