West Highland White

The breed was developed from Cairn terrier ancestry and it was the Malcolms of Poltalloch in Argyllshire who developed a white strain of Cairns in the mid 19th century. Many breeders of Cairns had been in the practice of culling white puppies but the Malcolms asserted that they were easier to see when working on the moors. The West Highland White was eventually developed to become a little shorter in the body and with a higher tail carriage than the Cairn.

Early names for the breed were the Poltalloch terrier, and the Roseneath terrier – after a strain developed on the Duke of Argyll's Roseneath Estate.

Recognised by The Kennel Club in 1907, the West Highland White remains one of the most popular breeds in the group.


Size: Small
Exercise: Up to 1 hour per day
Size of home: Flat/ Apartment
Grooming: More than once a week
Coat length: Medium
Sheds: Yes
Lifespan: Over 12 years
Vulnerable native breed: No
Town or country: Either
Size of garden: Small/ medium garden