Basic Information To Know About The West Highland Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier (nicknamed the "Westie" and once called the "Poltalloch Terrier" and "Roseneath Terrier" for houses they were bred in) is one of the most poplar terrier breeds that features deep eyes, pointed ears and a distinctive rough, white coat. The breed has origins dating back to the 1800s in Scotland, and they were first bred for the main purpose of hunting foxes, badgers and other pests.

A few of their most recognizable features include their lovable appearance, friendly nature and love for play - which help make the West Highland White Terrier a suitable choice for a companion for active, fun loving owners or families with more considerate children.

The West Highland White Terrier was originally created in Scotland in the 1800s and was bred for the purpose of hunting foxes, badgers and other pests. They are
believed to be a white offshoot of the Scottish Terrier and Cairn Terrier and resulted from a number of breeding programs including Edward Donald Malcolm's "Poltalloch Terrier", George Campbell's "Roseneath Terrier" and Dr. Americ Edwin Flaxman's "Pittenweem Terrier".

West Highland White Terriers are classed as a small-sized dog. The recommended standard size for the West Highland White Terrier male is 11 inches high from paw to shoulder and a weight of 15-20 pounds, whereas the recommended size for female West Highland White Terriers is 10 inches high from paw to shoulder with a weight of 13-18 pounds.

The West Highland White Terrier is well-known for their affectionate, happy and devoted temperament. They are generally friendly with strangers, which can make them quite unsuitable as a guard dog.

The West Highland White Terrier is also known to be fairly intelligent - ranking equal 47th compared to other dogs based on their ability to learn obedience commands. They are also known to be good with older or more gentle children - making them somewhat suitable as a family pet. The West Highland White Terrier is not very compatible with other smaller animals but may get along quite well with other dogs they're raised with.

The West Highland White Terrier is happiest with a small, well-fenced yard to run around in, but they can be quite suitable for apartment living if they are exercised enough.

The West Highland White Terrier enjoys activities such as fetching a ball or running around in a safe area such as a backyard. They have a high level of energy but only require moderate daily walks to prevent behavior problems such as excess barking, digging, chewing or stubbornness.

The West Highland White Terrier can make the perfect dog for active owners or families with older children. They are suitable for anyone who is willing to commit to a fairly high amount of grooming and take time to give them firm but positive obedience training to establish leadership and avoid Small Dog Syndrome as well as take them for walk daily walks and give a high amount of companionship and attention.

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