So you’re thinking of buying a westie – let me say that these little white furballs are full of attitude, energy and love. Although they’re small in size, they make up for it with their larger-than-life “westie temperament” personalities which emerge quite early on in their life – typically between eight to twelve weeks.
A westie puppy will offer unconditional love and affection to their owners, and they make an excellent addition to any household making them the right breed for the family.
So if you fancy a fluffy cute friend who will keep you laughing all day long – look no further than the Westie!
Read on for more detail on the breed.
What are West Highland White Terriers?
West Highland White Terriers, also known as Westies, are a small terrier breed initially bred in Scotland. They are alert, intelligent and loyal little dogs with independent spirits. With their white coats, black noses and distinctive ears, they have become one of the most popular breeds in the world with their stunning white fur becoming globally identifiable.
Westies make great family pets due to their affectionate nature and playful attitude. They love being around people and will always be eager to please their owners. Despite their size, they can be quite energetic so it’s important to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day.
They are also known as Poltalloch Terrier, Roseneath Terrier and White Roseneath Terrier and are close cousins to other small dog breeds such as the Skye, Cairn and Scottish Terriers.
Where did the breed originate?
Their history can be traced back to Spain. The story of how the West Highland White Terrier (Westie) came to be might have started in the 16th century when a Spanish trading ship was wrecked off the Isle of Skye on the West Coast of Scotland. A few brave Spaniards swam ashore, bringing their little white terriers. These small dogs were then mated with local breeds and are said to be the ancestors of today’s Westie breed.
In the 19th century, Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm owned a large estate in Scotland called Poltalloch. He began to breed these special white terriers and referred to them as “Poltalloch Terriers” or just “Westies” for short. Over time, other fanciers of this breed adopted the name “West Highland White Terrier” for their own. They were originally bred as hunting dogs, bred to hunt foxes, but over time they became better known for being companion animals rather than hunting partners due to their friendly disposition towards humans.
One of the Westie fanciers was Lord Archibald Douglas from Roseneath, who was responsible for creating a distinct type of Westie during his lifetime on the Island of Skye. This type is now recognised as the modern-day breed we all know and love today!
Westies started to gain popularity in the Victorian era when Queen Victoria herself began showing interest in the breed. At this time, they were favoured by many wealthy people who wanted a small, loyal companion dog. Their alert and friendly nature became highly desirable and appealed to those looking for a discreet yet effective guard dog that would not take up too much room whilst keeping the home free from vermin.
The breed has been recognised by various kennel clubs since 1906 when it was officially recognised by both The Kennel Club (UK) and American Kennel Club (US). Since then, the breed’s popularity has grown worldwide thanks largely to its endearing personality traits such as loyalty, intelligence, curiosity and playfulness, which have made it a favourite.
What are the typical common characteristics of Westies?
West Highland White Terriers are known for their fun-loving and playful personalities. They are full of life and have an incredible amount of energy, making them ideal companions for active households. Looks-wise, Westies have a strong, athletic build that is complemented by their perky ears, bright brown eyes, and long whiskers.
Their unique white fur coats can range from pure white to shades of ivory or cream, with some having lighter shades around the chest or muzzle. Another unknown fact is that a Westie’s coat is known as a “double coat”. Yes, they have two costs where both coats grow independently from each other.
The top layer, or the outer coat, consists of harsh and wiry hair that is approximately 5 cm (2 inches) long and free from any noticeable curl. The bottom layer, or the undercoat, resembles fur and feels soft to the touch – it is shorter in length than the outer coat and tight against the skin for added insulation.
Westies’ coats are particularly water resistant thanks to their dense undercoat, which helps protect them from the elements whilst also making them look stunningly gorgeous after grooming!
It’s also important to take note that since they do have a double coat, westies shed more frequently during certain times of the year, so you will need to be prepared for this!
A word of warning, despite being small in stature, they don’t shy away from a challenge or any type of adventure – they always seem to be up for anything!
One of the most appealing aspects of Westies is their intelligence. They learn quickly and can easily pick up commands and tricks with consistent training sessions. Plus, these little dogs are highly food motivated, so they’re usually more than happy to obey cues when there’s a reward involved! Westies also have an independent streak which means that they are likely to think independently when faced with a problem.
This can make them harder to train but also adds an element of surprise with their behaviour that many owners find endearing.
Westies have natural protective instincts that make them great house dogs for families despite their size. They will bark if there’s an intruder or strange noise in the vicinity, and this vigilance makes them great house dogs who will alert you if necessary without being overly aggressive towards people.
They also form strong bonds with their owners and love getting plenty of attention which makes them great family pets too. With proper care and regular exercise, they can live between 12-17 years – making them a lifelong friend who will bring lots of joy into your home!
Famous West Highland Terriers
Black & White Scotch Whisky
Possibly one of the first brandings of West Highland White Terriers appeared in the famous Buchanan Scotch Whisky advertisements in the 1920s for the launch of their Black & White whisky.
Cesar Dog Food
The West Highland White Terrier has been featured in several notable advertisements, the most iconic being Cesar’s 1967 ad featuring Kipper. This classic television commercial aired for over a decade and made Kipper the face of the brand for many years. In the advert, Kipper was depicted as an energetic and healthy puppy who loved nothing more than to play fetch with his Cesar biscuit treats, and he became an instant hit with viewers.
As time went on, Cesar decided to spice up their commercials by introducing a new character – Archie. Archie is a slightly older Westie whose kind demeanour and love for cuddles make him just as lovable as Kipper was all those years ago. Unlike his predecessor, Archie loves to relax on chilly evenings at home and enjoys snuggling up with his favourite humans while he snacks on his beloved Cesar treats.
Hamish McBeth
In BBC series Hamish MacBeth, Wee Jock is a classic example of the West Highland White Terrier breed, with his white coat making him stand out in the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. One of the key themes in the series is the relationship between Wee Jock and his loyalty and companionship to Hamish. In our house, Wee Jock was the star of the show!
Jeeves and Wooster
Being sharp-eyed Westie owners we spotted in the UK series called Jeeves and Wooster that McIntosh was in fact, played by a West Highland White Terrier and not an Aberdeen Terrier as originally written in the classic P. G. Wodehouse book.
Westie Health Issues
Our experience has been that we have found Westies to be healthy dogs. From internet research, there are a few health problems to call out. However, these conditions are rare if you source westie puppies from a good breeder rather than an unregistered backyard breeder.
See our guide to finding a good Westie breeder
Westie Jaw
Westie Jaw is a rare condition that affects West Highland White Terriers. It is caused by the abnormal growth of their lower jaw, which makes it wider and longer than a normal jaw size. This can cause pain, difficulty eating and other issues as the dog grows older. If this condition is found at an early age, then with proper care and management, Westies affected by this condition can live happy and healthy lives!
For more information see our guide to What is Westie Jaw?
Skin Allergies
Westies are prone to skin allergies, which can cause a number of issues if not managed properly. These allergies can be caused by food and environmental factors such as pollen and mold. Symptoms of skin allergies in Westies include itching and scratching, redness and sores on the skin, hair loss or thinning fur, scabs and bumps on the skin, and a foul odour due to secondary bacterial infection. With proper care and management, most West Highland White Terriers with these problems live happy and healthy lives.
Finally
Overall, if you’re thinking of buying a West Highland White Terrier, they make wonderful family companions due to their intelligence, loyalty, protectiveness and lovable natures – although they do require lots of patience and commitment from owners who want to get the most out of owning one!
Make sure you check our buying guide.
