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Full of spunk and dauntlessly courageous; these and more are what makes the West Highland White Terrier an absolute charmer and enthusiastic little gamer. This dog is widely recognized for having a short, brilliant white hair, compact little body and fearless spirit. Tagged as well as “Westie”, this little diminutive charmer has a wide base of admirers and the number continue to rise by the day.

With all the recognition and pampering that the Westie receives today, it is surprising to know that they are once un-favored by many in Scotland for the reason that they are a meaningless and untidy little dogs of the poor peasants and workers. The injustice reaches to the point of abandonment, famish, and even killing of these innocent and lovable little terriers.

Thanks to the influence of a soft- hearted man of rank, however, that this creature was saved from brutality and was started to be noted as one having unique abilities and useful strengths as a watchdog and vermin hunter. Col. Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch, Scotland was the first man to give importance to this breed and so it was called the Poltalloch terrier then. Col. Malcolm developed several colored terriers but it is the white colored one that gained the most concentration for this typical color is the most useful in bushes and woods setting.

This dog is a kin of Scottish terriers Skye, Cairn, and Dandie Dinmont and breed- mixing made it the West Highland White terrier that it is today. The efforts of Col. Malcolm resulted in the conception of the first West Highland White terrier club in 1905 and in 1906, it was given official recognition by The Kennel Club in the UK and was given the name The West Highland Terrier Club. The West Highland White terrier was shown at that same time in the US and has been a part of the American Kennel Club (AKC) by 1908.

Being a terrier by blood, the Westie is naturally ready and game, toughie and unaware of its own size, fairly amiable with strangers and adores children; energetic, self-assured, and strives for companionship. It lives for playing, chasing, and chasing kids; and other smaller animals for fun. In the presence of other smaller and larger dogs, the Westie is affable, harmonious, and confident and thus fights are not likely to be started by it.

In appearance, the West Highland White terrier looks adorably fury in 2 inches long of thick, soft, and brilliant fur. The hair atop its head is typically trimmed to manifest its well- rounded head; daily brushing and regular trimming are necessary to bring out its best feature. They typically stand robust in 10- 12 inches of height and have a fur that is soft and dense under and rough at the outer.

Adding to its already charming appearance, this dog is quite the showman, too, for it is adept in training and obedience which makes him a winner at every dog show competition. In terms of health, this dog needs an amount of frequent walks so as to avoid the development of negative behaviors. Aside from that, this dog also needs a regular chance at playing, running around, and frolicking in order to keep his physical and mental health in check.

The Westie of today and the Westie of yesterday is by far distance apart in terms of social acceptance and treatment. As a proof, West Highland White Terrier clubs are organized and are being founded still all over the world in honor of this excellent and beautiful little dog. If it wasn’t for the conviction of one person then, who knows but this creature would’ve stopped existing long ago and for that we must be thankful for we have the brilliant little Westie to be enjoyed today.

Tags: Dogs

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