WESTIE ORIGIN

AND HISTORY
The elegant lut hounc.y ffeil Highlanrt l(hite Terrier o[ten hos its rather le.ngth.y nanrc .shortened to We,stie, West Highland, or Highlander. Many terriers re named fitr their region of orig'in, such as the pre.sent- dat' Au,stralian, Irish, and

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Background
The West Highland White Terrier hails from the rugged, rocky and hilly terrain in the

northwestern region of Scotland, where these white dogs were se lectively bred from the gene pool that also produced Cairns and Skyes.
Westies' quarry hid and burrowed among rocks where little digging but great determination was needed. Therefore, the Westie evolved with a narrower, heart-shaped thorax, the better to

into tiny crevices between boulders and pull varmints from their rocky lairs. Westies were once considered a variety of Scottish te rriers and were variously known as Roseneath-Poltalloch Terriers, White Cairn Terrie rs, or White Scottish Terriers. ln an 1BB7 publication, the author of which is unknown, Westies reportedly we ighed 16 to 20 pounds (1 .25-g kgJ-(the same as today), and were '1 . . determined vermin-destroying dogs. . . well knit together, between cobby and lonq,
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but very deep . . . They stood on short bony legs, the front ones being quite straight. . . were linty white in color and with a hard and bristly coat." The report continues, "l know exactly what those dogs are fit for and may add that no water was ever too cold and no earth ever too deep for them." The famous Crufts dog show in 1907 was the setting for the Westie to make its first appearance as a show dog. Westies came to America when Robert Goelet imported Ch. Kiltie and Rumpus Glenmohr. From the very first Westie to step on United States soil, these Iovable little dogs established their reputation as excellent companions with a built-in propensity to rid their surroundings of vermin. The West Highland White Terrier Club of Ame rica was admitted to AKC membership under the name

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of Roseneath Terrier Club in 1908, and the next year it was changed to its present name. Since about 1960, Westies have regularly gained popularity and today rank in the top third of all AKC registered breeds, second only to the Miniature Schnauzer among the terrier breeds.

Character and Disposition

Hardy West Highlanders have enjoyed great popularity as rugged outdoor companions, and their amusing, lighthearted, and nrjschievous ways have won American hearts by the drove. Westies are quite sociable, the nlerriest and most cheerful of Scotland's terriers, having a pronounced optimistic oLtlook on life. They have the endurance of a nruch larger dog and owners need not parnper them or carry them home from a ong walk.Often described as intrepid, this di igent and aLert little dog is loyal and extroverted, truly a giant in a compact package. An independent thinker usually has its stubborn streaks, and the intelligent Westie is cunningly autonomous. Extremely self-confident and assure d, the Westie isn't easily impressed by unimportant matters. Built into every alert Westie is an alarm that can be triggered at any time by any

disturbance; thus they are excellent watchdogs. \,4ost Westies are wild about balls or other small toys and if encouraged, will play by the hour. The Highlander is an enthusiastic and ambitious pet with instinctive earth-dog characteristics. lts curiosity and ambition are driven by the need to investigate and approve of everything in its environment, and this need is satisfied daily with enthusiasm and vitality. Bold and energetic, the Westie is selfassured, yet exceptionally loyal. He was bred with human interests close to his heart and he wants to be with his family every minute. His amusing antics will win out and make correction extremely difficult. A Westie has a optimistic nature and endless energy that may cause conflict with some owners. Truly, the Westie is not the dog for everyone. A typical Highlander demands ceaseless commitment to lessons, exercise, and game s. He will benefit from regular obedience tune-up sessions that will enhance your appreciation of your relationship
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The Westie's perpetual anima-

tion will frustrate, yet entertain, delight, yet vex. lf this type of
relationship doesn't appeal to you, please consider another breed. Before you buy, learn as much as possible abou[ [erriers in general and Westies in particular. Never imagine you can mold this canine personality to suit yourself; some inherited traits are stronger than human will.

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Sociability
Somewhat pugnacious around strange dogs and small animals, the Highlander is generally sociable with friendly dogs and family cats, but rhis little dog with the big attitude isn't likely

neutered males or females that have been raised together or that are carefully introduced. These conflicts often are associated with jealousy and can be controlled by equalizing your handling and aLtention.

ro be intimidated by the barking of the neighcor's Great Dane. He'll escape from your back,ard to follow a badger to ground if one can ce found, and if not, he will probably settle for
rhe neighbor's ferret, a stalwart chipmunk, or your pet gerbil. The occasional strong, masculine (alpha male) personality of some male Westies tends to rrupt when another male is introduced. Usually this characreristic is amenable to change oy castration ol pet Westies.
Fights are rare between

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