West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier — to its friends simply the Westie — is a small, snow-white ball at whose sight it really is hard not to smile. Though it looks like a living mascot, it has the soul of a brave hard worker: it comes from the Scottish highlands, where it was bred for tough work — driving rats and other uninvited guests out of farms and yards. Its snow-white coat was, moreover, not a whim but quite a clever idea. Thanks to it, this small worker was always perfectly visible in the field and never got lost from its owner's sight, no matter how far it ventured. And something of this has stayed in it to this day: the Westie is a dog that simply cannot be overlooked — and does not mind that one bit.

From this working past the Westie carried a character that makes it one of the merriest scrappers of the canine world. It is a dog bursting with self-assurance — it strides through life with the expression of someone absolutely convinced that it is doing splendidly and that everyone adores it (and it is usually right). Unlike many terriers it is at the same time exceptionally sociable and cheerful — it gladly greets acquaintances and strangers as if each were a long-unseen buddy. But a terrier is a terrier: the Westie has in it a considerable dose of independence, its own opinion on every subject, and an irresistible inclination to dig, to chase everything that flees, and to loudly announce to the neighborhood every intruder — with the exceptionally impudent squirrel at the head. That charming, plush exterior still remembers the old trade: the Westie has not for a moment forgotten that it once descended into dark burrows and nooks — and would very gladly do it again, if only the opportunity arose.

But what really wins the Westie so many admirers is its inexhaustible cheerfulness. It is a dog that seems to draw pure joy from life and shares it generously — a merry, energetic, world-curious companion with whom boredom is hard to come by and a bad mood even harder. Despite all its terrier independence the Westie is deeply attached to the family and loves to be at the center of household events: to take part in play, in the walk, in every bustle. It is a companion with a cheerful, brave heart that brings into the home plenty of life and warmth, and on top of that — with good care — accompanies its human for really long years. A small dog that can brighten everyday life like few others.

And now the matter that for this breed is absolutely crucial: the skin. Westies are among the dogs most prone in the world to atopic dermatitis and allergies, and itchy, irritated skin is the most frequent health problem in this breed.

Because in this small, white, disarmingly charming body there really lives the character of a true Scottish tough guy and the heart of an incorrigible optimist. It is a dog full of life, courage, and cheer that will repay you with years of joyful, devoted companionship — provided you care for its sensitive skin, give it movement, and let it be part of your everyday life.

It needs only a wise diet for that delicate skin, plenty of shared play, and your closeness. And a home with a Westie becomes brighter — and not only thanks to its snow-white fur. Because the Westie, though it long ago went into domestic retirement, to this day strides through life just as nature created it: proudly, merrily, and with the unshakable certainty that a white coat suits it exceptionally well in all of this.