Cocker Westie

The Cocker Westie is a modern hybrid and does not have very much documented history, though it is believed they originated in the United States in the last 20 years. We do have history on both parent breeds. The Cocker Spaniel’s history dates to the mid 1800’s.  The Cocker Spaniel was bred and trained to flush out woodcocks. A flushing dog finds the game and then drives it from the hiding spot. The first Cocker Spaniel is thought to have come to America on the Mayflower in 1620. The Cocker Spaniel was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 and is the smallest member of the Sporting group. The American Spaniel Club was formed in 1881. The Cocker Spaniel was the most popular dog breed in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. This attractive canine has won the Westminster’s Best of Show award 4 times. The Cocker Spaniel has been a loyal companion to celebrities such as Jackie Onassis, Marilyn Monroe, Elton John, Ashley Judd, George Clooney, Charlize Theron and Oprah Winfrey. The West Highland White Terrier is commonly called a Westie.  He originates from Scotland and was bred to hunt rats, rabbits, badgers and foxes. Originally, their coats were black, red cream or white.  It is believed that a hunter named Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm, of Poltalloch, Argyllshire, Scotland, accidentally killed one of his Terriers during a hunt. The dog had a red coat, which resembled a fox.  The Colonel was very upset that he had mistaken his dog for a fox.  He decided to only start breeding white Terriers, which could be easily identified during a hunt. Eventually, he developed a pure white Terrier. The breed was first called the Poltalloch Terriers, named after Colonel Malcolm’s estate.  The West Highland White Terrier Club was founded in 1905 by Colonel Malcolm. The first Westies came to America in 1905. The West Highland White Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908. The Westie has become one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States.  They excel in agility training, tracking and obedience competitions. They make excellent therapy and service dogs. Westies have been faithful companions to celebrities such as Alfred Hitchcock, Ashley Judd, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson and Betty White.