West Highland White Terriers are concentrations of personality in a snowy white coat.
Don’t let the “couch dog” look fool you-they are little athletes with a fascinating history.
Here are some of the most interesting facts about them:
1. The secret of the color white
Did you know that their iconic white color originated for safety reasons? Legend has it that Colonel Edward Malcolm of Poltalloch, during a hunting trip in the 19th century, accidentally mistook his reddish terrier for a fox. After that tragic incident, he decided to breed only white specimens so that they would be easily distinguishable among the Scottish moors and rocks.
2. A tail… rescue-proof
The Westie’s tail is short, straight, and incredibly strong. It is not just for aesthetics: historically, it was used by hunters to pull the dog out of prey burrows (such as foxes or badgers) in case it got stuck underground.
3. “The Big Five” of Scotland
The Westie is one of five terriers native to the Scottish Highlands. Its close “cousins” are:
Cairn Terrier
Skye Terrier
Scottish Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
4. Personality “Westitude”
Enthusiasts of the breed often use the term “Westitude” to describe their mix of self-confidence, independence and a hint of stubbornness. They do not consider themselves small dogs at all; in their brains, they are as big as any dog they encounter-even a Great Dane!
5. TV and Marketing Stars
The Westie is a beloved face (and muzzle) for brands. He has been the historic face of the Black & White whiskey brand (along with a black Scottish Terrier) and of Cesar dog food. Westies are real camera magnets: their expressive snouts and contrasting white fur make them perfect for the big screen.
The most famous movies or series in which they appear
Widows – Criminal Legacy (2018)
This is perhaps the most iconic and recent role. The protagonist (Viola Davis) carries her Westie, named Olivia, with her in almost every scene, even the most tension-filled ones. The dog became a web star upon the film’s release because of her ability to remain impassive during moments of action.
Game Night – Guess who dies tonight? (2018)
In this action comedy, a Westie stars in one of the funniest (and somewhat gory, but in a comic way) scenes: it accidentally ends up stained with blood during a firefight and the protagonists clumsily try to clean it up.
The Griffins (Family Guy)
Although not a live-action film, one cannot fail to mention Brian Griffin. Although he is stylized in the cartoon, creator Seth MacFarlane has confirmed that Brian is inspired by a Westie (albeit a much taller and definitely more cynical than the real thing!).
Grey’s Anatomy (TV Series)
For several seasons, Meredith and Derek had a Westie named Doc. Although his story brought millions of fans to tears, it perfectly showed the sweet and stubborn side of the breed.
The Adventures of Tintin
Here there is a little debate among fanciers: Milu (Snowy), Tintin’s faithful companion, is officially a white Wire Fox Terrier. However, he is so similar to a Westie that for decades the breed has enjoyed incredible popularity precisely because of this resemblance.
Bobby the Edinburgh Puppy
(The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby, 2005)
This film tells Scotland’s most famous (true) story: that of Bobby, a dog who stood by his master’s grave for 14 years. Although the “real” Bobby was a Skye Terrier, in the 2005 film version a West Highland White Terrier was actually chosen as the main character.
Asterix and Obelix (Live Action)
The breed of Idefix, Obelix’s little dog, is often discussed. Although in the comics he is a fictional half-breed, in the various live-action films (such as Asterix & Obelix vs. Caesar) the role has often been given to expertly trained Westies, as they perfectly embody the character’s lively, milky-white coloring.
Hamish Macbeth (TV Series)
In this detective series set in Scotland, the protagonist (played by Robert Carlyle) has a faithful companion named Wee Jock, a Westie who accompanies him on all his investigations among the breathtaking landscapes of the Highlands.
Some quick tips if you want one:
Born hunters: They have a strong predatory instinct. If they see a cat or squirrel, they forget any “stay” command.
Coat maintenance: Their coat is “rough” to protect them from the Scottish climate. It requires regular brushing and, ideally, the stripping technique to maintain the correct texture.
Loud voices: They are excellent alert dogs–in the sense that they will alert you to every single strange movement they sense!
