West Highland White Terrier or Westie dog
A small dog breed.

Originally, the closest kin to the West Highland White Terrier was the Cairn Terrier. Occasionally a white puppy was born in some Cairn litters, and it was quickly euthanized as being unfit to survive. Others however, thought differently and that in fact the white dogs would have an advantage of being more visible as they hunted vermin amongst the rocks and more distinguishable from the foxes and badgers being hunted. They became known by the various regions where they were raised, such as the Roseneath Terrier and the Poltalloch Terrier after Colonel E.D. Malcolm of Poltalloch whose family had been breeding the white terriers for two generations before him. He is credited with developing the modern Westie. In 1900, Malcolm first showed the dogs under the name Poltalloch Terriers. The Kennel club first recognized the breed in 1907 followed by the AKC in 1908 as the Roseneath Terrier, officially changed by the AKC in 1909 to the West Highland White Terrier. Canada followed suite, recognizing it in 1911. Since those early days, the Westie has become one of the most competitive, top winning terriers, in the show rings.

A large amount of Scotch spunk, determination and devotion is crammed into the small body of this popular dog, the West Highland White Terrier.  Very alert, the Westie is also very intelligent, highly trainable, gay, friendly, good with children, faithful, courageous, and very devoted.  The Westie is an excellent whole family dog, rather active, liking to be in the thick of things, and requires daily exercise.  His coat sheds a bit, not a lot, and needs bi-weekly grooming.  It's worthwhile to take a Westie puppy to obedience classes, but don't expect the Westie to be fond of other small animals. They are not. They are however, extremely affectionate and quite playful with the people members of their family. They can be somewhat stubborn. They also like to bark and dig.