Breed History
The West Highland White Terrier shares its roots with those of most other terrier breeds from Scotland, including the Cairn, Skye and Scottish Terrier....
For many centuries, these dogs were put to work ridding stables, kitchens and farmland of mice, rats and other vermin. They were also used to hunt other burrowing animals such as fox, badger and otter. Up until the 19th century, the West Highland White Terrier was lumped together with its Scottish cousins, which were collectively referred to as Scottish Terriers. Around this time, however, dog fanciers decided that it did not make sense to have one breed with such great diversity, and efforts were made to separate and distinguish the various terriers.A West Highland White Terrier was shown for the first time in 1907 by a man named Colonel Malcolm. Malcolm called the dog a Poltalloch Terrier, after his home. During this period, the breed went through several name changes, including the Poltalloch, White Scottish and Little Skye Terrier. The breed was finally recognized under the name Roseneath Terrier by the American Kennel Club in 1908, only to have its name changed the following year to the West Highland White Terrier. The last name finally stuck, and the breed has since become a renowned champion in the ring and a common fixture in homes both in its native Scotland and elsewhere.