Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The West Highland White Terrier is a breed that developed in Scotland during the 18th and 19th centuries. Its ancestors were hard-coated working terriers used for hunting foxes, badgers, and other burrowing animals. The distinctive white coat was established through careful selection so the dog could be easily distinguished from game. The Malcolm family of Poltalloch played a major role in fixing both the white color and the breed’s strong working qualities. Over time, the breed spread throughout Great Britain, admired for its courage, endurance, and pleasing appearance. Eventually, the West Highland White Terrier became not only a capable hunter but also a beloved companion dog.
General Appearance
The West Highland White Terrier is a small, compact, well-balanced dog with a strong skeleton and well-developed muscles. The body is square in outline, harmonious, and solid. The head is relatively large with a rounded appearance due to abundant coat. The muzzle is short and broad, the nose black, and the dark eyes bright and intelligent. The small, erect, triangular ears give the dog a lively and alert expression. The neck is clean and of moderate length, merging smoothly into the shoulders. The back is straight and strong, the chest deep, the limbs straight and sturdy, and the tail medium in length, straight, and carried gaily. The coat is double: a harsh, straight outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat that protect against weather. The color is pure white.
Important Proportions
The body is square: the distance from the shoulder to the base of the tail equals the height at the withers. The head is large but balanced; the muzzle forms about one-third of the total head length. The skull is broad and slightly arched. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, and the ribs are well sprung. The height at the elbows is about half the total height. The shoulders are well laid back, the forelegs straight and parallel, and the tail about 12–15 cm long, never curled over the back. All proportions should show strength, balance, and endurance while maintaining a refined outline.
Behavior and Temperament
The West Highland White Terrier is cheerful, confident, and alert. It remains a lively companion while preserving its ancestral hunting spirit. It shows courage, determination, and curiosity, always ready for activity and exploration. Deeply attached to its owner, it is affectionate and sociable, good with children and other animals when properly trained. Intelligent and quick to learn, it responds well to consistent handling. The breed is not aggressive but naturally watchful and will warn of strangers. Energy, loyalty, and friendliness define its temperament.
Head
The head is well proportioned and striking in expression. The skull is broad and slightly domed, with sufficient width between the ears. The forehead is moderately rounded, and the stop is clearly defined but not abrupt. The hair on the head is full and abundant, giving a rounded shape that enhances the typical expression.
Foreface
The foreface is short, broad at the base, and slightly tapering toward the nose. The muzzle is about one-third of the head length. The nose is always black with well-opened nostrils. The lips are tight and black-pigmented. The jaws are strong with large white teeth and a perfect scissor bite, emphasizing the breed’s working origin.
Eyes
Eyes are medium-sized, round, and well set apart, giving a keen, bright, and friendly expression. They are dark brown to black, never light. The eyelids are tight and fully pigmented. The overall expression must be lively, intelligent, and alert. Light eyes or a harsh expression are undesirable.
Ears
Ears are small, erect, and triangular with pointed tips. They are set wide apart and carried upright, covered with short, hard hair without tufts. Their size must be in proportion to the head; overly large or heavy ears are faults. Correct ears emphasize the breed’s lively and alert look.
Neck
The neck is of moderate length, strong and muscular, well set on, and widening toward the shoulders. It is carried proudly, with the skin tight and without dewlap. The neck must be strong enough to support an active working head yet elegant and balanced.
Body
The body is compact and square, with a level back and short, muscular loins providing stability. The chest is deep and broad, reaching the elbows. The ribs are well sprung but not barrel-shaped. The belly is slightly tucked up. The croup is short and slightly sloping, blending smoothly into the tail. The outline should convey both strength and agility.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, about 12–15 cm, thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. It is carried upright and cheerfully, forming a straight continuation of the back line but never curled or bent over the back. The coat on the tail is straight and harsh, and the overall shape resembles a carrot — a typical feature of the breed.
