Pets of the Belle Époque: A Fabergé West Highland White Terrier, 1907

West Highland White Terrier
Carl Fabergé, 1907
Created for Edward VII
Agate, Rose Diamonds
The Royal Collection

Having learned to appreciate animals from his mother, King Edward VII was, by all accounts, quite attached to the Royal pets. Queen Alexandra was similarly fond of animals, and enjoyed collecting figures of dogs and other beasties.


This beautiful agate sculpture by Carl Fabergé depicts a West Highland White Terrier. Westies were first kept in the kennels at Sandringham House by King George V, however, Edward VII also had a fondness for the inquisitive terriers. Edward VII commissioned this sculpture personally.

Fabergé has masterfully captured the Westie’s natural bright eyes by setting them with rose-cut diamonds. Of course, the reason I find it appealing is quite obvious.