A Brief History of the

West Highland White Terrier

During the second half of the 19th century, Colonel E D Malcolm of Poltalloch in Scotland in Scotland developed a breed of terrier to hunt foxes in the rocky terrain of the highlands of Scotland.

The dog needed to be small but hardy and flexible.  Also brave enough to fight its’ way into a fox’s lair between the rocks, against stiff opposition if necessary.

They were selectively bred as all white terriers so that they could be easily distinguished from the fox against the drab background of the countryside.  The breed was originally named the Poltalloch Terrier but later this was changed to the West Highland White Terrier where the breed originated.

The West Highland White Terrier was recognised as a breed by the English Kennel Club in 1907 and was recognised in Australia in the 1920’s.

  Westie Pics 2             Westie Pics 

                                                  Colonel Malcolm & his Westies               Colonel Malcolm's pack of Poltalloch Westies

 Westie Pics 3 

Westies from 1925