West highland white terrier

Name: West highland white terrier
Official name: West Highland White Terrier
FCI Number: 85

This is a compact dog with a deep chest and straight back. The head has a slightly arched skull and a pronounced frontal slope. His medium-sized eyes are dark and his ears are small, erect and sharply pointed. The legs are short, muscular and rounded. The tail is straight, 13 to 15 cm long, and carried cheerfully erect when moving.

Character of the West Highland White Terrier

It is a kind, confident, tenacious, alert and brave dog that enjoys the company of people and children. However, he needs a firm hand and lots of attention.

Height of the breed West highland white terrier

The FCI standard does not specify the weight, but the weight of both males and females is between 7.5 and 8.5 kg.

The coat of the West Highland White Terrier

Straight, coarse with a short and soft undercoat.

Coat colour

Pure white.

History of the West Highland White Terrier breed

This breed was bred in the 19th century to hunt otters, foxes and other small game. It shares common ancestry with the Scottish Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. But in this species, only white dogs were selected for future crossbreeding, as they had the advantage of being easily seen on dark moors when chasing game.

Advantages - why get a West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier is popular for its friendly and cheerful nature, which makes it a great companion for families and individuals. He is intelligent and teachable and this makes his training easy. This breed is also very active and playful, making it ideal for people looking for an energetic dog for a variety of outdoor activities. In addition, it is hardy and adaptable, and can tolerate different living conditions well, including urban environments. Due to its small stature, it is easily portable and does not require too much space, which is advantageous for owners of smaller apartments.

Disadvantages - why not get a West Highland White Terrier

This breed is prone to various health problems - skin allergies and orthopedic problems. It needs regular coat care, which includes frequent brushing and professional grooming. Westies are very energetic and require plenty of physical activity and stimulation, which can be challenging for owners with less active lifestyles. They can also be stubborn and sometimes difficult to train and require patience and consistency. This breed is also prone to noise and can bark frequently, and this can be a problem in quieter neighborhoods or apartment buildings.