Welcome to the West
Highland Terrier website! Here, you will learn all about the Westie (as it is
known as in short) in great detail. There are loads of articles here covering
all possible facets of this wonderful breed, giving you sufficient food for thought
in case you are considering getting this breed for you and your family.
It
Is Small and Cute – But It Is No Lap Dog
The West Highland Terrier is a
wonderful animal bred specially for catching and killing vermin. To look at, this
dog is small, with the male growing to a maximum height of 11 inches tall and
around 22 pounds in weight. West
Highland terrier puppies are also incredibly small and also extremely cute!
It is pure white, has sharp ears and a square jaw, which makes it look cocky and
self-assured, which as a matter fact, it is.
West
Highland terrier training is very easy as it is smart and eager to please
you. However, make no mistake about this – the West Highland Terrier is no pushover
or lap dog. As a mater of fact, they do not like to be held for too long and when
they sleep, they will always guard their backs. These are instincts that held
good for them when they were used as tracking and hunting dogs – traits that have
not died in spite of long years of living as cherished pets.
In terms of
West
Highland terrier types, well they originated from the original breed of terriers
that were used in Britain as a means to exterminate the local population of rats
and were very successful in doing so. After select breeding throughout the centuries,
many different types of terriers were formed, including the West Highland terrier.
West
Highland terrier breeders were formed all across the country and now we see
them throughout the world today.
The West Highland Terrier by temperament
is friendly. However, it is also highly spirited and does not like too much of
handling. They are good with children as long as they do no bother it. They have
a small fuse and if they are irritated, they can snap at anyone. These dogs love
to run and you will find them unable to resist themselves if they see something
that provokes a chase. They will run after mice and kill them – sometimes even
eat them partially. They will also chase cats, but normally will not hurt them.
Generally,
the West Highland Terrier is a wonderful watchdog, and they are known to be very
aggressive if provoked. This is not a dog to trifle with, in spite of his small
size. What about West
Highland terrier Care? Well, the West Highland terrier does not have many
health problems, being a healthy breed. As all small dog breeds, the West Highland
Terrier too, has a long life expectancy – 15 to18 years. These dogs do not need
to be taken out for exercise because they are extremely active indoors. However,
if you do have a backyard, they love would love a good romp outside.
The
West Highland Terrier needs little daily grooming other than brushing its wiry
coat. There are many people who trim the hair around its mouth, ears and eyes
for hygienic purposes. This dog makes an excellent companion pet, though its history
puts it down as a dog bred for hunting and controlling rat population. It was
also used to ambush and catch foxes and other similar small animals.
If
you are looking into buying one of these great dogs then the first place you could
check out is a West
Highland terrier rescue center, where abandoned dogs are cared for and looked
after. They are always looking for foster families to take some of their dogs
off their hands.
The West Highland White Terrier is indeed a wonderful breed
to choose as a pet. This website will tell you all about
West Highland White Terrier so you could love, understand and know this little
hunter-cum-companion dog.
