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West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier, commonly called the Westie, is a small Scottish terrier breed known for its white double coat and compact, sturdy build.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The West Highland White Terrier, commonly called the Westie, is a small Scottish terrier dog breed known for its white double coat and compact, sturdy build. Originally bred to hunt vermin, it is now kept mainly as a companion dog. The breed is recognised for its energetic, confident temperament and distinctive white appearance. In Canada, West Highland White Terriers are a familiar companion breed.

History

The breed is believed to have developed in Scotland from the same ancestral stock as other Scottish terriers. Britannica says it probably originated at Poltalloch in Argyll and was bred for many years by the Malcolm family.

Appearance

Westies are small, sturdy terriers with a white double coat, dark eyes, and prick ears. Their white coat gives the face a rounded look and is a defining breed feature.

Temperament and use

Originally bred for hunting vermin, Westies are now primarily companion dogs. Sources describe them as lively, playful, confident, and quick to chase moving objects.

Recognition

The breed appeared at Crufts in 1907. It was first registered by the American Kennel Club in 1908 under the name Roseneath Terrier and adopted its current name in 1909.

Key facts

  • A Scottish breed of small terrier commonly known as the Westie.
  • It has a pure white coat with a hard outer coat and softer undercoat.
  • The breed was developed for hunting small animals such as rats and other vermin.
  • Westies are typically described as energetic, playful, confident, and intelligent.
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Canadian context

West Highland White Terriers are a familiar companion breed in Canada, where they are kept as household pets and appear in standard dog-breed references used by Canadian readers.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Westie?
A Westie is the common name for the West Highland White Terrier, a small Scottish terrier breed.
What was the breed originally used for?
Westies were bred to hunt vermin, including rats and other small animals.
How big is a West Highland White Terrier?
It usually stands about 10–11 inches tall and weighs roughly 13–19 pounds.
Why are Westies white?
The breed standard calls for a pure white coat, which is one of its most distinctive traits.
When was the breed first shown publicly?
Britannica says the breed debuted at Crufts in London in 1907.
Are Westies popular as pets?
Yes. They are widely kept as companion dogs and are often described as friendly and entertaining.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Highland_White_Terrier
    Supports: General description, coat, size, and Scottish origin.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/West-Highland-white-terrier
    Supports: Size, coat, origin in Scotland, temperament, and early show/registration history.
  3. American Kennel Club — https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/west-highland-white-terrier/
    Supports: Breed temperament and popularity; breed name usage.
  4. The Kennel Club — https://www.royalkennelclub.com/breed-standards/terrier/west-highland-white-terrier/
    Supports: Breed colour standard: white only.
  5. PDSA — https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/west-highland-white-terrier
    Supports: Average height, weight, lifespan, and companion-animal description.