The West Highland White Terrier

Thunderbird Westies

The West Highland White Terrier originated at Poltalloch, Scotland. They come from the same stock that the Scotties, Cairns, and Dandie Dinmonts came from. Cairn Terriers had litters that often included Cairns, Scotties, and Westies. The white puppies were considered unsuited to the vermin-catching work that the heather-colored Cairns performed. Breeders felt that the white dogs would stand out in the scrubby landscape, then the foxes, badgers, and other vermin would be able to see the dogs and the vermin would escape. The Malcolms of Poltalloch disagreed. They preferred the little white dogs, and the family continued to breed them for many generations. They provided the ancestors for many of today's Westies.

In the beginning they were known as the Roseneath Terrier. The name Roseneath was taken from the Duke of Argyll's place in Dumbartonshire, Scotland.

The first show held for the breed was at Crufts in London in 1907. They were first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1908. Their name was change to the West Highland White Terrier in 1909.

They are large dogs crammed into a small body. They are sporty, good hunters, possess great speed and have high intelligence. As pets, they are very loving and loyal.

Males should be 11 inches tall, females 10 inches. Their coat should be only white, and be a double coat. The outer coat is straight hard hair which is about 2 inches long. They require professional grooming every 8 weeks.

Health concerns include Patellar luxation, legg-calve perthes disease, copper toxicosis, epilepsy, allergies and other skin conditions.

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