CHAPTER XXXII 



THE WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER 



To Scotland belongs the honour of having provided 

 us with various breeds of short-legged terriers, all 

 of which are now enjoying a considerable popularity, 

 thanks to certain generic qualities which seem to 

 be found in all. They are thoroughly game, loyal to 

 a degree, and therefore in every way most desirable 

 companions. The West Highland White Terriers, 

 although known for generations, have, strangely 

 enough, only come into prominence at quite a recent 

 period. The first reference that I find to them in the 

 Kennel press was in 1895, when they were described 

 as White Scottish Terriers. There is not the slightest 

 doubt, however, that they existed long before this, 

 and some authorities consider them to have been 

 the descendants of the old Skye Terrier. Mr. John 

 Macdonald, of Portree, can recall these dogs from 

 the year 1858. This statement has led to a con- 

 siderable controversy, Mr. James Mackintosh declar- 

 ing that the first West Highland White Terrier which 

 he set eyes upon was bred by him in June, 1889, 

 and with time, patience, and a little judgment, he 

 succeeded in breeding more than one specimen fit 

 to rank side by side with the champions qf the present 



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