The West Highland Terrier

Standing 9 to 14 inches at the shoulder, with dark piercing eyes, compact body, and a carrot-shaped tail wagging with delight, the West Highland Terrier look is irresistible. Beneath the plush-toy exterior, though, is a true working terrier of gameness and courage. Bred to hunt rats and other underground rodents, West Highland Terriers are surprisingly strong and tough with an all-white double coat.

Alert and active, West Highland Terriers exhibit traits of a plucky and self-reliant ratting terrier: They require no pampering, they will chase after anything that moves, and their independence can sometimes make training a challenge. But, thanks to their faithfulness and keen intelligence, West Highland Terriers will train nicely.