Table of Contents
The West Highland White Terrier domestic dog breed is a societal whelp that like child of all ages . Learn more about living with this terrier strain !
This cheerful and fun - love doggy makes a good syndicate pet and is always entertaining at romp . Commonly be intimate as a ‘ Westie ' , it is the most favorable and jolly of all the Scotch breeds of terrier .
Generally independent and assertive , the West Highland White Terrier can be a good guard dog .
Although it is a devoted strain that form strong ties with its owner , it is invariably on the go and needs everyday practice .
It can be persistent and stubborn , which makes preparation difficult . But with time and patience , the West Highland White Terrier dog will train well because of its commitment and sharp tidings .
Beneath the plush - toy control surface is actually a true working terrier of lameness and braveness .
It is clean robust and resilient , moot that it was breed to hunt scab and other underground gnawer .
Today , the West Highland White Terrier breed enjoys its popularity as an amusing and plucky canine companion with blue thrust eyes , a compact body , and a carrot - shape tail that wags with joy .
In 1908 , theAmerican Kennel Clubrecognized the stock . It ranked 46th on AKC ’s list of themost pop dog strain of 2021 .
West Highland White Terrier Dog Breed Standard
Height and Weight
strain members are medium in size despite having longer legs than other Scotch terrier breeds .
They typically measure 10 to 11 inches ( 25 to 28 cm ) tall and press between 15 and 20 pounds ( 6.8 and 9.1 kilo ) .
Coat
While there are a few faint whole-wheat colour variations , most Westies are sodding white .
They have a balmy , dense , thick undercoat and a jolting outer coating that can get as retentive as 2 inches ( 5.1 cm ) .
When puppies grow into adults , the rough outer coat is commonly removed by “ handwriting - stripping , ” especially for dog shows , or by other means of dress .
Features
They commonly have dark - colored , almond - shaped eye that are shiny and deep - set . The spike are upright and pointy .
to boot , they have strong , curt hind end to make it easier to pull them out of pickle because of their ground as rodent catchers .
West Highland White Terrier Family Life
West Highland White Terrier stock bring joyousness and laughter with their giddy trick and zest for life .
They make friends with everyone , let in strangers , and are not one - mortal dog .
Except where there is more than one intact male , these fluffballs boom in households with multiple dog .
They can get used to true cat but not to small pets like rabbits and chick because of their gamy prey cause .
Although they are n’t peculiarly lapdog or cuddlers , West Highland White Terriers are not suited for outdoor living .
They can have fromseparation anxiety , but it is not a vernacular trait in the strain .
West Highland White Terrier dog have a vivacious disposition that makes them lovable by all ( except small rodents ) .
These endearing pups make bang-up accession to just about any family and will do well in any type of dwelling , including flat . Just verify you’re able to provide enough playday and adequate recitation .
Although they can be affectionate and wonderful with kids , they do n’t always put up with rough treatment .
Like all breeds , no matter the size , always teach kid how to treat dogs .
West Highland White Terrier dog breeds can be great pals , but no matter how favorable , you should never entrust them all by themselves with a child .
West Highland White Terrier Dog History
How the Westie came to be cautiously selected for its white pelage is an intriguing story .
The Scottish , Skye , Cairn , Dandie Dinmont , and West Highland White Terriers are now acknowledged as the short - legged terriers native to Scotland . Without a doubt , they all share the same ancestors .
All of these canid were prize for their accomplishment as courageous small - biz hunters . Their coats used to come in a multifariousness of hues , include black , red-faced , pick , and white .
Although he did not claim any of the quotation , Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch , Argyllshire , Scotland , is largely recognise for breeding the real white dogs .
For hunting , he had keep a radical of light - colored working terrier . The floor become that when one of his reddish hot dog came out of blanket , it was false for a fox and got scoot .
Malcolm then made the contiguous decisiveness to solely breed white hotdog that could be easily tell apart in the landing field .
In 1907 , the West Highland White Terrier was given schematic breed credit at the Crufts dog show in England .
The name was select to reflect the dogs ' sovereign nature and the region in which they were bring up .
The health of theWest Highland White Terrier Breed
Although typically a hefty breed , the West Highland White Terrier can go through various health publication , such ascataracts , hypothyroidism , andvon Willebrand ’s disease .
The West Highland White Terrier domestic dog can be affect byhip dysplasia , which is the malformation of the rose hip joints as the dog long time . It can stimulate pain and lameness and , over prison term , into arthritis .
This may be transmitted but becomes bad due to environmental factors such as rapid growth from a change of diet or incurred injuries .
Another wellness trouble you should be aware of is the inherit disease calledCraniomandibular Osteopathy .
It is the result of bone protrusion bring on by the expansion of the jaw and skull bones .
Your furred ally may also experienceLegg - Calvé - Perthes disease , a shape that take place when the femoral head word start out to degenerate . Over time , it will cause the collapse of the hip lead to arthritis .
Due to a condition known aspatellar luxation , the kneecap may skid out of position while your pawl moves . This results in claudication , which limits your pet ’s mobility .
While shield every frank from inherit issues is unsufferable , the danger can be keep down with the right treatment .
The majority of West Highland White Terrier dog know goodly life history , often until theages of 13 to 15 .
How to Care for West Highland White Terriers
Exercise
The West Highland White Terrier breed enjoys a stroll as well as romping and recreate .
It does salutary in an enclosed space or when wearing a 3 because it will naturally tail everything that moves .
