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Never a pampered pet, the Westie combines Highland boldness, tenacity and loyalty in its small, hardy body. It's a cunning, intelligent member of the terrier family once known collectively as the Terriers of Scotland, and it is close kin to the Cairn Terrier. Because these terriers worked among rocks and in the earth in pursuit of fox and badger, some breeders favored white dogs for their visibility. Thus, in various areas of Scotland some breeders specialized in these white dogs, which came to be known according to the region where they were bred. Col. E.S. Malcolm of Poltalloch, who is credited with developing the modern Westie, first introduced the breed at a dog show held in 1900, under the name Poltalloch Terrier. This is a compact breed measuring up to 11 inches at the shoulder. The coat is straight, wiry, double and always white. Eyes are dark; eye rims, nose, skin, lips and toenails should be black. A little time spent each day with a brush and comb should keep the coat in peak condition, but for show dogs, considerable hand work is needed to maintain the coat and achieve the correct body outline. The Westie makes a fine watchdog and family pet suitable for town or country. It has a high activity level, but a good walk and playtime every day should meet its exercise needs. Like all earth dogges, as terriers once were called, it loves to dig.

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