In West Highland Terrier grooming, where should the top line of the circle fall when shaping the head?

In West Highland Terrier grooming, where should the top line of the circle fall when shaping the head?

• A. It rises above the ears
• B. It falls just below the tips of the ears
• C. It aligns with the eye line
• D. It is not defined

Answer: (B)

Shaping a West Highland Terrier’s head relies on a circular profile to create that compact, rounded skull. The top line of the circle should sit just below the tips of the ears. This keeps the crown pleasantly rounded and gives the ears a crisp edge where they meet the head, preserving the breed’s balanced look. If the line rose above the ears, the head would look too arched or top-heavy, disturbing the smooth circular contour. If the line were too low or not defined, the head could look flat or incomplete in silhouette. Keeping the top line just under the ear tips achieves the proper proportion between the skull, ears, and muzzle for the classic Westie head.

Shaping a West Highland Terrier’s head relies on a circular profile to create that compact, rounded skull. The top line of the circle should sit just below the tips of the ears. This keeps the crown pleasantly rounded and gives the ears a crisp edge where they meet the head, preserving the breed’s balanced look. If the line rose above the ears, the head would look too arched or top-heavy, disturbing the smooth circular contour. If the line were too low or not defined, the head could look flat or incomplete in silhouette. Keeping the top line just under the ear tips achieves the proper proportion between the skull, ears, and muzzle for the classic Westie head.