I've researched for the past few weeks and think i've got pretty much the gist of them.
My German Shepherd of 8 years past away just two months ago, and im not getting one of these cute pups till im VERY informed.
Ima a dog nut not just some kid wanting a cute puppy.
I understand they are a terrier breed and will have the terrier temperant though i need some questions answered;
•Are they more hyper than a lab?
•Would it be okay in a fenced in yard [aware of hole digging] while im at school?
•If my family member was to walk by in the house, would he bark out of no reason?
•I looked in some newspapers to see if i could talk to a breeder but even in the dallas newspaper i found NONE. Does this mean they are rare and hard to get?
Thank you!
Terriers aren't "hyper" they're just very energetic, very focused, and they NEVER give up.
Never leave any dog unsupervised in a yard while no one's home. Even if he doesn't dig his way out and go looking for company, he'll probably be stolen.
If your family member walks by the house, the dog will bark, though it won't be for no reason: it'll be because he's welcoming a family member.
No, it means that Westies are uncommon enough that the breeders don't even allow a female to conceive until they have puppy buyers lined up and committed with paid reservations. The litter is sold before it is conceived.
Go here: http://www.westieclubamerica.com/
You can locate a breeder there.
Tags: west highland white terrier, Westie
Not okay to be left in a fenced in yard.
Will more than likely bark if someone walks by.
They aren't rare but I would do more research to find a reputable breeder not someone who justs breeds their dogs in their backyard.
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Terriers are great dogs but beware they tend to have tons of energy and are pretty much spaz's. In my opinion shelter or rescue dogs are the way to go. I'm sure there is a rescue that has westie and they appreciate you sooo much more than one from a breeder. (they deserve a home)
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Terriers aren't "hyper" they're just very energetic, very focused, and they NEVER give up.
Never leave any dog unsupervised in a yard while no one's home. Even if he doesn't dig his way out and go looking for company, he'll probably be stolen.
If your family member walks by the house, the dog will bark, though it won't be for no reason: it'll be because he's welcoming a family member.
No, it means that Westies are uncommon enough that the breeders don't even allow a female to conceive until they have puppy buyers lined up and committed with paid reservations. The litter is sold before it is conceived.
Go here: http://www.westieclubamerica.com/
You can locate a breeder there.
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well i have one and i wouldn't say she is more hyper than a lab but it is very curious and will look out the window and bark at anybody or any animal it sees. It would be ok in a fenced yard but it will probably spend all day looking for a way out. they don't bark at people inside the house and it is a very loyal dog but they need a lot of attention. They aren't rare but they run for about 600 dollars for a pure breed.
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You may also want to consider what health problems they are prone to. Off the top of my head I know westies are very allergic type dogs. They tend to have skin and ear issues, so be prepared to administer proper medication and routine ear cleanings. If you live in a southern state, these issues will flare up more often than if you lived in a colder area. The also do have a 'terrior' attitude, like tending to nip at a stranger or child. Of course not all westies are like this, I have known some very fun and kind ones as well. They also need to br groomed regularly. They are not a rare breed, maybe nobody breed them in your area, or maybe they just don't have any available at this time.
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No I don't consider them to be as hyper as labs.
No dog should be leave alone outdoors with no one at home. Any dog can dig under a fence if bored & lonely.
Most likely – once again if bored & lonely. They can be protective.
Not rare at all. In fact they were quite over & poorly bred for a while. You will need to research thoroughly before buying one as many have hereditary allergies & skin issues. Personally I love them & think they are a great sturdy little dog with loads of personality.
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The "Westie" is a great fiesty little dog.
1. No in general they are not as hyper as a lab.
2. No probably not ok, terriers are known to be escape artists.
3. No not if they are well trained.
4. Westies are not considered a very popular breed…yet. You will not find many in classified adds in newspapers. Make sure to buy from a reputable, registered breeder or rescue center.
Try these places to find breeders or rescue groups in your area….
West Highland Terrier Club of America
http://www.westieclubamerica.com/
http://www.westieclubamerica.com/rescue/
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To start, Westies do not do well in the south. My family grew up with them in NJ and when we moved to Fl, what a nightmare. Keep in mind that the white coat was actually a defect in Cairn Terriers. They are not white Scotties as some people think. They are absolutely wonderful, loving dogs but are 100% terrier. They will defend their family to the death and not easily tolerate strangers coming into their territory. If you decide to get a Westie, make sure you expose the puppy to as many strangers as possible and have everyone who comes into your home make an effort to pet him/her. If you have small children, you don't have to worry about your Westie and your kids, it's the neighbors and friends you have to watch. Expose your Westie to kids coming into the house.
It's never a good idea to leave your pet unattended outside for any reason and a Westie will dig. ( that's what terriers were bred to do ). A crate is the best way to go when you're not at home. Leave the TV on when you leave and don't make a big deal as you head out.
Go to http://www.akc.org and look under breeder referal for Westies in your area. Keep in mind that skin issue may be a problem though.
Best of luck.
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