Westie History

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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.