Originally bred to catch small rodents, the West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, has become a beloved companion known for capturing the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. The breed is so adored that it has its own special day: National Westie Day!
When is National Westie Day?
National Westie Day is celebrated annually on March 20th.
This date honors the memory of Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm, who passed away on this day in 1930. As the 16th Laird of the MacCullum-Malcolm clan, Colonel Malcolm played a significant role in developing the West Highland White Terrier.
Fun Facts About the Westie
To celebrate National Westie Day, here are some fun facts about this charming breed:
- Coat Colors: As the name suggests, Westies are known for their pure white coats. This distinctive color dates back to the 1600s when Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch accidentally shot his dark-furred terrier, mistaking it for a fox. After that, he decided to breed only white dogs to avoid future accidents.
- Longevity: Westies typically live between 12 to 16 years, offering many years of joy and companionship.
- Size: Female Westies usually weigh between 13 to 18 pounds and stand 9 to 11 inches tall, while males weigh 15 to 22 pounds and stand 10 to 12 inches tall.
- Name Evolution: Before becoming known as the West Highland White Terrier, the breed was originally called the Poltalloch Terrier in honor of Colonel Malcolm. Later, they were renamed the Roseneath Terrier after the Duke of Argyll’s estate in Dumbartonshire, before finally being dubbed the West Highland White Terrier.
- Popularity: While Westies hold a special place in the hearts of their owners, they ranked 46th on the American Kennel Club’s 2021 list of most popular dog breeds.
- Show Champions: Westies have made their mark in the dog show world, with Dianthus Buttons winning Best in Show at Crufts in 1976, followed by Olac Moon Pilot in 1990 and Burneze Geordie Girl in 2016.
- Art and Culture: Renowned artist Jeff Koons created “Puppy,” a floral sculpture of a Westie, in 1992. This massive topiary stands outside the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain.
Famous Pet Parents of Westies
- Jennifer Aniston: The Friends star has a tattoo of her late Westie mix, Norman, on her right foot as a tribute to her beloved companion.
- Joan Caufield: The Hollywood actress had a Westie named Witty, who even appeared alongside her in a 1944 issue of Life magazine.
- Lillian Gish: The silent film star received a Westie named Malcolm from Sir Ian Malcolm during a visit to Scotland.
- Cary Grant: The legendary actor was the proud owner of two Westies, Archie and Cholmondeley.
- Robert Pattinson: The Twilight star grew up with a Westie named Patty, whom he considered like a sister.
- JK Rowling: The Harry Potter author named her Westie Anne, after the novelist Anne Brontë.
- Christian Serratos: The star of The Walking Dead and Selena had a Westie named Bolt during her time in the Twilight franchise.
Famous Westies
- Juicy Couture Logo: The iconic logo for the fashion brand Juicy Couture features two Westies.
- Cesar Canine Cuisine: A West Highland White Terrier is the face of Cesar pet food.
- Greyfriars Bobby: Although the real Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier, the 2005 film portrayed him with a Westie.
- McGruff: The title character in the children’s book series by Rosemary Wells is a Westie.
- Dodger: A Westie/Jack Russell mix from Dogs Trust, Dodger portrayed Buddy in the British TV series Doc Martin.
- Olivia: This Westie shared screen time with Viola Davis in Widows, Jason Bateman in Game Night, and Debby Ryan in Insatiable.
Adopting a West Highland White Terrier
If you’re considering adding a Westie to your family, there are breed-specific rescue organizations across the U.S. dedicated to finding forever homes for these wonderful dogs. You can connect with groups like the Westie Rescue Network or National Westie Network, which is a committee of the West Highland White Terrier Club of America.
Local rescue organizations are also great resources for adopting either purebred or mixed-breed Westies. You can search for adoptable Westies online at:
National Westie Day is a time to celebrate the joy these little dogs bring into our lives. Whether you’re a proud Westie owner or considering welcoming one into your home, this day is all about honoring the delightful West Highland White Terrier.