The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the Westie, is a distinctive and charming breed. Their bright white coat, combined with their intelligent expression and sturdy build, makes them instantly recognizable. But what truly defines the ideal Westie appearance? This comprehensive guide delves into the breed standard, exploring the key characteristics that distinguish a West Highland White Terrier and contribute to their unique appeal.
Understanding the Breed Standard
The breed standard is the official blueprint for each breed, outlining the ideal characteristics in terms of appearance, temperament, and movement. Developed by breed clubs and recognized by kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Kennel Club (UK), the standard serves as a guide for breeders and judges at dog shows. It emphasizes the functional aspects of the breed, ensuring that the Westie retains the physical attributes necessary for its original purpose: hunting vermin. While no dog perfectly embodies the standard, it provides a valuable framework for understanding what breeders strive for.
The Westie’s Striking Silhouette: Size, Proportion, and Substance
A Westie’s overall appearance should convey strength, balance, and agility. They are small dogs, but they shouldn’t appear delicate or fragile.
Ideal Size and Weight
The breed standard specifies a height of approximately 11 inches at the withers (the highest point of the shoulder) for both males and females. Weight is generally proportionate to height, typically ranging from 15 to 20 pounds. However, it’s important to remember that individual dogs may vary, and overall balance and proportion are more important than adhering rigidly to these specific numbers. A dog that is slightly larger or smaller but well-proportioned and sound is preferable to one that adheres strictly to the size guidelines but lacks overall quality.
Proportion and Substance
The Westie should be slightly longer than tall, creating a compact and sturdy appearance. Their body should be well-muscled and well-boned, giving them a substantial feel for their size. The chest should be deep, and the ribs well-sprung, providing ample room for the heart and lungs. A level topline (the line of the back from the withers to the base of the tail) is desirable, contributing to the overall balance and symmetry of the dog.
Gait and Movement
A Westie’s movement is an important indicator of their overall soundness and conformation. They should move freely and effortlessly, with good reach and drive. Reach refers to the extension of the front legs, while drive refers to the power generated from the hind legs. The legs should move parallel to each other, with no crossing or interference. A smooth, coordinated gait reflects proper angulation and balance, allowing the Westie to cover ground efficiently.
The Head: Expression, Skull, and Features
The head is a defining feature of the Westie, contributing significantly to their overall charm and character. The expression should be keen, intelligent, and slightly mischievous.
The Skull and Muzzle
The skull should be slightly domed, providing ample space for the brain. The muzzle should be strong and gradually tapering towards the nose. The length of the muzzle should be approximately two-thirds the length of the skull. A strong jaw is essential for gripping and holding prey, reflecting the breed’s working heritage. The stop (the indentation between the eyes) should be well-defined, but not overly abrupt.
Eyes, Nose, and Ears
The eyes are dark in color, preferably a deep, rich brown. They should be moderately sized, almond-shaped, and set wide apart. A piercing gaze is characteristic of the breed, conveying their intelligence and alertness. The nose must be black, providing a stark contrast to the white coat. The ears are small, pointed, and carried erect. They should be set well apart and covered with short, smooth hair. Drooping ears are a fault.
Bite and Dentition
A scissors bite is preferred, where the upper incisors slightly overlap the lower incisors. A level bite (where the incisors meet edge to edge) is acceptable but less desirable. Overshot (where the upper incisors protrude significantly beyond the lower incisors) or undershot (where the lower incisors protrude beyond the upper incisors) bites are considered serious faults. The teeth should be strong and evenly spaced.
The Coat: Texture, Length, and Presentation
The Westie’s coat is undoubtedly one of its most distinctive features. The texture, length, and presentation of the coat are all crucial elements of the breed standard.
Texture and Density
The Westie possesses a double coat. The outer coat is harsh and wiry, providing protection from the elements and undergrowth. The undercoat is soft and dense, offering insulation and warmth. The combination of these two layers creates a weatherproof barrier that allows the Westie to thrive in a variety of climates. A soft or fluffy coat is considered a fault. The harsh texture of the outer coat is essential for maintaining the breed’s characteristic appearance and functionality.
Length and Trimming
The coat should be of moderate length, typically around two inches long. It should be trimmed to accentuate the dog’s outline and create a clean, neat appearance. The head is typically trimmed to create a round, appealing shape. The legs are trimmed to be straight and clean. The tail is trimmed in a carrot shape. Excessive trimming or sculpting of the coat is discouraged, as it can detract from the natural appearance of the Westie.
Color
The Westie, as the name suggests, should be pure white. Any color other than white is considered a disqualification. While puppies may occasionally have cream or biscuit-colored markings, these usually fade as they mature. Maintaining the purity of the white coat is a key aspect of the breed standard.
The Tail: Set, Length, and Carriage
The tail is an important extension of the Westie’s topline, contributing to their overall balance and symmetry.
Set and Length
The tail should be set on high and carried erect, but not curled over the back. The length of the tail should be approximately 5 to 6 inches. A tail that is too long or too short can detract from the overall balance of the dog.
Carriage
The tail should be carried in a jaunty manner, reflecting the Westie’s confident and spirited personality. A tail that is carried low or tucked under the body can indicate shyness or timidity. The tail should be strong and muscular, allowing the Westie to wag it vigorously.
