Other Names- White Roseneath Terrier, Roseneath Terrier, Poltalloch Terrier

Height- males (10-12 inches), females (9-11 inches)

Weight- males (15-22 pounds), females (13-16 pounds)

Life Expectancy- 15 years or more

Group- Terrier (AKC)

Recognized By- AKC(American Kennel Club), CKC(Canadian Kennel Club), FCI(Federation Cynologique Internationale), ANKC(Australian National Kennel Council), NZKC(New Zealand Kennel Club), KCGB(Kennel Club of Great Britain), CKC(Continental Kennel Club), NKC(National Kennel Club), ACR(American Canine Registry), APRI(American Pet Registry Inc.), UKC(United Kennel Club).

The West Highland White Terrier originated in Scotland in the 1800's. The breed was developed by using white colored offspring of both the Cairn Terrier and the Scottish Terrier. To add different desirable traits or characteristics to the breed, white offspring of the Bedlington Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier were also used. The breed was developed for hunting on the Scottish Moors and their white color ensured they would be easily visible to hunters.

The West Highland is a small terrier with a deep chest and muscular legs. The coat is always white, and consists of a 2 inch shaggy outercoat, and a soft dense undercoat. Their tail is about 5 or 6 inches long, and it is never docked.

West Highlands make good family pets and get along well with children. They are energetic and independent often thinking they are much bigger than they are. They will bark and let you know someone is coming. They also, like other terriers, have a tendency to be fond of digging. Most of the time they will not be aggressive towards other dogs and pick fights, but at the same time, will not back down from one either. This breed thrives on companionship and make great pets to travel with, but they also will not feel too hurt by having some time alone occasionally.

The West Highland does not have high needs for exercise as alot of other breeds do, and therefore would do quite well living in apartments. The can still benefit from a regular exercise routine however, and will easily adapt to whatever time you provide for this.

West highland White Terrier are a long lived breed that stays generally very healthy. Occasionally these health problems may occur:

• skin problems
• Perthe's disease
• liver problems

This breed sheds little to no hair, and is fairly easy to groom. Regular brushing with a stiff brush is required. Bathe only when necessary. To keep the coat looking even better it is suggested that you get their coat trimmed and stripped regularly.