West Highland White Terrier
| West Highland White Terrier | ||
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| FCI Standard No. 85 | ||
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| Origin : | ||
| Alternative names: |
White Highland Terrier, "Westie", originally: Poltalloch Terrier, Roseneath Terrier |
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| Withers height: |
approx. 28 cm |
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| List of domestic dogs | ||
The West Highland White Terrier , colloquially known as the Westie , is an FCI- recognized British dog breed ( FCI Group 3, Section 2, Standard No. 85 ).
Origin and history
The first lines of West Highland White Terriers are attributed to the Malcolm family in Poltalloch in Argyllshire . Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm , 16th Laird of Poltalloch, (1837-1930) is widely regarded as the founder of this breed and has also given it the name "West Highland White Terrier".
West Highland White Terriers can already be recognized in paintings by the animal painter Edwin Landseer from 1839. In January 1905 the first "West Highland White Terrier Club" was founded in Scotland with the Duke of Argyll as Honorary President and Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch as President to promote the breeding of this breed of terriers . White puppies from Cairn Terrier litters could still be registered as West Highland White Terriers until 1924 . The breed standard, established in 1905, has hardly changed, but the outward appearance has changed.
Appearance
West Highland White Terriers have white, dense, wavy “double” fur, which is weatherproof from their origin. With a size up to 28 cm, they should reach a weight of 8 to 10 kg. The tail should be 13 to 15 cm long and carried upright. The ears are small, upright, not too far apart.
These dogs were originally bred for hunting in the highlands. You could easily recognize them by their white fur between rocks and brush. In addition, the West Highland White Terrier was a tough, resilient terrier that entered a fox and badger den without much fear. From their Scottish homeland, the breed is used to rough weather, and the dogs can get into problems in the summer heat.
Others
The West Highland White Terrier became a fashion dog in Germany in the 1990s - due to advertising . In order to meet the high demand for this breed, some breeders failed to take the necessary care in the selection and health of the breeding animals.
Dogs of this breed should be trimmed regularly . West Highland White Terriers do not shed: The dead top hair does not fall out by itself, but has to be plucked out (with your fingers or a trimming knife ). The more regularly (every ten to twelve weeks) you trim the dog, the better its double coat comes into its own.
The dog breed was also the heraldic animal of the Scottish depot in Eastfield (Glasgow), some locomotives had an image of the dog on the locomotive body .
Breed specific diseases
The cranio-mandibular osteopathy is occurring in young animals, very painful bone disease of the skull. Occasionally, the kneecap dislocates in West Highland White Terriers : knocked-out kneecap positioning causes varying degrees of lameness. In addition, allergies, jaw malformations and liver diseases as well as dental problems (bite and overbite) occur. Congenital ectopic ureter is also above average in puppies of this breed.
