Origins
Morphology
Psychology
Care

Origins of the Westhighland Terrier

Strength, courage, bravado, sympathy, vivacity, intelligence, but also stubbornness, all enclosed in a bristly white wad of 7 or 8 kg.

This little terrier boasts British origins , there is evidence of their presence at the court of King James I in the early 1600s in Scotland.

The selection of this breed as it has come to the present day was elaborated by Colonel Malcolm di Poltalloch in the 19th century, starting from other terrier breeds such as the Scottish, and the Cairns with which it shares a common origin and function as a rodent hunting dog. .  

For a time the Westie was referred to as Poltalloch in honor of its breeder.

Westhighland Terrier morphology

The Westie breed thus selected shows a small dog with short legs , with a well built and powerful structure, but harmonious in respect of its size. It can reach 25 or 28 cm in height at the withers and from 6 to 9 kg in weight.

It has a deep chest and a straight back , the hind legs are well structured and muscular. The hair is white , with a double coat, semi-long with a hard, bristly texture. The muzzle is rounded, the lively and dark eyes emerge well defined, the straight triangular ears and the tail is medium long and robust.

Westhighland Terrier Psychology

The Westhighland Terrier is a very tough breed not only physically but also temperamentally. He is a smart, intelligent, active dog, but also stubborn and independent. Training this breed can therefore be challenging.

It is recommended to start socializing immediately with other pets and with children, to simplify its adaptation to the family and to interaction in a broad sense. 

Westies tend to bark easily because they are always on the alert, “who goes there” dogs that protect their home and all its components from below, but are also very tolerant of all news, including strangers. if in the presence of the owner. 
He adapts very easily to his family’s lifestyle: active if necessary, running and jumping, sly and idle if it’s a quiet part of the day.

Westhighland Terrier Care

The Westie is an easy-to-manage breed and needs routine care . His hair, for well stripped regularly, remains in order without creating particular difficulties during the moulting period. A weekly brushing with a carder serves to revive the coat. 

The Westie is genetically strong which means a breed that is in good health. Its life expectancy is quite long, even up to 16 years. There are some pathologies that many small dogs can run into such as patella luxation, or femoral head necrosis.

It is essential to take care of their nutrition because these dogs tend to gain weight if not subjected to physical exercise. Then small doses twice a day at regular times.