Description:
The West Highland White Terrier is fondly nicknamed, the “westie”. The westie is the friendliest of all terriers. If you have a deep void in your life and want something to give all your love and attention to, the westie is your best buy. There’s no dog that craves and loves companionship as much as this one. You’ll need to give them a good deal of attention to keep them satisfied and occupied.
With the energy levels that these terriers comes with, they’re always ready to play! In spite of a moderate exercise regime, the westie is always looking something to be occupied with. If you don’t find something to keep them occupied, they’ll find it himself. This could involve digging, chewing or just barking into space. So, don’t leave your westie alone for more than a few hours, else your house will be their playground. Be sure to designate a separate play area for them, both outside and inside.
When it comes their traning, the West Highland White Terriers are known to be a little stubborn. Having a penchant for wanting to do things their own way, you might have to adopt an out-of-the-box training method to make them understand. Avoid rough handling as much as you can since this can lead to some aggressive retaliation from their end. Be firm, not forceful.
Some westies are known to be possessive about their toys and food. So if you have any toddlers at home, you might want to consider another breed of dog. Around older children however, he’s a doll and can very quickly become the apple of everyone’s eye!
A word of caution, however! The westie does not adjust well to other animals; big or small. Unless he/she has grown up with the other animal (cat or another dog) from puppyhood, the wesite is most likely to get into scuffles which could result in injuries. An excellent watchdog if there ever was one, westies like people and strangers once they’re sure that they pose no danger to them or their owners.
In a nutshell, the Westie is a happy, curious and affectionate doggy.
Care & Health:
- Major concerns: globoid cell leukodystrophy, Legg-Perthes, CMO
- Minor concerns: copper toxicosis, cataract, patellar luxation
- Occasionally seen: deafness
- Suggested tests: hip, knee
- Average Life span: 12 – 14 years
- Grooming: The West Highland White Terrier is by and large a clean dog and requires an occasional brushing since he virtually doesn’t shed at all.
History:
Hailing from Scotland, the West Highland White Terriers are said to have been descended from the Cairn and Scottish Terriers who were bred for their white fur to avoid being confused with foxes. They were originally used for hunting fox, rats and otters. The breed has gone under several different names, including Roseneath, Poltalloch, white Scottish, little Skye and Cairn. The AKC in fact registered it as the Roseneath terrier in 1908; the name was changed to West Highland white terrier in 1909 and that was the same year The West Highland White Terrier Club of America was formed. Since then, the West Highland White Terrier has made quite a name for itself, establishing itself as one of the most competitive terriers in the show ring and one of the most popular terriers within households.
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