HISTORY

ORIGIN   SCOTLAND

GROUP  TERRIER GROUP


The West Highland White Terrier originated in the 19th century. They share some ancestry with the Scottie, Dandie Dinmont and Cairn Terrier. This breed was used to hunt foxes, badgers and other small vermin as their small size and low to the ground bodies provided them the ability to crawl into holes and flush out the game.

APPEARANCE(S)

The West Highland White Terrier has a small sturdy build. The head is round and the neck is thick and short. The back is straight and legs are short. They have round black eyes, small erect ears and thick carrot tails.

COLOR(S)


This breed is most commonly seen in white.

COAT


The outercoat is straight with a hard texture. The outercoat is generally about two inches longer than the undercoat. The undercoat is thick and soft in texture. The coat is normally kept clipped short to blend in with the short length of the hair around the neck and shoulders. Often the hair on the face is kept long to give them the appearance of a beard and mustache.

PERSONALITY

ACTIVITY LEVEL


High

POSITIVES


This breed is loves people and loves to play. They are good with children and other dogs when they are socialized at an early age. This breed makes a good watchdog, as they are brave and will bark to alarm owners of new people that are around. West Highland White Terriers adapt well to city or country life. This breed excels in most canine sports and shed very little.

THINGS TO CONSIDER


Obedience training is highly recommended for this breed. They are known to be possessive of food and toys.

IDEAL LIVING SITUATION

This breed would do well in country or city.

HELPFUL INFORMATION/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

This breed requires regular grooming.

BREED RELATED HEALTH CONCERNS

The following conditions are known to be seen in this breed, please look at our A to Z listing to find out detailed information.

  • Legg-Perthes disease
  • Copper toxicosis – hereditary condition
  • Pyruvate kinase deficiency – enzyme disorder

NATIONAL CLUBS AND/OR ORGANIZATIONS

West Highland White Terrier Club of America
824 Hudson Street
Saint Albans WV, 25177

FUN FACT(S)

The original West Highland Terriers were reddish in color, but many of them were mistaken for fox in the field and killed. Because of this, it was decided that this breed would forever be bred only in white
Written by: PetsMD Veterinary Editorial Staff