West Highland White Terrier

Bright white, confident and far more vocal than its cuddly image suggests. Westies are sociable with people, bossy with other dogs and keen hunters of anything small. Skin is the breed's weak spot: Westies are prone to atopic dermatitis, so ask about allergies in the line and budget for vet visits. Puppies can also develop craniomandibular osteopathy, a painful jaw-bone condition. The white coat is real work; hand-stripping keeps it harsh enough to shed dirt, while a clipped coat stains and softens.