| At around 1700s, the Isle of Skye and other highlands | | | | • Cranio mandibular osteopathy (lion jaw) |
| in Scotland were already producing lots of small | | | | • Patella luxation, a disorder in the kneecap |
| terriers. Scottish breeds were separated into two: the | | | | • Liver ailments |
| Skye terriers and the Dandie Dinmont terriers. | | | | • Deafness |
| The Dandie Dinmonts were categorized as a separate | | | | • Congenital heart disease |
| breed. The Skyes included the Scotties, the Cairns and | | | | Care and Exercise: |
| the West highland white terriers or the Westies. | | | | • Their coat should be brushed regularly using a |
| It was also noted that these terriers were the hybrids | | | | brush with stiff bristles. |
| among the crossed Cairns, Scottish, and Dandies | | | | • They should bathe only when necessary. |
| terriers. One could assume that the hybrid would really | | | | • Their whole coat should be stripped at least twice |
| be loyal and its hunting instincts could not be belittled. In | | | | a year and trimmed every four months. |
| fact, many royalties in Scotland owned terriers that | | | | • The fur on the eyes and ears should be trimmed |
| were very similar to the Westies of today. | | | | using blunt-nose mirrors. |
| Another remarkable story is about a Westie that | | | | • They will surely be more agile and healthy after |
| stopped a mother from constantly yelling at her | | | | regular sessions of play and/or walk. |
| daughter. Every time the mother would yell at her | | | | Origin/History: |
| teenage daughter, the Westie would attack the | | | | As noted, they share the same lineage with Cairns and |
| mother. The aggression of the dog got worse over | | | | Scotties (from Skye terriers), and even with the |
| the years that resulted in the mother's complete | | | | Dandies. This trio was developed in the Isle of Skye, |
| inability to scold her teenager. | | | | which was one of the highlands in Scotland. It was |
| It turned out that the girl was actually rewarding the | | | | noted that white whelps were chosen from the |
| dog for his protection by calming and soothing him | | | | wiry-coated Cairns, Scotties, and Dandies to produce |
| down after every "threat" from her mother. Many | | | | the variety that were known as Poltalloch terriers. |
| would perceive that the daughter was able to help her | | | | Following are some items in the history that show the |
| mother to change her ways when in fact she was | | | | Westies' reputation of being owners' favorite |
| helping herself by rewarding the dog for its behavior. | | | | companion dogs. |
| The following are some of the basic facts breeders | | | | Records in the history mentioned that around 1620, |
| would really love to know about Westies: | | | | King James 1 of England requested some small white |
| Category: Terrier | | | | dogs from Argyleshire in Scotland. Colonel Malcolm, |
| Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); | | | | who was considered as the originator of Poltalloch |
| outdoors (fenced yard) | | | | terriers, that are very similar to the Westies of today, |
| Coat: about two-inch coarse and wiry outer coat and | | | | accidentally shot his terrier (a dark one). From then on |
| soft, dense, and furry undercoat | | | | he vowed to have only white terriers. |
| Color: white | | | | In the 19th century, terriers that were very similar to the |
| Height: between 10 and 12 inches | | | | Westies were known as Roseneath terriers in honor |
| Weight: between 13 and 22 pounds | | | | of Duke of Argyll's interest and patronage of this |
| Temperament: | | | | breed. Roseneath was the name of his estate at |
| Naturally, | | | | Dumbartonshire. |
| • they like to bark and dig | | | | In the first-ever dog show that were organized in the |
| • they are not as willful like most terriers | | | | late 1800s, the Westies were called as White Scottish |
| • they love companionship | | | | terriers. In 1904, they were classified under the name |
| When properly trained | | | | West Highland White terriers. |
| • they can become fairly friendly towards strangers | | | | During the mid-1900s, breeders of the Cairns in Argyll, |
| • they develop close affinity with behaved children | | | | Scotland selected white puppies from the stock and |
| • they love to chase cats but they do not hurt them | | | | interbreed some to obtain white Cairns. However, in |
| • they can become a very good watch dog | | | | 1917, the American Kennel Club ruled that Cairns could |
| • they can become very lively | | | | be listed if they have the Westies' lineage. |
| Breeders should note of the following health issues: | | | | We can say the history repeats itself for this delightful |
| • Chronic skin problems | | | | terrier is now mostly a favorite companion dog of |
| • Perthe's disease (hip problems) | | | | many households. |
| • Jawbone calcification | | | | |