12 Fascinating Westie Facts Every Dog Lover Should Know
With their bright white coats, lively personalities, and adorable faces, West Highland White Terriers have charmed dog lovers for over a century. These charismatic little dogs pack a lot of spunk and spirit into a small package. Whether you‘re already a devoted Westie fan or are considering adding one of these frisky white terriers to your family, here are 12 fascinating facts about the breed.
1. Westies originated as ratting dogs in Scotland
The West Highland White Terrier breed traces its origins back to the Scottish Highlands in the mid-19th century. According to breed historians, Westies were developed from white-coated Cairn Terriers to create a feisty, bold dog that could fearlessly chase rodents and other small prey in the rocky terrain. Their white coats allowed them to be easily visible to hunters.
The breed was originally known as the Poltalloch Terrier, after the estate of Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm who was instrumental in selectively breeding white Cairns to establish the Westie. The name was later changed to West Highland White Terrier, in reference to their place of origin.
2. They‘re one of a family of small Scottish terriers
The Westie is one of a group of closely related small terrier breeds that originated in Scotland, also including the Cairn Terrier, Scottish Terrier, and Skye Terrier. While they share ancestry as working farm dogs, each breed developed distinct physical and temperament traits over time.
The Westie is perhaps best known for its all-white double coat, compact body, and bold but friendly demeanor. Bred to work independently, they tend to be clever, confident, and stubborn, with an energetic spark.
3. Westies are sturdy and muscular, not delicate lapdogs
Although small in stature at 10-11 inches tall and 15-20 pounds, Westies are hardy little earth dogs, not dainty toys. They have a strong, substantial bone structure and deep chest giving them a sturdy, muscular build suitable for an active lifestyle.
With their short legs, Westies have a free, effortless gait and are surprisingly quick and agile. Their round, compact feet with thick paw pads give them traction for navigating rough terrain. The breed‘s double coat, with a soft dense undercoat and harsh outer coat, also provides protection against the elements.
4. The Westie coat is always white
One of the most distinctive features of the West Highland White Terrier is its snowy white coat. The breed standard specifies the coat must be completely white, unlike the Cairn or Scottish Terrier which have more color variations.
This pure white double coat doesn‘t just give Westies their iconic look – it also served a functional purpose for visibility in the field. The outer coat is about 2 inches long, with a hard, wiry texture, while the undercoat is soft and dense. Shedding is minimal.
5. Maintaining that white coat takes work
While Westies may look like cute little balls of fluff, their coats require regular maintenance to stay healthy and white. Brushing several times a week is needed to prevent matting and remove dirt and debris. Many Westie owners opt to have the coat trimmed or clipped by a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks.
Westies also need a process called stripping a couple times a year. This involves plucking out the dead hairs in the outer coat by hand or with a stripping tool. Stripping maintains the coat‘s wiry texture and allows new hair growth. It‘s a labor-intensive process, so many owners hire a professional groomer experienced with hand-stripping.
6. Westies are prone to certain health issues
While generally a hardy breed with a lifespan of 12-14 years, there are some hereditary health conditions Westie owners should be aware of. Allergies and skin problems are common in the breed. Westies can develop atopic dermatitis causing itchy, inflamed skin. Regular grooming and a high quality diet can help keep the skin and coat healthy.
Orthopedic issues like luxating patellas and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease can also affect Westies. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions. Some Westies are also prone to "westie jaw," an autoimmune condition causing jaw pain and difficulty chewing. Addison‘s disease, bladder stones, and hearing loss are other concerns in the breed.
7. The breed has enjoyed steady popularity
While not as commonly seen as Golden Retrievers or Dachshunds, the Westie has maintained a devoted following. The breed is consistently in the top third of the AKC‘s popularity rankings. In 2022, the Westie ranked 50th out of 200 breeds.
Westies make alert watchdogs and lively, entertaining companions. While not overly clingy, they bond closely with their families and can be protective. Westies love being the center of attention with their bold, sassy personalities. For the right owner willing to put in the time for training and grooming, Westies can be endearing, amusing pets.
8. Many famous figures have owned Westies
Westies have been popular pups among celebrities and public figures. Alfred Hitchcock, Humphrey Bogart, and
J.K. Rowling have all shared their lives with Westies. The breed also has fans among royalty and heads of state. The Duchess of Cambridge had a beloved Westie named Tilly. President Lyndon Johnson owned a Westie named Pij.
Some famous Westies have even made a name for themselves. Lilly the Westie gained a huge Instagram following for her adorable antics and stylish costumes. A Westie named Piper was the National Dog Show champion in the Terrier Group in 2022.
9. Westies have starred on the big and small screen
With their bright white coats and expressive faces, Westies have natural star quality. A Westie named Soccer was a top dog actor in the 1940s-60s, appearing in movies and TV shows like Adventures of Rusty. More recently, a Westie named Baxter played Papi in I Love You, Man.
Westies have also been animated stars, like McDuff in Tintin, Snowy in the French show Grabouillon, and Iggy in the Disney series Dog With a Blog. A crime-solving Westie was even at the center of the short-lived USA Network show, The Pooch and the Pauper.
10. The Westie is the most popular breed in its home city
In Edinburgh, Scotland, where the breed originated, the Westie reigns supreme as the most popular dog in the city. According to the Edinburgh Evening News, the Westie claimed the top spot for most popular pooch in 2020.
One factor may be the breed‘s working class roots as ratters and watchdogs, making them a fitting symbol for the industrious, down-to-earth Scots. Westies also make suitable city pets due to their compact size and modest exercise needs.
11. Westies are super smart but independent thinkers
Don‘t let their cute looks fool you – beneath that adorable face is a highly intelligent mind. Westies consistently rank in the top third of breeds when it comes to obedience and working intelligence. They excel at problem-solving and learning new commands.
However, Westies can also be independent thinkers with a stubborn streak. They bore easily and prefer to learn on their own terms. Training a Westie takes patience, consistency, and a healthy dose of positive reinforcement. Puzzle toys, scent games, and trick training are great ways to challenge their busy brains.
12. A Westie holds a unique swimming record
In 2016, a Westie named Arnie made a splash by setting the record for the longest human tunnel traveled through by a dog. Arnie doggy paddled through the legs of 57 people!
While Westies aren‘t known as water dogs, they can be taught to swim with proper safety and supervision. Experts recommend using a well-fitted life jacket and starting lessons in shallow water. With their tenacious terrier attitudes, Westies like Arnie may surprise you with their swimming abilities.
From their spunky personalities to their iconic white coats, West Highland White Terriers are truly one-of-a-kind companions. These feisty, friendly little dogs have worked their way into the hearts of dog lovers around the world. With their smarts, spirit, and clownish antics, it‘s no wonder Westies continue to charm and delight.
