West Highland White Terrier icon

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Usually called Westies by owners and enthusiasts, West Highland White Terriers weigh between 13-20 pounds, with the female usually on the smaller side.

The head of the West Highland White Terrier is rather large and rounded in proportion to its body, with small perky ears. The teeth of the West Highland White Terrier are large for their small stature.

The coat of the West Highland White Terrier is non-shedding, requiring trimming just three to four times a year. Daily brushing of the soft white coat usually keeps the fur clean, making bathing only an infrequent need.

The West Highland White Terrier body is stocky and muscular. The legs are short and the tail of the westie is about 5-6 inches long.

The West Highland White Terrier originated in the Scottish Highlands in 1800s. They were bred to hunt small game.

There are two stories about the origin of the West Highland Terrier. One is simply that all-white Cairn Terrier puppies were bred together, eventually developing it's own breed.

The other origin story is that Colonel Edward Donald Malcom, of Poltlloch, Argyllshire, Scotland, bred his hunting lines to all white because one of his dogs was mistaken for a fox and shot.

Westies are intelligent and hardy dogs, which are easy to train. They are friendly with strangers and do well with children.

In general they do well with other dogs, but West Highland White Terriers can be very assertive. If raised with cats since puppyhood, Westies and cats can get along well together. However, bringing a cat into the home at a later date can be troublesome.

West Highland White Terriers like to dig and bark. A westie can make a good guard dog, since enjoys announcing the arrivals to the house. Just ask the mailman.