These dogs, popularly
known as Westies, are basically terriers and possess most of this breed’s characteristics.
Hence, this dog is not really lapdog – and if that is what you are seeking, this
is not the right dog for you. Though they look extremely cuddly since they are
impeccably white and small; however, they do not prefer to be held or handled
for long periods of time.
What Goes Into the Making of this Spirited Little
Animal?
According to history, the West Highland terrier origin is credited
to two different people in Scotland, i.e. Colonel Donald Malcolm (Argyll) around
the 1620s and the eighth Duke of Argyll around 1800s. What we see today is the
result of more than a century of selective breeding to ensure that these dogs
have the perfect genetic make-up. These dogs were specifically bred for hunting
foxes and rats (vermin in general) and this is how Westie got the habit of digging
in the courtyard.
The West Highland terrier is always bright white. The
color used to help when it was used as a hunting dog, because it was easily distinguishable
and hence, not shot at (confused with the prey) by the hunters (of fox and rabbits).
Owing to its origin, this dog is known for its tenacity, aggression and energy.
It has a single-minded approach when it hunts, even today. This dog comes with
a lot of spunk and makes for an excellent watchdog. Their best pastime when not
playing is sleeping; you will observe that a West Highland white terrier almost
invariably chooses secluded places to sleep, and needs to have his back towards
a wall, or something solid.
Coat
This dog has two coats of fur –
one dense and wiry, and the other one, soft and fluffy. The coat was meant for
its protection – so the prey was not able to hold it down. Today, the advantage
of its coat is that being dry it does not need a bath too often. Grooming involves
normal daily brushing and trimming of hair wherever you feel that it will affect
its hygiene – around the mouth, around the ears and also around the eyes, though
the latter is for cosmetic purposes.
The West Highland white terrier is
normally a healthy breed, The most common health problems you will encounter with
this Scottish Terrier is skin problems. It is not known exactly why, but this
dog is highly prone to all type of skin allergies and infections and even cancer.
Other common diseases are Perthe’s disease that affects the hip, liver problems,
hernia and jawbone calcifications. In spite of all this, this dog’s life expectancy
is on an average more than 15 years.
They love to be exercised, but since
it is extremely energetic indoors as well, it will not hanker for the outdoors.
They are very playful and need many naps during the day. This dog makes a wonderful
companion pet because it gets along very easily with children, elder people and
all other pet animals at home – including cats.
Its instinct of hunting
is still alive, and if it has the opportunity, it would love to rush after a rat
and catch it. This trait is owed to the history
and origin of the West Highland terrier, which shows it is basically a hunting
dog.
Attention: To discover how
YOU can have the Happiest, Healthiest and Best Behaved West Highland Terrier,
get a copy of this West Highland Terrier Guide
NOW!
