West Highland white terrier
Back in the day, the Scots liked us small dogs for digging out varmints in the fields. These fun friends can dig themselves under ground and get stuck where they bark until they are dug out. Over time they were bred for a thick tail so farmers could pull them out of holes. They actually have thicker bones at the base of the tail so humans can really grab hold of it and pull. These hearty canines are independent so they give a quick thanks and head out on a new adventure. If you are looking for a lap dog, this pure breed may not be for you.
The West Highland white terrier originated from the long line of terriers in the northern British Isles. Originally known as the Poltallock terrier and Roseneath terrier. As the story goes, this specific breed was decided upon when a young hunter accidentally shot his companion terrier thinking it was a fox. Ater that, he pulled all the white ones out from terrier litters and bred for the white coat.
Westies were AKC registered in 1908 as Roseneath terrier where the Duke of Argyll raised them, then changed to West Highland white terrier in 1909 which still holds today.
Strong willed with a double layered coat they require regular grooming including plucking the old dead hair as they don’t shed much on their own. Don’t wash them too often as this can make their dry skin condition worse. Steadfast little solid friends, Westies make great friends.
To see the AKC standards for West Highland white terrier click here.
West Highland white terrier facts
Males: 10-12 inches at withers, 15-22 lbs.
Females: 9-11 inches at withers, 13-15 lbs.
Good around children and other pets.
Takes work to train
Okay alone, but prefer a friend
Moderate energy
Fiesty and tenacious
Not a lap dog, too independent
Quick to alert
Westiepoo
Westiepoos are a mixture of West Highland white terrier and either a miniature or toy poodle which creates a variety of sizes. Throw in the poodle colors and Wow, what might you get? Westiepoos make great companions. They are smaller in size, don’t shed and love to hang out with friends. Take Mille. Here she is hanging with Brady and Lucy for a nap.
I mean, look how comfortable they are. If you get a Westiepoo, pay attention and don’t let em dig or you may be grabbing a shovel and moving dirt until you can grab a tail and pull. You should check their tail to see if they inherited that trait. You never know. Westiepoos with a yard are happy dogs, otherwise they will need a good walk everyday just to exercise their independence.