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The Spanish Armada in their assault against Britain in 1588 is thought to have brought a White Terrier. When the Armada was defeated some ships ran aground on the western shores of Scotland. On board these ships were small, white terrier-like dogs used by the seamen to catch rats on board. The West Highland White Terrier was carried to the land that gave it its present name, by circumstances of war.

There is little dispute that several years later James I of England asked County Argyllshire provide six white earthe dogges, to be shipped across the Calais-Dover Channel as a gift to His Majesty the King of France. Worried about the channel crossing the King ordered the dogs be divided into two parties of three dogs.

The little dog with was sometimes known as 'Westie', and became popular with some and unpopular with others. Some Scotsmen saw the 'Westie' as an ideal varmint-hunting dog, while others he appeared a freak, in a world of brindle terriers.

In the 19th century, the Malcolm family took a liking to the 'Westie', and was insistent that their dogs worked in the fields. The 'Westie' is an imaginative hunter, badgers, rabbits, rats and even otters. He can squirm into places where only vermin can go.

These short-legged terriers share the same roots as the Scottish, Skye, Cairn and Dandie Dinmont.

The 'Westie' appeared at a British dog show in 1860, and achieved full classification in 1904; this fittingly took place at the Scottish Kennel Club annual show. The first Champion West Highland White Terrier was 'Morven', who took his title in 1907.