Temperament: The Westie Personality
While the breed standard primarily focuses on physical characteristics, temperament is also an important consideration. A well-bred Westie should be confident, intelligent, and independent.
Character Traits
They are known for their playful and affectionate nature, making them excellent companions. They are also relatively easy to train, although they can be stubborn at times. Early socialization is crucial for ensuring that they are well-adjusted and comfortable around people and other animals. Aggression or excessive shyness is considered a serious fault. The ideal Westie possesses a balanced temperament, combining confidence, intelligence, and affection.
Working Heritage
Remember, the Westie was originally bred to hunt vermin. This heritage has instilled in them a strong prey drive and a tendency to dig. Providing them with plenty of opportunities to exercise and engage in mentally stimulating activities can help to channel these instincts in a positive way.
Conclusion: The Ideal Westie
In summary, the ideal West Highland White Terrier is a well-balanced, sturdy, and intelligent dog with a distinctive white coat and a confident, spirited personality. The breed standard provides a valuable guide for breeders and enthusiasts, ensuring that the breed retains its unique characteristics and functional abilities. While no dog perfectly embodies the standard, striving towards it helps to preserve the integrity and beauty of this beloved breed. Appreciating the nuances of the breed standard enhances our understanding and admiration for the West Highland White Terrier.
What is the ideal size and weight range for a West Highland White Terrier?
The West Highland White Terrier standard doesn’t specify an exact height or weight, emphasizing instead the importance of overall balance and proportion. A well-balanced Westie typically stands around 10-11 inches tall at the withers. Judges prioritize a dog that appears compact, strong, and agile, with sufficient bone and muscle for its size, rather than adhering to rigid measurements.
While there isn’t a precise weight specification, a healthy adult Westie usually weighs between 15-20 pounds. However, this can vary depending on the dog’s bone structure and build. The key is that the dog should appear sturdy and well-muscled, not overweight or underweight, allowing for free and effortless movement.
What is the ideal head shape and expression for a Westie?
The head of a West Highland White Terrier should be slightly domed and in proportion to the body. The muzzle should be approximately two-thirds the length of the skull, giving a balanced and pleasant appearance. A slight stop (the indentation between the eyes) is desirable.
The Westie’s expression is one of its most endearing features. It should be keen, intelligent, and alert. The dark, wide-set eyes contribute significantly to this expression, as do the slightly pricked ears that are carried erect and pointed. The black nose completes the look of an intelligent and inquisitive companion.
What is the correct color and texture for a Westie’s coat?
The only acceptable color for a West Highland White Terrier is pure white. Any other color, including cream or biscuit, is considered a fault. The white coat contributes significantly to the breed’s distinctive appearance and is a defining characteristic.
The coat texture is equally important. A Westie’s coat should be a double coat, consisting of a harsh, wiry outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. This combination provides excellent protection from the elements. Proper grooming is essential to maintain the desired coat texture and appearance, typically involving hand-stripping rather than clipping.
How should a Westie’s tail be carried and what is the ideal length?
A West Highland White Terrier’s tail is a vital part of its overall silhouette and carriage. It should be carried erect and neither too gay (curling over the back) nor too low (drooping between the legs). The tail should be set on high and stand perpendicular to the back.
The ideal length of the tail is around 5-6 inches. It should be thick at the base and tapering slightly towards the tip. The tail serves as a counterbalance for the dog, especially during movement, and contributes to its overall balanced appearance. A docked tail is a disqualification in most breed standards.
What is the ideal bite and teeth alignment for a Westie?
The West Highland White Terrier standard calls for a scissor bite. This means that the upper teeth closely overlap the lower teeth, creating a clean and efficient biting action. The teeth should be relatively large for the size of the dog and regularly spaced.
A level bite, where the upper and lower incisors meet edge-to-edge, is permissible, but less desirable than a scissor bite. Overshot or undershot bites, where the upper or lower teeth significantly protrude beyond the other, are considered serious faults and can affect the dog’s ability to grip and hold. A full complement of teeth is also preferred.
How should a Westie move and what does correct movement look like?
The West Highland White Terrier’s movement should be free, effortless, and agile. They should exhibit good reach and drive, with the front legs extending forward and the rear legs providing powerful propulsion. The topline should remain level during movement, indicating good balance and coordination.
Correct movement is a key indicator of soundness and conformation. The dog should track straight, with no weaving or crabbing. The legs should move parallel to each other, and the hocks should be close. A well-moving Westie displays efficiency and stamina, reflecting its working terrier heritage.
What are some common faults to look for in a West Highland White Terrier?
Common faults in West Highland White Terriers include incorrect coat color (cream or biscuit), a soft or woolly coat texture, and a poorly carried tail (too gay or too low). Other faults can include a poor bite (overshot or undershot), lack of substance (light bone), and poor movement.
Additionally, faults in temperament, such as shyness or aggression, are also penalized. The standard emphasizes the importance of a bold and confident temperament. Structural faults, such as unsound hips or elbows, are also undesirable and can affect the dog’s overall health and well-being.