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The West Highland White Terrier, commonly known as the Westie, is a breed of dog with a distinctive white coat. This breed is not considered a lap dog, as they are very energetic and slightly restless. They are small but are known for their strong-willed and self-confident personality.

The breed was originally named the Poltalloch terrier, after the estate in the Argyll region of western Scotland where they were developed by Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm (1837–1930) and his family.7 It is said that the breed gained its white coat after the Colonel's red terrier (perhaps a Norwich terrier) was mistaken for a fox and shot: the dog breed was to be white in colour so as to help distinguish it from its quarry. The Westie came to the United States in the early 1900s, originally called Roseneath Terrier. The name was changed to reflect the breed's origins more clearly.8 Some dog breeders and fanciers also believe that Westies developed with contributions from white dogs in the litters of Cairn Terriers.8 Others believe that there are contributions from similar dogs developed by the 8th Duke of Argyll (Chieftain of Clan Campbell).9