About West Highland White Terriers
HeatherBee Kennels is proud to announce that West Highland White Terriers – also known as ‘Westies’ – have been added to our family. Westies are another breed originating in Scotland (alongside the Scottish Terriers and Golden Retrievers we have the pleasure of sharing life with). Thanks in large part to the generosity of Dolores Richardson and Dolden Westies, my dream to add this wonderful breed comes true as I introduce Lilly, Finnley and little baby Pearl. The Westies are from European, Canadian and American Champion blood lines!
Lilly’s next litter is planned for this Fall.
Origins of the West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the Westie,is a Scottish heritage that originated hundreds of years ago in the rugged Scottish Highlands of Argyllshire. Westies, like other Terriers, were bred to go underground to control populations of rats, foxes, and other vermin. The are considered ‘earth dogs’ and the word ‘terrier’ originates from the latin word terra meaning earth. These small but tanacious terriers, are known for their courage and intelligence. The Westi Highland White’s ancestors likely included the Cairn Terrier and the Scottish Terrier, among others within the terrier group.
The Westie has a distinctive brilliant white harsh outer coat with a soft downy undercoat for warmth. The distinct white colour of their coat is the result of selective breeding in Scotland in the 19th Century, largely credited to Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm, 16th Laird of Poltalloch for breeding a White Poltalloch Terrier. It is claimed that after an unfortunate hunting accident resulted in Colonel Malcolm mistakenly shot one of his favourite dogs after believing it was a fox, he was determined this would never happen again. Moving forward he kept only white and cream terriers who would be highly visible in the rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands. Initially these dogs were known as the Poltallach Terrier. Today, the modern Westie is a direct descendant of Malcolm’s determined breeding program. In 1906, the breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club of England as the West Highland White Terrier.
Characteristics of the Westie
West Highland White Terriers are known for their small, compact size, distinctive white coat, and strong, confident personality. They typically weigh between 15 to 20 pounds and stand about 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder. Westies possess a double coat, with a soft undercoat and a harder outer coat, which requires regular grooming. They are known for their intelligence, independence, and spirited nature, making them both entertaining and loyal companions.
West Highland White Terriers can be ideal family pets, good with children and other pets, when they are raised together or introduced carefully. These happy, energectic little dogs love to play and are wonderful companions to children. They do have a strong prey drive and should be carefully supervised with introducing them to smaller animals.
West Highland White Terriers have moderate exercise needs and because they are such a small playful breed, indoor play can be a key part of their exercise. Nevertheless, they still require outdoor activities for both physical and mental stimulation. Even those who live in apartments and smaller homes can comfortably add a Westie to their lives.