The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the "Westie," is a small, sturdy, and highly spirited breed that has captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide. To truly understand and appreciate this breed, it is essential to delve into its rich history and evolution. The West Highland White Terrier hails from Scotland, where its ancestors were bred for a specific purpose: hunting small game such as rats, foxes, and badgers. The rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands, with its rocky hills and dense vegetation, ...
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The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the "Westie," is a small, sturdy, and highly spirited breed that has captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide. To truly understand and appreciate this breed, it is essential to delve into its rich history and evolution. The West Highland White Terrier hails from Scotland, where its ancestors were bred for a specific purpose: hunting small game such as rats, foxes, and badgers. The rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands, with its rocky hills and dense vegetation, required a breed of dog that was not only tough and resilient but also small enough to pursue prey into tight spaces. These early terriers, often referred to as "earth dogs," were bred for their tenacity, agility, and courage. The Westie shares its origins with several other Scottish terrier breeds, including the Cairn Terrier, Scottish Terrier, and Skye Terrier. These breeds were likely interbred during their early development, resulting in dogs with similar traits but subtle differences in appearance and temperament. What set the West Highland White Terrier apart was its distinctive white coat. According to legend, this white coloration was intentionally selected after a tragic accident. Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch, a Scottish landowner, accidentally shot one of his favorite reddish-brown terriers during a hunt, mistaking it for a fox. Determined to prevent such accidents in the future, he decided to breed only white terriers, ensuring they would stand out in the field. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the West Highland White Terrier had gained recognition as a distinct breed. Its charming appearance, combined with its practical hunting skills, made it a favorite among hunters and dog enthusiasts alike. The breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom in 1906 and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1908. Since then, the Westie has transitioned from a working dog to a beloved companion, renowned for its spirited personality and adaptability.
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Add this copy of West Highland White Terrier: The Complete Manual for to cart. $9.65, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2025 by Independently Published.
Add this copy of West Highland White Terrier: the Complete Manual for to cart. $13.24, new condition, Sold by Just one more Chapter rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Miramar, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2025 by Independently published.
