West Highland white terriers, or "Westies" for short, have the personality of a big dog hidden inside the body of a small, spunky pooch. Originally bred for hunting small critters, today most Westies are companion dogs.

History: First bred in Poltalloch, Scotland, they were originally called Poltalloch terriers, but by 1909 their name was officially changed to West Highland white terrier. They made their first stateside appearance in 1906 at a dog show.

Size: Most of these short and sweet pups are about 9 to 12 inches tall and weigh between 13 and 22 pounds.

Coat: Don't see yourself owning a white car or a white dog? Then Westies may not be for you, since they generally come in one color only: all white. Their coats are made up of a soft undercoat and a rough outercoat. Although Westies don't shed much, regular brushing is the key to keeping them looking clean and pretty. Most owners find occasional bathing is sufficient.

Personality: Westies are friendly and well-adjusted dogs that are easy to care for and train. They get along great with other dogs, but because of their lingering hunting instincts, homes with pet birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, or other small animals may not be the best fit for them. They do have a reputation for being great traveling companions, so owners and families who are often on the go may find a Westie to be the perfect pet.