West Highland Terriors - Cute

 

The West Highland White Terrier originates from Scotland. It was once called the Poltalloch Terrier, then later was called the Roseneath Terrier, named after the Duke of Argyll’s estate. The breed came about in the mid-19th century when a Scottish breeder of the Cairn Terrier. White pups were selected and bred to obtain the West Highland White Terrier. The West Highland was first shown in the USA in 1906 and first recognized by the AKC in 1908. In 1909 the breed’s name was changed from the Roseneath Terrier to the West Highland White Terrier. The Westie was originally bred for controlling the population of rats, fox, badger, otter and other vermin and his distinctive snowy fur so he could be spotted while hunting brown- and red-coated creatures.

Westie Westie Westie

SO MANY CUTE WESTIES!!!! Their white coats and the black noses SOOOO cute!

To start your search for a West Highland Terrier, check out the website of the West Highland White Terrier Club of America and choose a breeder who agrees to abide by the club’s code of ethics, which specifies that members not to place puppies prior to 12 weeks of age, prohibits the sale of puppies through pet stores, and calls for the breeder to obtain recommended health clearances before breeding.

Great Westie Photos

Originally, their coats came in many colors, including black, red, and cream. Edward Donald Malcolm of Scotland, is generally credited with breeding the white dogs. In 1860, one of his reddish dogs was mistaken for a fox and shot. Malcolm decided, on the spot, to breed only for white dogs that could be readily identified in the field.

Today, the West Highland White Terrier ranks 34th among the breeds registered by the American Kennel Club, down from 30th in 2000.

Learn more here, here and here!

Source: Paulette Johnson

All Kinds of Westie Cute

 Check out all of these Adorable Westies!

Source: Paulette Johnson

Despite their size, Westies make very good watchdogs. They also like to dig and bark. If a Westie is allowed to become the pack leader, it may snap when irritated. A lack of leadership on the owner’s part can cause many behavior problems, such as biting, guarding food and furniture. A Westie that has an owner who knows how to display firm, confident, leadership will not experience behavioral problems. These problems can be corrected once the owner becomes the  true pack leader.