The Canadian West Highland White Terrier Club and its members of breeders and exhibitors feel that it is a difficult task for a judge to form a consensus of “breed type” when judging of this breed is in limited numbers of entries at all-breed shows. With this in mind, the directors and interested members of the Canadian West Highland White Terrier Club have studied the breed standard and have outlined several points which they feel to be of importance to maintain the quality of breed type while adhering to the breed standard.

This article should be viewed as a possible reference to use while forming an image of the ideal West Highland White Terrier as outlined in the breed standard which should be kept in mind at all times.

Temperament
He should stand his ground but not start any fights; sparring is not part of the WHWT temperament. These dogs were bred to hunt in packs; courage and friendliness are inherent.

Size
Rather than compare the smallest to the largest in the class, the standard size requirements should be adhered to while studying the overall outline and balance of the dog.

Coat and colour
Careful hand stripping will produce the desired blended effect without showing trim lines. At the present time, most coats are trimmed shorter than the stated two inches. However the ideal is as stated in the Standard. Colour is very important; white comes in variations with a very hard coat not as white as a softer coat. A sparkling clean coat should always be presented.

Head
The Westie head is its crown and should display strong characteristics, either feminine or masculine. The grooming of the head should be circular giving the appearance of a chrysanthemum.

Muzzle
The muzzle should be approximately 2/3 the length of the skull and preference should be given to a “square” muzzle rather than a “snipey” muzzle.

Eyes
Almond-shaped dark eyes are preferred over light-coloured or narrow-set eyes.

Ears
Ear placement should indicate the depth of the skull and should be well-placed on the backskull. Small ears help to continue the circular appearance of the head.

Neck
The neck should give the appearance of strength while blending head to body with a nice, upwardly arch from wither to occiput. The length and substance of neck compliments the overall balance of the dog.

Lenght of leg
A Westie should not be leggy like a (white) Fox Terrier or short on leg like a (white) Scottie.

Chest and body
The angulation of the rear should be equal to the front angulation to give balance of movement. A short loin is important for a compact, powerful dog.

Tail
Tail carriage should be erect when moving and is preferred to be erect when standing. Tail carriage is often a guide to the overall confidence of the dog.

Gait
The Westie should be quick and light off his feet so that he can move effortlessly. He should not be shown on a too-tight lead or strung-up lead. While shown at a good brisk pace, all four feet should squarely hit the ground to show a balanced gait.

We hope you have read this memorandum in the spirit in which it was written and we thank you for your time and interest in our breed.

Authors: Sheila Ehmann , Wanda Konski , Christine Wheeldon, Sandy Davis