Westie History

The West Highland White Terrier has an exceedingly interesting past. It seems they did not originate in Scotland. At one time they were actually frowned upon for their white color. We have the Malcolm family to thank for helping the world to see what wonderful animals they really are.   It would surprise most people to know that Westies didn't actually originate in Scotland. In fact, small white terriers were brought to the Highlands by  the Spanish Armada of 1588. Several of the fleet grounded upon the shores of the Scottish Highlands. The Spanish seamen had brought with them many of these remarkable little dogs because of their ratting ability. It is believed by many that the Westie has Spaniel blood which could account for their love of working in the field. James 1 so adored theses dogs that he decided to make a gift of six of them to the King of France. The dogs were separated into groups of three to be shipped over the Calais-Dover channel. They were so valued that these "Earthe Dogges" were sent in two different ships due to the often dangerous waters in the channel. Thus began the popularity of the Westie.   Strangely, they seemed to become both popular and unpopular at the same time. Many Scotsmen swore they  were the best varmint hunting dogs one could get. this was a strange notion to many in a world where the brindle terrier was the preferred animal. Many Scottish gentlemen  would use nothing else for hunting otter in LochLomond. On the other hand a good deal of the sportsmen thought them to be an abomination due to their abhorrent white color. Because of this prejudice large numbers of them were slaughtered. This could not stop them from becoming the popular breed they are today.   In 1900, the Malcolm family of County Poltalloch became interested in the West Highlander. They favored them for their excellent abilities in the field as gaming and working dogs. This family began to breed them according to their capabilities in the field as well as confirmation. Most of these characteristics remain today. It is not uncommon for your Westie to nip at your heels as you walk away, somewhat reminiscent of their days herding cattle on the moor. Unfortunately they do not get much opportunity to use their working qualities. However, Scotsmen today still prefer them for their hunting abilities thanks in a large part to the Malcolm family and their cultivation of interest in these amazing animals.    Westies had a difficult journey from Spain to Scotland and were slaughtered because of their glaring white color giving them a rather shaky start. It is, therefore, particularly important that the Malcolm Family took such an interest in them when they did.

O. . .kay, what happened to my legs!!!!

Westie Health There are some diseases that Westies can on occasion be genetically predisposed to having. These include: Legg-Calve-perthes Disease, which causes joint pain; Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy, affects the nervous system; Copper Toxicosis, can cause cirrhosis of the liver; Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, causes weakness and lethargy; Epidermal Dysplasia, causes redness and itching of skin.   Legge-Calve-Perthes Disease is a hereditary disease that can be quite significant in Westies. It appears at around 6-8 months of age and is easily recognized when your pooch is traveling across the floor. It causes chronic lameness which is sometimes hard to spot because it comes on slowly. At first there is only minor lameness. If your dog has hind lameness without having had an injury, it should be looked upon with suspicion. Mild cases can be treated with several months of forced rest. The more severe cases must be treated by  the surgical removal of the femoral head or joint. This forces the bone to grow scar tissue which replaces the joint. If ignored, your dog could develop severe arthritis in later years. I have found that treating your dog with Creator's Own Omega 3 oil will prevent or even improve this condition.   Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy  (GCL) is a paralytic disease that affects the nervous system although it is very rare. It is genetically transmitted usually  before the dog is six months of age but after weaning. Symptoms include partial paralysis of the hind quarters. This is accompanied by loss of co-ordination and tremors. Unfortunately, this disease has no cure and progressively leads to death.

Lauranna, just chillin'.

Westie Breed Standard The standards for the Westie are basically the same in both the Us and Britain. They are considered able small game dogs. Westies have a confident manner about them. The Scottish Terrier is somewhat similar to the West Highlander.   The Breed Standard for the Westie in both the British and American Kennel Clubs state that they are classed among the small game dogs. They should be under 20 lbs or their balanced structural characteristics will dissolve.  A heavily boned animal is a definite departure from the accepted breed standard. In the same token, a Westie cannot be too small or they may become frail and timid. The American standard states that they must be well balanced. They stand no taller than 11 inches at the withers with the bitches being 1 inch shorter. These attributes all contribute to them being considered suitable game dogs.   The attitude of a Westie is unmistakable having been "possessed of no small amount of self esteem". They always give one the impression that they are feeling fine and have an awesome attitude. He seems to think well of  himself , which is a characteristic he probably gets from his bonny Scottish homeland. He is full of pep and charm and is one of the best tempered of the terrier breeds. The expression of a Westie is extremely appealing and adorable. They are not to have more than a trace of fierceness. These personality traits all serve to give the Westie his unmistakable charm!   The Scottish Terrier is a decidedly distinguishable relative of our beloved Westie as is noticeable in the general body shape. The muzzle should be slightly shorter than the skull. They have particularly powerful jaws, which can be put into use to kill rats. Their ears are perky and straight, without leaning either in or out. If the ears are rounded on top, this is considered a fault. The nose is a smart, black button on the end of the muzzle. Sometimes the color may fade to brown for a while however, this should not cause concern. The tail is thick at the base, tapering to the tip. It should be straight with a slight inclination forward but, not  too much! His body shape gives the Westie the appearance of a well balance little hunter.   Remember your Westie will not be perfect but as long as it is basically within breed standard, you will be happy with it. They are a hunting dog by nature and are well balanced sturdy little animals. Their most important feature is their outgoing, spunky personality that endears them to our hearts!   Kittiara is having a very bad hairday! Kitty, our dishwasher dog!

Baby Lauranna has had a long day!