What is a ‘Breed Standard’?

A Breed Standard is a guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, appearance and health of a dog. This ‘blue print’ of perfect characteristics is used by breeders and judges. The Westie Breed standard states that the dog should be ‘strongly built, deep in chest and back ribs with a level back and powerful quarters on muscular legs’.

The breed characteristics describe the dog to be ‘small, active’ and ‘possessed of no small amount of self esteem’. In other words a small stocky dog that is full of Westitude! – Jill Arnold in her book The West Highland White Terrier describes the Westie as ‘small but potent’!

The Westie is a terrier, an earth dog, selectively bread in the Scottish Highlands to go to ground to capture prey. The Westie bark is integral to the job. Hence, as anyone with a Westie will tell you – they like to bark!

The ‘blue print’ describes the temperament and the most desirable physical attributes all essential to an exacting standard if you are to show your Westie but can be compromised for a family pet. Of our two Westies our little girl was bred from two champions, she has the perfect coat, gait and conforms closely to all but the size of the breed standard being quite petite. What she lacks in size she makes up for in all other aspects! Our boy was bred from family dogs and has only a single layer coat but still has all the stockiness, tenacity and gait that the breed standard describes.

Does Breed Standard matter?

When buying any Westie they should all ‘loosely match’ to the breed standard – the only criteria is to what extent. Breeders put a lot of effort into working breeding lines to achieve the perfect specimen. For showing, the closer the dog is to the Breed Standard the better, but for a family pet the same exacting criteria is not crucial. More important is the dogs personality and temperament.

If you want a dog to love and be part of the family many of those same breeders will have the perfect puppy for you. Dogs can also be purchased from registered reputable breeders where the dogs are not Kennel Club registered. In this case the breeder should still offer a  pedigree showing at least two generations of ancestors. Breeders have to register with their local authority in order to sell puppies. Always check the registration and never buy away from the home/farm etc. Always ask to see the puppies with their mother and if possible with their father.

Westie enjoying the sun

Show Quality vs Pet Quality

Both of my dogs are undoubtedly Westies, both beautiful examples of the gentle, loving breed. They both have plenty of ‘self-esteem’ but neither would receive a CC at a show and one would never make it there as he doesn’t have Kennel Club registration. If you want to show a dog and have aspirations to show at Crufts then you need a dog that conforms, or is expected to conform as close as possible to the Breed Standard. Most likely this dog will have been parented by Champions or dogs who have performed well in the ring. Not all puppies littered by Champions will go on to be a champion. Breeders often refer to puppies as ‘show quality’ or ‘pet quality’, out little girl fell into the latter category.

Showing and Dog Activites

If you want to attend dog shows there are plenty of opportunities with any dog. Events such as agility, obedience, flyball or even heel work to music. Search for a local club or more information can be found on the Kennel Club website.

If you are looking for an older dog contact the Westie Rescue or register with local dogs homes.

More information on Westie breed standard can be found at:

The West Highland White Terrier Club of England

The Kennel Club