How the Westie came to be selectively bred for his white coat is an interesting story. The short-legged terriers of Scotland are now recognized as the Scottish, Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, and West Highland White Terriers. All descend from the same roots. All of these dogs were valued as intrepid hunters of small game. Originally, their coat colors ranged from black to red to cream or white. Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm, of Poltalloch, Argyllshire, Scotland, is generally credited with breeding the white dogs true, although he took none of the credit to himself. He had kept a pack of light colored working terriers for hunting. As the legend goes, a reddish dog of his, emerging from cover, was mistakenly shot for a fox. Malcolm is said to have decided on the spot to breed only for white dogs that could be readily identified in the field.
The breed was listed officially as the West Highland White Terrier in 1907 at the Crufts dog show in England. The name was chosen for the color of the dogs and the area of their development. The West Highland White Terrier Club of America was founded in 1909. It is a member club of the American Kennel Club. The Club’s annual meetings and specialty shows are held in conjunction with the Montgomery County Kennel Club Show at Ambler, Pennsylvania in October. In addition, the club holds a national Roving Specialty Show each year with one of the regional clubs acting as host.
Energy Level: 4 of 5
Westies are very popular due to their extreme versatility. And like most terriers, this breed loves to bark and dig-or dig and bark. They have a tendency to do both at the same time, while showing off their independence. A high energy level requires walks in the park, leash-training lessons, fetching balls or toys, or sleeping. Due to a high need to stay active when awake, sleeping about 13 hours a day is required by the little Westie when they finally collapse. But when they are awake, watch out for a pure energy ball. The Westie loves people and makes an affectionate addition to any family. This devoted, happy and faithful dog also makes a wonderful travel companion due to its small size.
