Maggie Ross Dog Art > Terriers > West Highland White Terrier

Cairn Terrier litters occasionally contained white puppies. The Malcolm family of Scotland selectively bred these white dogs, producing the West Highland White Terrier, a breed easily visible on the Scottish moors.

The breed, descended from working terriers, has a lot of energy, tenacity, and aggression towards its prey, which was originally the rabbit and other smaller animals, such as squirrels. This history has endowed the Westie with a bold temperament that leads many to call them "big dogs in a little body." They are always alert and consider themselves guard dogs, although their size prevents them from providing any real intimidation.

As with any dog, if seriously irritated or provoked they may respond with a growl, though this is rare. If the tail is down and ears are back, keep away. They may be eating or chewing a favorite toy. They are very possessive of their belongings, master and food.

They are great companion dogs and get along with other animals, although care should be taken when introducing them to other domestic pets, such as cats. They also are compatible with children. Since Westies were originally bred as hunting dogs, they need to have room to run and play.

Westies are not recommended as apartment dogs. If traveling they make great companions, since they can adjust easily to new situations and people and because of their small size. Westies will appreciate two or three walks each day.

They are very energetic but tire and need to take several naps per day. Like all dogs, the Westie responds better to love and gentleness than to cruelty. As with most terriers, harsh training methods are often met only with stubbornness. Westies are good with children, the elderly, and the disabled.

Peace and the Westie Puppy The West Highland White Terrier Pup contemplates Peace on Earth and gazes up. My wish for us all.	Two Winter Westies Two Westies have been playing in the winter snow. They come to rest and survey the frosty world around them. Let's go!	Westie Awaits Santa The Big Man is coming, Westie anticipates a wonderful Holiday. Snow to play in, goodies in ribbon-tied packages, trees indoors! Cards, Clothing and Gift items!
Twin Westies Await Santa Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? Here comes Santa Claus! Clothing and Gift items for Christmas!	6 Loving Westies Valentine of West Highland White Terriers. Won't you be mine?	Westies are the Best Declare your preference! Westie silhouette.
I Love Westies Do you love Westies, I do! I paint them every chance I get. Wonderful companion, rugged little terrier, earthdog. . .always ready to go in after the Rats!	Westie Princess Meet the Westie Princess! Beautiful gem encrusted crown in place, this West Highland White Terrier knows her place in the family! Do you have a Westie Princess? Fun Clothing & Gift items.	Springtime Westie CLICK HERE to see this Westie without a background. Multicolored blossoms surround this West Highland White Terrier head study. Celebrate Spring with this happy image.
Spring Flowers & Westies Springtime, sunny day, two West Highland White Terriers are out in the cottage yard enjoying a few minutes of sunshine. Flowers abound!	Westie Running Freshly mowed, Westie couldn't resist running circles through the fragrant grass. I believe it is called "frapping" totally free form fun.	Westie Refreshment at a Mountain Stream The Westies have been on a mountain hike with their Pekingese buddy. Now everyone is getting an ice cold drink from this stream. Life is good.
Agility Westie Pride West Highland White Terrier excels at Agility Trials. Always looking for something to do, the Westie loves competing in these tests of ability.	Agility Pride You and your Westie have worked very hard on the training. Tell everyone how Proud you are of your Agility Westie!	Westie Chooses the Glove The big test. Westie has to choose the glove that his owner touched. This is it! The very one.
Westie with a Red Collar West Highland White Terrier head study. This image shows my painting of a Westie proudly wearing a Red Collar. Clothing & gift items for the Westie Lover!	Rustic Westie Head Study West Highland White Terrier against a backdrop of autumn woodland. Note cards and other Gift items for your Westie collection.	Westie Napping Westie naps in the lazy summer warmth of a handmade quilt. Pleasant design on clothing and gift items for you!
2 Westies & a Crab Two West Highland White Terriers enjoying a day at the Beach. Doing a little surfing, building castles in the sand, catching some rays. Hello! Who's this little red creature? D'you want to play?	Westie on Tartan West Highland White Terrier displayed against the Black Watch Tartan with an exuberance of thistles and confetti carrying the design outward. Celebrate your Westie!	Westies Picnic Three Westies gaily prepare for their Picnic ! Life is good. . .ooh, ants! Well I guess it will still be fun. Clothing & Gift ideas!
Westie Stops to Smell the Flowers Positive & upbeat design. West Highland White Terrier reminds us all to 'stop and smell the flowers' every so often! Clothing & Gift ideas for you.	Westies Napping A cool bedroom in the summer house. . . two Westies know exactly where the best naps can be taken. Right on the handmade quilt, of course. They look up as if to plead: "Do Not Disturb"	West Highland White Terrier Head Study Westie Head Study. They look so soft, but Westies are hardy Terriers. Ready for anything, great in Earthdog Trials, these are working terriers.
We've Got the World on a String Two Westies have the world just where they like it, and they promise to play nice. . . .Sittin' on a rainbow. . .	Lonesome Westie Just a little poem about missing you! From your Westie	West Highland White Terriers Three great amigos. . .where one goes two and three go. . .they're always together.
Westies on Vacation These Westies are visiting Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland. The beautiful and ancient castle was the stronghold of the MacKenzie Clan beginning in the 13th Century.	Westie Buddies Two buddies, these Westies do everything together. Chasing squirrels and leaves, sniffing the perimeter of the yard every morning, together.	Love My Westie #3 Three for three variations on the Valentine's Day theme for West Highland White Terrier lovers. Three Westies here to proclaim your Westie Love to the world!
Two Westies Halloween OOOh, look! Bats! Halloween is coming. Westies love the cooler weather and running through the falling leaves with all the kids out for Trick or Treat!	Halloween Westies The same Two Westies at Halloween design, but without the verse.