West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier — the Westie — is a small, hardy Scottish earthdog with a bright white double coat and a bold, confident manner.

History

It comes from the Highland terrier stock of western Scotland, bred to hunt rats, foxes and other vermin to ground; the white coat was reportedly favoured so the dog could be told apart from its quarry in the field. It shares roots with the Cairn and Scottish terriers.

Temperament

The breed is known for being confident, lively and friendly, a terrier through and through — spirited, self-assured and quick to dig or chase. It is affectionate with its people while keeping an independent streak.

Care and training

It needs moderate exercise and mental engagement, and the harsh white coat needs regular grooming, with hand-stripping to keep its texture. Consistent, reward-based training works best with a wilful little dog.

Health

Known tendencies include atopic skin disease, a jawbone condition seen in young dogs, patellar luxation and a lung condition of older Westies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.