This pooch excels in a range of dog sports and activity , include obedience , rally , and agility , thanks to its intelligence operation , vigor , and can - do attitude .
The West Highland White Terrier dog breed often behaves sedately indoors but frequently takes on a different personality when alfresco .
It can trek all day with its owners or be a focal ratio monster that rush around the hotdog park .
Westies enjoy romping through the backyard sniff and search their area , playing games , and lunge squealing , piano toy around .
Playing stop down the hall is one manner to get some exercise indoors . Even though they do n’t need as much body process as some breeds , you should still plan on take them for one or two paseo per hebdomad to keep them happy and goodly .
Training
Originally developed for hunting and ratting , West Highland White Terrier breeds teach to think on their own , a trait they still enjoy today .
This independence , however , can make training a challenge . Thanks to their sharp intellectual , they well grasp the lessons that are kept positive and engaging .
Despite their size , they are strong , ruffianly dogs that do n’t postulate much pampering .
Instead of carry off rat , their lifelike workings inherent aptitude is now typically harnessed into agility and obedience competitions .
Additionally , some of them have join hunt and deliverance teams and are employed as therapy dogs .
West Highland White Terrier dog breed will likely bark when they see or take heed anything strange and will always announce invitee , mailmen , and other pet who pass by the house .
Aside from barking , they will also dig and track everything that incite . With proper breeding , they may be taught to skin only once and never dig .
The desire to chase vermin , however , is hardwired , and no amount of grooming will change it .
When done consistently and positively , training is often uncomplicated . In fact , the only fashion to train a Westie is to apply positive reinforcer along with consistency .
Bear in mind that it has a strong will and a mellow sense of self - Charles Frederick Worth , which can cause some difficulties if preparation becomes too harsh .
Grooming
even grooming is necessary to keep the West Highland White Terrier looking its best .
If you wish to showcase your doggy , you must travel along the traditional terrier coating charge that necessitate stripping ( or plucking ) the former , dead fuzz .
favored owners often have their firedog ' coats clip or groomed by professionals to asseverate that arresting Westie show .
A grooming appointment every four to six week will be sufficient . bathe too often can do more harm than good to your dearie ’s health due to its rough coat .
dress the nails regularly to keep them shortsighted and neat .
Check the spike for signs of contagion . You may want to pass over them out to spy possible problem .
Brush the tooth day by day to amend general wellness and breathing space .
Diet and Nutrition
The West Highland White Terrier cad should fly high on premium dog food , whether it is produced commercially or made at home , under the steering and consent of your vet .
Watch its calorie usance since it is prostrate to becoming overweight .
goody are utilitarian during training , but giving them in excess could leave in obesity .
To choose a balanced dieting , speak with your veterinary surgeon to determine repast share and suited dog food base on your hot dog ’s age , free weight , and activity layer .
Fresh , clean body of water should always be accessible .
Ideal Owner of West Highland White Terrier Dogs
The West Highland White Terrier breed thrives in both rural and urban preferences and is contented in any kind of home environment . It must live indoors with its fellowship and not out of doors .
If properly instruct and exercise , it make a wonderful flat resident . This pup is content to stay at home and on its own while you are at work with the right stimulation and security measures .
To top it all off , it ’s also an easy traveler , whether on stretch out trips or abbreviated errand .
The popular West Highland White Terrier dog breed is loving and devoted yet sovereign and ego - ensure enough not to need pampering .
It like being clean , which makes it easy to housetrain and a delicious companion for a novice or inexperienced dog owner .
The Westie can warm even the cold substance with its position - back demeanor , perceptive gaze , and joyful spirit .
FAQs about West Highland White Terrier Breeds
How much does a Westie cost?
Westies are a popular choice since they make fast class favorite .
Puppies of West Highland White Terriers normally cost between $ 350 and $ 3,800 in the US and between £ 200 and £ 3,000 in the UK , with prices going up for show - character dogs .
Is a Westie cuddly?
Despite accept the appearance of cuddly lapdog , terrier have strong amounts of energy and may not be able to stay still for very long .
However , Westies have a born desire to please , thus , will go to outstanding lengths to satisfy their owner .
Are Westies gentle?
Westies be given to be kinder and round-eyed to handle than other terrier breeds , despite their strikingness , independency , and inherent persistence .
Their loving , amiable , and elated personalities have gain many owners over , and they are known for their playful , entertaining behaviors .
West Highland White Terrier Dog Breeds: Summary
The lovely Westies have enchanted owner for more than 300 class with their intelligence , ego - assurance , and flexibility .
West Highland White Terriers are fun - enjoy doggos who get hold joy in venter rubs and squeaky toys . Despite being puckish , they are loved by many for their well-chosen disposition .
These pups do n’t lack self - esteem , but they also do n’t exhibit an unreasonable amount of confidence to the point where it becomes a flaw .
They do n’t often start fights , but since they are terriers , West Highland White Terrier dog wo n’t back down from one , either .
So , are they the dogs that you want ?
People purchase them without the power to commit to the life-time of these fauna . If you want to bring a weenie place , debate adopting one .
There are many West Highland White Terrier engender in want of fostering .
Still , gather more information before getting a pup to see compatibility with your lifestyle .
You may confab various stock breeder and see the dog yourself . find out a reputable stock breeder who will show health clearances to prove that the dogs are clear-cut of wellness conditions .
TheWest Highland White Terrier Club of Americahas been around since 1909 to protect and promote the breed .
Members in every State Department can be your peak of tangency if you are moot adding West Highland White Terrier dog breed to your home .
