West Highland Scottish Terrier Breed Information and Care

The West Highland Scottish Terrier, affectionately known as the Westie, is a beloved breed that originated in Scotland in the 18th century.

They typically weigh between 15-20 pounds and stand 10 inches tall at the shoulder, making them a compact and sturdy companion.

Originating in the Highlands, Westies were bred to hunt small game like rodents and rabbits, which explains their feisty and energetic nature.

Their distinctive white coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, and they need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.

The West Highland white terrier, also known as the Westie, has a rich history that dates back to the day when rodents were common in Britain.

The breeders developed different terriers to find and dispose of rats, which were known as earth dogs. Experts believe that different Scottish terriers, such as the Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, Skype, and West Highland, come from the same family.

The first recorded breeding of the West Highland white terrier was done by Edward Donald Malcolm from the Malcolm clan in the 1700s. His family bred these dogs for over a century, calling them the Poltalloch Terriers after the name of the clan's estate.

The dogs were also known as Roseneath Terriers. The breed made its first appearance at a dog show in 1896, and since then, Westies have become favorites due to their companionship traits.

The West Highland White Terrier's coat is a standout feature of the breed. It has a soft, dense, thick undercoat and a rough outer coat, which can grow to about 2 inches long.

Their fur fills out the face to give a rounded appearance, making them look adorable. The coarse outer coat is normally removed by either "hand-stripping" or clipping, especially for dog-showing.

Westies typically have a short and closely fitted jaw with a "scissors" bite, where the lower canines lock in front of the upper canines. This unique bite is a characteristic of the breed.

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Their ears are pointed and erect, adding to their alert and energetic appearance. Westies are known for their bright, deep-set, almond-shaped eyes that are dark in color.

Their paws are slightly turned out to give them better grip on rocky surfaces, making them well-suited for climbing. Young Westies have pink markings on their nose and footpads, which turn black as they age.

Westies are prone to skin allergies, which can cause itching, inflammation, and hair loss on their head, belly, and feet.

Allergies can be painful and may require medication and special shampoos to manage.

Some Westies are also at risk of dry eye, a condition where the eye doesn't produce enough tears, leading to pain, yellow discharge, and vision problems.

If your Westie has dry eyes, they may blink a lot, keep their eyes shut tight, or have dull, lusterless eyes.

Patellar luxation, a common health issue in Westies, causes the kneecap to move out of place, leading to lameness, shaking legs, and potentially severe pain.

This condition often appears in younger dogs and can be a lifelong issue.

Westies can also develop Shaker Syndrome, characterized by involuntary and rhythmic tremors in their body and head.

If your Westie has Shaker Syndrome, they may have mild or severe tremors, making it difficult to walk or eat.

Prednisone, a steroid medication, is often prescribed to manage this condition.

It's essential to monitor your Westie's health closely, especially in their early years, to catch any potential issues early on.

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The West Highland Scottish Terrier, or Westie for short, is a feisty little dog with a big personality. They're courageous and not afraid to stand up for themselves or their loved ones, which makes them a great watchdog.

Their cheeky nature can sometimes get them into trouble, but with the right training and encouragement, they can learn to behave. Westies are intelligent and capable of being trained to a high level, but they still retain that independent working terrier spirit.

One of the best things about Westies is their loyal and affectionate nature. They bond strongly with their families and friends, and they love to be around people. They're always happy to see you come home and will often greet you with a wagging tail and a joyful bark.

Westies are naturally alert and will sound the alarm if they sense any potential danger. They're not afraid to be confrontational if they feel their family is being threatened, which can be a bit intimidating to strangers.

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To keep your West Highland Scottish Terrier clean and happy, you'll want to establish a regular grooming routine.

Daily checks of paws and ears after exercise will help prevent dirt and debris from building up.

A weekly groom is all that's needed to get rid of loose hairs.

Letting mud dry on your Westie and brushing it off when dry is the best way to clean them after a messy adventure.

Hand plucking their coat two or three times a year by a professional groomer will keep their coat looking its best.

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Training your West Highland White Terrier requires setting them up to believe it was their own idea. They'll work hard for food rewards and toys.

Early work on recall is crucial, as it will help your Westie respond promptly to commands. It's essential to start training early to develop good habits.

Socialisation to children, cats, and livestock is vital for your Westie's development. This will help them become confident and calm in new situations.

As an intelligent and versatile dog, your Westie can compete well in various dog sports and competitions. With the right training, there's no reason they can't excel.

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