New & now
Meet Malta’s Westie Woman! Wilhemina has dedicated her life to her army of Westies
But can you guess how many pretty pups she has?

Kristina Cassar Dowling

westies

Some people devote their lives to their families, their homes, their kitchens or their gardens, but this legend devotes her life to that and more: a small army of West Highland White Terriers (affectionately known as Westies) who’ve stolen her heart. Meet Wilhelmina Grech, Malta's very own Westie Wonder Woman!

“It’s quite a long story,” Wilhelmina starts, looking back on how it all began. “Life with my Westies started when I was 25, when my husband brought home a Westie as a gift.” So began her journey with the gorgeous pup by her side.

westies

“I didn’t know anything about the breed at all,” she says, “but this little fluffy puppy from England was so sweet.” Westies are cute little pups that grow into the most adorable companions, and steal the hearts’ of their masters.

As is the case with every other pedigree breed, there’s a lot of knowledge that a new owner will need to acquire so as to properly care for the pooch’s wellbeing. “I knew nothing about Westies and how to take care of them, so my husband, who travelled to the UK quite a bit, always brought down books on how to care for them.”

westies

Having a well-groomed, healthy and happy dog was high on Wilhelmina’s Westie-owner checklist, so she dove deep into Westie literature, watching videos, reading books and learning more about the super adorbs breed. “I also met with breeders of the best lineage Westies whenever I visited Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham every year.” 

“16 years ago, I began yearning for another pooch in my life, and I knew it had to be another Westie. A trip to the UK brought us back a beautiful Westie girl from Derbyshire.” Formally known as Fair Fenella of Erin (so posh!), this show-stopping cutie also goes by the name of Molly, and what a lucky pup she is!

westies

Wilhelmina went on to start breeding Bonnie Fenella Westies. “From attending one Westie showing in Malta to breeding and always keeping a puppy or two, I soon ended up with 10 beautiful Westies,” smiles Wilhelmina, who has eight of the gorgeous pups today. Her aim is to have an excellent line in her breed, and she’s even travelled to Cyprus to breed her Champ, Bonnie Fenella String of Pearls, who also goes by the name Suzi. “Suzi is 13 years and 4 months old now!”

Westies are high maintenance terriers and are very faithful and loving, Whilhelmina tells me. “I brush my Westies every three days minimum, and groom them every two to three months. I also walk them every day, and feed them fish as their main protein source.” Much like the Queen and her Corgis, Wilhelmina has her Westies, and boy does she treat them like royalty!

westies

At the moment, puppy Lily is hogging the spotlight... and just look at this cutie - we can totally see why!

Wilhelmina Grech


Kristina Cassar Dowling
Written by
Kristina Cassar Dowling
A local writer in love with the Maltese islands, Kristina is a hunter for all things cultural both in Malta and outside its shores. A curious foodie, music fanatic, art lover and keen traveller with an open mind and a passion for writing.

You may also like...
New & now
New & now
They were particularly loved by the community for their impeccable bread.

Emma Galea
New & now
New & now
They’re common in Maltese waters during this time of year.

Emma Galea
New & now
New & now
New & now
From pastizzi trays to figolli cutters and carnival crowns, Sebastian shares his passion for the manual trade and how it has characterised most of his life.

Edward Bonello
New & now
New & now
Easter Monday is going to be hotter than ever!

Lyndsey Grima