The history and origins of the West Highland White Terrier begin when Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Scotland, sadly lost one of his reddish colored dogs to a hunting accident, shot when it was mistaken for a fox. Legend tells that Malcolm decided right then and there to breed white only dogs that could not be misidentified on hunting expeditions. Their original coats included cream, red and black variations of color.

The stout, short statured European terriers from Scotland are commonly acknowledged as Scottish, Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, and West Highland White Terriers.

It is often simply referred to as the “Westie,” this terrier dog breed is easy to train, gets along well with other dogs (okay with cats, but better when socialized early on), does well with strangers, and is great with kids. Like children though, the West Highland White Terrier can be a bit dogged and although he won’t start a fight, he’s not likely to run from one either. Good, early and consistent training with positive reinforcement, especially in the form of affection, carries a big stick with this little dog.

All terrier dog breeds enjoy exercise and your Westie will be no different. While they are obviously indoor dogs that loves getting attention, giving affection and performing for you, they also need lots of outdoor activity time to be happy family members inside. Don’t let their small size fool you into thinking they cannot wear you out or keep up with a strenuous walk or even good jog. The time spent with you, coupled with their need for exercise will make for a better connection with your West Highland White Terrier and indoors, a dog that will generally be calmer, more stable and with a more even temperament.

A Westie has minimal grooming needs that sheds minimally, but does require, and appreciate, brushing of its double layer coat. The outer, coarser coat helps retard dirt and other particles from attaching to your dog while the denser undercoat may not fully grow for a few years; fully brushing helps prevent matting, often daily as adults.