| West Highland White Terriers began their history as | | | | become more aggressive the harder the prey tried to |
| the undesirable white offspring of the dark-colored | | | | escape. |
| Cairn Terrier. With the dog's popularity today, it is hard | | | | The origin of the word 'terrier' is in the Latin word 'terra' |
| to believe that the early Westies were usually | | | | - earth. It was given to them, and all terrier breeds, |
| drowned or shot. | | | | because once their prey is run to ground, they will dig it |
| One breeder, though, Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm | | | | out. Westies today still possess the tendency to be |
| of Poltalloch, is credited with recognizing the potential | | | | diggers. |
| of the white coat. The legend is that it made the dog | | | | The modern white wsethighland terrier dog is a hardy, |
| more visible as it ran through brush, and prevented it | | | | tenacious breed that is also loyal and friendly. They still |
| from being mistaken for prey during foxhunts. He bred | | | | retain the traits of their ancestors: a love of the chase, |
| them for their white coats, and for many years they | | | | a moderate tendency to bark, a habit of digging, and |
| were known as Poltalloch Terriers. | | | | they are prone to become a bit aggressive during |
| The Westies, as they commonly called today, the | | | | very rough play. They are a little obstinate, and need |
| Cairn, Scottish, Skye, and Dandie Dinmont, | | | | firm, consistent discipline. However, they are also easy |
| Westhighland Terriers are closely related breeds that | | | | to care for, and natural guard dogs. Those taking a |
| arose in the rugged terrain of Scotland. They were | | | | West Highland white Terrier as a pet will find |
| bred to chase down small prey such as otters, foxes, | | | | themselves with a loyal, loving companion for the life of |
| badgers, and vermin. The Terrier's features and | | | | the dog. |
| temperament both were honed until it became a feisty | | | | (Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site |
| little dog that would determinedly run its quarry to | | | | relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions |
| ground. | | | | of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for |
| It has a small, compact body, with short legs, which | | | | informational purposes only and is not meant to be a |
| allowed it to run and squirm through underbrush where | | | | substitute for the advice provided by your own |
| its usual prey dwelled. The Westie's double coat has | | | | veterinarian. You should not use the information |
| coarse outer hairs to shed dirt and debris, and a thick, | | | | contained herein for diagnosing the health of any |
| soft undercoat. | | | | animal. You should always consult and check with your |
| Like many hunting dogs, they are considered intelligent. | | | | own vet or veterinarian.) |
| They also are prone to pursue any creature that runs | | | | I do hope that you have found the article of use to |
| from it. Barking announced to the hunter that it was on | | | | you. |
| the chase. Westie dogs were trained and bred to | | | | |