History and Origin of the West Highland Terrier
The West Highland Terrier has a very interesting history – some say legend – regarding how their breed came into existence. Initially, these dogs were specifically bred to hunt small animals such as foxes, otters, hares and vermin. The ancestors of the Scottie, Cairn and Dandie Dinmont Terriers are the same as that of this breed. There are historical records that say the King of England (James I) had requested for these white-haired dogs around 1620 from Argyleshire, Scotland, and hence the popularity of the breed.
There are other legends, which say that Colonel Edward Donald Malclom who is attributed with the making of this breed, had inadvertently shot his reddish colored dog while on a hunting trip mistaking it for a fox. Hence, from then on, he bred only white terriers so such an accident would never happen again. Though he himself was never interested to get the credit as the originator, he went down in the history as the first person who bred these immaculate white dogs in around 1620.
The Evolution of the Name of West Highland Terrier
The Colonel bred these dogs as he vowed and you have the first generation West Highland White Terrier known as the Poltalloch Terriers, dated about the 1620s. Around the 19th century, the eighth Duke of Argylle took a lot of interest in these dogs, and took the responsibility to breed them. In his honor, these dogs were then renamed as Roseneath Terriers.
The name of the White Scottish Terrier was bestowed on them when they entered a dog show at the beginning of the 19th Century, when they were classified for first time under the name of West Highland Terrier. They were well received by the people and the breed became popular very fast. The breed was officially registered and recognized in 1909, just two years after the dog show where they were showcased for the first time. Since then these dogs have been known as the West Highland White Terriers.
Physically, these dogs are small and compact. However, by nature and temperament they are still hunting dogs who love to chase, dig and uncover prey. Do not choose this breed if you are buying the West Highland Terrier for a lapdog pet. They actually do not like to be picked up often or kept on the lap. The temperament of these dogs is what gave them the name of, “small body-big attitude”. They do no like to be carried, mishandled and cannot resist seeing something scurry around in front of their face. The West Highland Terrier temperament belies its size as this dog can be very aggressive if required.
