The West Highland White Terrier, or "Westie", was developed in Scotland. The story of the breed origin is that Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm, of Poltalloch, Argyllshire, Scotland, had kept a pack of light colored working terriers for hunting. As the legend goes, a reddish dog of his, emerging from cover, was mistakenly shot for a fox. Malcolm is said to have decided on the spot to breed only for white dogs that could be readily identified in the field.
The breed was officially recognized as the West Highland White Terrier in 1907 at the Crufts dog show in England. The first AKC registration was in 1908. Originally registered as the Roseneath Terrier, the name was officially changed to West Highland White Terrier on May 31, 1909. Official AKC Breed Standard.
It is a popular breed, however it is not a breed suited to everyone. The westie can be a barker, a digger, difficult to train, and aggressive. Many Westies end up in rescue because too many people jump into the breed because "they're cute" or because "a friend has one". Then when they realize how much work and how mischievous a Westie can be, they find they don't have the time or patience for the dog and they drop it at the pound. Thankfully, Westie Rescue does all it can to rescue and place those dogs that are surrendered. Be sure to look at the photo gallery and read the success stories of rescued Westies. If you're thinking of a Westie, please consider a rescue. All Westies deserved to be loved in a forever-home. And the rescued Westies especially deserve a second chance.
Westies can be wonderful pets for people that know what they're getting into. Westies are bright, happy, active little dogs. They become easily bored and can manage to find all sorts of fun things to get into, however; often those fun things are not something their owner considers fun! (Tara chewed a hole in a wall one day when she was bored....) Being owned by a Westie can be a very rewarding experience. Tara is the light of our lives. She is always happy and joyful. Nothing can compare to the happiness and love I feel when I walk in the door and am greeted by Tara with Westie hugs and kisses.