West Highland White Terrier (Westie)

The West Highland White Terrier may be small in size, but they’ve got big personalities. These 13-22 pound doggos are more self-assured than most breeds and are independent thinkers. Their level of intelligence is very high and you will be shocked as to how quickly these little guys can learn new tricks. The “Westie” has so many amazing qualities that it is no surprise that they have become such a popular breed.

This Terrier breed was developed in Scotland, however, the exact timeline of their origin is not entirely known. The Westie was developed primarily for capturing small vermin and for assisting hunters with hunting animals such as foxes, badgers, and otters. The distinct white color of this dog's fur came from a hunting accident that occurred when a Wheaten-colored Cairn (same family as the Westie) was shot accidentally when it was mistaken for a fox on a hunting trip. To prevent this from happening again, only the white-colored Cairns were used for hunting, and they eventually became classified as a distinct breed.

The Westie has retained much of their original Terrier instincts. While their digging and barking habits can be slightly reduced through persistent training, their prey drive and desire to chase after small animals will never die down. Hunting small animals is in their blood, so it is important to not remove them from their leash unless they are in an enclosed area. These highly energetic dogs will always be ready to play and can withstand incredible amounts of physical activity relative to their size.

The personality of these pups is described as fun-loving and happy. The Westie gets along well with everybody, family and strangers alike. They may bark to alert you that someone is at the door, but you can be sure that they will greet all of your guests with positive energy once you let them in. The breeds’ easy-going temperament combined with their adorable physical appearance is enough to melt anyone's heart.

Instagram Photo Permission: @westhighland.russell