According to the West Highland white terrier history this dog originated somewhere in Scotland which was called Poltalloch thus was once known as the Terrier of Poltalloch and later came to be known as Roseneath Terrier. He was the Duke of the Argyll’s estate. It was in 1909 that the breeds name changed to West Highland White terrier. The American Kennel Club recognized the West Highland White Terrier as a breed in  1908.

The West Highland White Terrier characteristics include it is a well-built little dog. The body of the West Highland white Terrier  is proportionate when compared with the head If seen from the front  it gives a round appearance It has a black nose and the teeth meet like the bite of scissors. The West Highland white terrier has almond shaped eyes that are dark brown and deeply set. It has erect ears that that are triangular in shape. They have short legs but not as low as the ground. They have a short tail which is not docked and double coat and the color of the coat is white.

Other West Highland White Terrier information includes the height of the male West Highland White terrier dog is 10-12 inches and the bitches are 9 – 11 inches tall. The weight of the male dog is 15 – 22 pounds and that of the bitches is 13-16 pounds. The number of years the West Highland white Terrier may live is around fifteen years and more. The West Highland White Terrier need to be taken for walks daily. They also love to dance and play and run about in a large area which is fenced and safe without leash.

The West Highland White Terrier health problems include liver diseases, hip problems, skin problems, jawbone calcification etc. They are also have problems that are related to hernia.

The West Highland White Terrier puppies may also suffer from a human induced disease known as Small dog syndrome if they are not properly trained. The West Highland White Terriers are apt for town life as well as city life and also for people who live in the country side. This breed is  extremely energetic at home and do not need a yard for play.

The West Highland White Terrier adoption is a good choice as they shed no or very little hair so they do not pose discomfort to people who suffer from allergy. Brushing their hair keeps it clean so they should be brushed with a firm bristle brush regularly and given bath only when very necessary. Trimming should be done in the area surrounding the ears as well as the eyes with a blunt nosed scissor. The whole coat needs to be stripped two times in a year and trimmed every four months.

The West Highland White Terriers training should be done by a person who is firm, confident, consistent. They are hardy little terriers, who can be trained easily. The White Terriers get along very well with children and are quite friendly toward strangers. They are energetic tough, friendly and full of life. They do not like to e left alone and love companionship. Though they are small they are very good watch dogs. One of their favorite pastimes is to dig and bark.