White West Highland Terrier: A Popular Dog Breed

     The West Highland White Terrier, or Westies for short, is one of the most popular dog breeds. A lot of pet products, including dog food, use Westies in their advertisements. They are small terriers with a double coat of white fur, which make their faces look rounded. They have blunt muzzles and black noses. Their ears are small pointed triangles that sit erect and wide apart on the top of their heads. They have bright, dark-colored, almond-shaped eyes that are also wide apart. They have short legs and a short, tapering tail. Their double coat consists of a straight, coarser outer coat, and a thick, soft undercoat. The fur can grow to about two inches long. They have comparatively better grip on rocky surfaces due to the slightly turned out positioning of their paws. Westies usually weigh from 15 to 20 pounds and are about 10 to 11 inches tall. Their bodies are usually shorter than their height.

This breed was developed in Scotland by Edward Donald Malcolm, 16th Laird of Poltalloch, which is why it is sometimes called the Poltalloch Terrier. According to stories, Malcolm used to have a reddish-brown terrier that was mistaken for a fox and got shot during hunting. He decided to breed white terriers after this incident. The breed was later on renamed the West Highland White Terrier, as Poltalloch preferred not to have the breed named after him. Other noteworthy breeders include George Campbell, 8th Duke of Argyll, whose white terriers were called the Roseneath Terrier.

Since 1960, Westies have consistently been among the top third of all breeds in the United States. From 2001 to 2010, it has been among the top 3 breeds in the United Kingdom. They have appeared in television programs such as 'Hamish Macbeth,' and in the movie 'The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby.'

These dogs are generally friendly with children, but can be aggressive when handled roughly. They also tend to be possessive with food and toys. They make good watchdogs and easily bond with their owners. However, they require plenty of exercise. They love to chase balls. They are typically inquisitive and investigative, and like to dig holes and to bark.

Westies seem to be predisposed to some health conditions, such as the lion jaw. This is a genetically recessive condition that only shows up if both of the dog's parents have the specific gene. The condition usually appears within the dog's first year. Symptoms include difficulty in chewing or swallowing. In some cases, the condition diminishes on its own when the dog turns one-year-old. Treatment usually consist of anti-inflammatory drugs.

West Highland White Terriers may also show susceptibility to Hyperplastic Dermatosis. This skin condition is characterized by reddish darkening of the skin, thickening of the skin with a leather-like texture, and loss of hair.

Another genetically acquired condition is globoid cell leukodystrophy, which affects the nerves and causes the dog to have tremors and muscle weakness, and later on, paralysis.

On the average, in the United States, Westies have a life span ranging from 12 to 16 years. Typically, a litter size consists of three up to five puppies.