West Highland White Terrier (Westie)

Breed: West Highland White Terrier I Size: Small I Average lifespan: 12+ years I Temperament: Alert, friendly, and independent I Coat: Short to medium-long I Origin: Scotland.

The tiny but fearless West Highland White Terrier, often affectionately called the “Westie,” has so much charm. This breed has a beautiful white coat with a muscular and compact build. In addition, their observant gaze gives them an endearing yet determined character. However, behind this adorable appearance lies a Terrier with a strong temperament, stemming from their past as vermin hunters in the moors of Scotland. This article explores the origins, physical characteristics, daily care, and main health issues of the Westie.

The origins of the West Highland White Terrier

The Westie has its roots in Scottish Terriers. Edward Donald Malcolm, 16th laird of Poltalloch in Argyll, is often credited as the founding father of the breed. After a tragic accident during a hunt (his red Terrier was mistaken for a fox and shot), he chose to breed only white Terriers so that they could be more easily distinguished from their prey.

This selection gave rise to the “Poltalloch Terrier,” then the “Roseneath Terrier,” before the breed was officially called “West Highland White Terrier” in the early 20th century.

These dogs used their strong bone structure, short legs, and tough coats to take on foxes, badgers, rabbits, and other rodents in the challenging terrain of the Highlands.

Recognized by several kennel clubs in the early 20th century, such as The West Highland White Terrier Club of England and the United Kennel Club since 1919, this breed gradually established itself as a companion dog after years of hunting.

The physical characteristics of the Westie

When it comes to their body morphology, the Westie is small, compact, and well-proportioned. According to the British standard, these dogs must be “strongly built” and have a “broad chest, straight back, muscular limbs.”

The size of a Westie is generally 26 to 28 cm at the withers, and the average weight is around 7 to 10 kg for an adult (≈ 15.4 to 22 lb).

The coat is made up of a hard, straight outer coat that is approximately 5 cm long, without curls, combined with a short, dense undercoat that provides good protection against weather conditions. The coat is only white, with no markings of other colors.

When it comes to their temperament, the standard states that this dog is observant, vigilant, friendly, and independent.

Lastly, on the subject of their use, this breed still kept its strong Terrier instinct: curious, lively, sometimes a hunter at heart, which translates into its modern behaviors (running away, chasing, searching) if these are not properly channeled.

Caring for a Westie

Caring for a Westie requires a bit of effort, mostly because of its white coat and active nature. Brush them regularly to remove dead hair and prevent tangles, especially under the belly, between the paws, and the fringes.

Regarding grooming, the traditional method is hand stripping for show dogs. However, for many families, a half-groom or a trim every 3-4 months is sufficient. It is often discouraged to shave the Westie’s wiry coat, as it alters the texture and can weaken the coat.

The whiteness of the coat also requires specific care. For example, washing with a suitable shampoo and possibly treatments or powders to maintain the whiteness. However, due to the coarse texture of the fur, their coat should not be washed too frequently. Cleaning the ears and eyes, checking the nails, and maintaining good oral hygiene are also necessary.

When it comes to exercise, despite their small size, the Westie should not be underestimated. These dogs need daily walks, playtime, and a well-secured backyard if possible. This is because their searching and hunting instincts can lead them to dig or try to get away.

In summary, grooming is moderate to intensive depending on the desired coat finish, but much less intense than for some breeds with very complex long coats.

Health

Overall, the Westie is a robust breed for its size, but like any well-defined breed, it has a few predispositions that are worth knowing about. The average life expectancy is around 13 to 15 years.

Among the main conditions observed:

• Skin disorders: contact or food allergies, seborrhea, ear or skin infections are relatively common. This is due to the white color of the coat and the density of the hair.
• Pulmonary fibrosis in Westies is a condition associated with the breed (lung tissue replacing the flexible alveoli with fibrous tissue); it is best to be alert to signs of coughing, shortness of breath, etc.
• A genetic form of craniomandibular osteopathy (“Westie jaw”) can occur in some puppies, causing bone hypertrophy of the jaw and difficulty chewing.
• Other disorders related to small stature: patellar luxation, dental problems (tartar), urinary stones, etc. require regular check-ups.

Prevention involves feeding your dog an appropriate diet for its size (avoiding excess weight), rigorous skin care (brushing, grooming, cleaning ears), regular physical activity, and routine veterinary visits. A reputable breeder will ensure that health tests are carried out before breeding.

In conclusion, the West Highland White Terrier combines charm, character, and liveliness. The breed is suitable for families who love the breed’s playful spirit and are willing to care for it properly. They also need to be able to provide it with the activity and mental stimulation it deserves. If you are thinking about welcoming a Westie into your home, keep in mind that these dogs require serious commitment to training, health, and care.