A Brief History of the West Highland White Terrier
(known affectionately as the Westie)

There are a number of short-legged terriers from Scotland now known as Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, Scottish, Skye and West Highland White. They, in probability, descend from the same roots. These terriers were all bred to hunt vermin and burying animals, and, in addition to being used for hunting were also a great asset to farmers.

Their coat colors were black, red, cream or white. The first person credited with breeding for the white dogs was Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltallaoch, Argyllshire, Scotland. The story goes that the Colonel had a pack of light colored terriers used for hunting. When a red colored terrier came out of cover he mistakenly shot the dog. From that time on he vowed to only breed for white dogs that could be easily identified in the field.

The Westie has an inherent independent nature due partially to the fact that unlike some breeds that were bred to work with humans, terriers were bred to work independently of man.

Westies were named for the area in Scotland where they were first bred, the West Highlands, with its rugged and craggy terrain. They were officially recognized in England in 1907 and around the same time in the United States with the establishment of the West Highland White Terrier Club of America in 1909.

With the popularity of the breed, not only in the British Isles and America, but all over the world it will be very important for the reputable breeders of Westies worldwide to work together for the betterment of the breed and, to be guardians of the breed against puppy mills and commercial breeders. All Westie lovers can join in the fight against commercial and disreputable breeding practices as well by not buying from places that sell these dogs. (Puppy mills)