Where the West Highland White Terrier came from
The Westie comes from Scotland, where small terriers were used to hunt foxes and other vermin among rocks. Several Scottish families bred white-coated terriers in the 1800s. Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch is the person most closely linked to the modern breed.
The breed was first called the Poltalloch Terrier. The story goes that Malcolm chose white after a reddish-brown terrier was mistaken for a fox and shot. White dogs are also easier to see in rough country. The name West Highland White Terrier first appeared in print in 1908.
The Kennel Club in England recognized the Westie in 1907, and the AKC recognized it in 1908. Today they are cheerful, sturdy companions.
- 1800s Scottish breeders, including the Malcolm family of Poltalloch, develop white working terriers
- 1907 The Kennel Club in England recognizes the breed
- 1908 The AKC recognizes the West Highland White Terrier
The job a West Highland White Terrier was bred for
The work was going into rock piles and tunnels after foxes and other vermin. The dog had to be brave, tough and willing to dig. Owners still see a dog who digs, chases small animals and is happy and busy.
Sports that fit a West Highland White Terrier
- Earthdog. This is the old job, done safely.
- Barn hunt. They love finding rats.
- Scent work. A good outlet for a busy nose.
- Agility. They are fun and keen, though best at low jump heights.
- Trick dog. Cheerful and eager to learn.
Training tips for a West Highland White Terrier
- Give them a place to dig, and reward it.
- Keep sessions short and fun. They can be independent.
- Teach a good recall and use a leash or fence outside.
- Reward quiet and calm greetings to help with barking.
Body and health
Westies can have skin allergies and trouble with their joints. Keep exercise moderate and avoid high jumps.
Fun fact. The breed was first known as the Poltalloch Terrier, and Malcolm said in 1903 that he did not want to be known as its creator.
Breed is where we start
A study of more than 18,000 dogs found breed explains only about 9 percent of the differences in behavior between dogs (Morrill and others, Science, 2022). So your West Highland White Terrier is a starting guess, not a label. We find the drive your dog actually runs on, give it a job, and teach you to read them.
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