Forequarters
Forelegs are straight, parallel, and strong, with sturdy bone and well-developed joints. Shoulders are long and well laid back, upper arms muscular. Elbows are close to the body and directed backward. Pasterns are short and resilient. Feet are round, compact, with thick pads and strong black nails. The correct construction ensures stability and efficient movement.
Hindquarters
Hind legs are strong, muscular, and parallel when viewed from behind. Thighs are broad and powerful, stifles well bent, and hocks low, firm, and well defined. Feet are compact and round, with firm pads and dark nails. Hindquarters should provide strong drive and balanced action.
Gait and Movement
The movement is free, straight, and confident. The stride is rhythmic and energetic, with good reach in front and strong drive behind. The topline remains level while moving, showing balance and coordination. The dog should convey vitality, purpose, and endurance. Stiffness, weakness, or short steps are undesirable.
Coat
The coat is double: the outer coat is harsh, straight, about 5 cm long, and weather-resistant; the undercoat is soft, dense, and insulating. The coat should cover the body evenly and never obscure the dog’s shape. Soft, wavy, or excessively long hair is undesirable. The correct coat emphasizes the breed’s hardy, practical nature.
Color
Color must be pure white. Any cream, yellow, or tinted shades are considered faults and exclude the dog from exhibition or breeding under ICCF standards. The bright white coat accentuates the head’s expression and the texture of the hair, giving the breed its distinctive and elegant appearance.
Size
Height at the withers is 25–28 cm for both males and females. Weight ranges from 6 to 10 kg. Males are generally more robust, females slightly more refined but never fragile. Excessive size or diminutive build disturbs balance and is penalized.
Faults
Faults include any deviation from the standard that affects type or balance. Such faults may include a long or short body, shallow chest, weak muscles, or flat ribs. Head too large or too small, muzzle too long or too short, incomplete pigmentation of nose, lips, or eyelids, light or protruding eyes, ears too large or wide-set, tail carried improperly, or soft, wavy coat. Cream or yellowish shades in the coat are undesirable. Behavioral faults such as shyness, nervousness, or excessive excitability also reduce evaluation.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults include serious structural or temperamental deviations that make the dog unfit for breeding or showing. These include size or weight far outside the standard, lack of type, muzzle too long or too short causing breathing issues, total depigmentation of the nose or eyelids, blue, yellow, or odd eyes, malocclusion (undershot, overshot), missing teeth beyond allowance, non-erect or cropped ears, docked tail, soft or silky coat, lack of undercoat, any color other than pure white, and severe temperament issues such as aggression or panic fear. Congenital defects or hereditary diseases that endanger the dog’s health are also disqualifying.
Remarks
The West Highland White Terrier is both a hunter and a companion, valued for courage and character as well as appearance. In evaluation, particular attention must be given to the square outline, strong bone, harsh pure-white coat, and confident movement. Only minimal deviations that do not alter type are tolerated. Cropping of ears or tail is strictly forbidden under ICCF rules. The dog must show a stable temperament — never shy or aggressive. Breeding selection must emphasize health, genetic purity, and maintenance of correct coat texture and color. Participation in ICCF shows and breeding programs requires official ICCF documentation proving pedigree and standard compliance. These measures preserve the breed’s integrity and ensure its continued development as a distinctive Scottish terrier.
Conclusion
The West Highland White Terrier is a breed of rich heritage, preserving its working courage while becoming a cherished companion. It combines compact structure, strong bone, harsh white coat, and lively temperament. Under ICCF standards, dogs are judged for conformation, balance, and stable psyche. Shyness or aggression are not permitted. Maintaining a pure white coat and proper texture is mandatory. Participation in exhibitions and breeding is allowed only with official ICCF documentation verifying origin and standard compliance. These requirements ensure purity of lineage, health, and continued advancement of the breed. The West Highland White Terrier remains a symbol of bravery, intelligence, and devotion — a distinguished representative of the terrier family worldwide.
