I am going to buy him in about 9 months. I'm trying to put enough money together that when he gets home I can take care of everything with no worries.
I haven't found a breeder yet. I am willing to pay alot of money and provide the best enviroment for this dog, but I want to be sure that he will grow up healthy and I want him to look exactly like the one on the "Cesar" dog food comercial. White, healthy and beautifull. Any info will help, any sites, any books. I have done some research of my own and these dogs are known to develop a lot of health problems.
THANK YOU A LOT.
If you own a beautiful and most importantly healthy west highland white terrier, please give me the number of the breeder. I live in Lakewood, California. Thank you.
why not go through a breed specific rescue instead.
http://www.westierescue.com/
the dog on the commericals is a "movie" dog. they are constantly groomed for the camera to get that coat that white, and perfect.
a house pet will never "look" that perfect on a daily basis, not to mention $$$$$$ for all that grooming!
i think most ppl get the wrong idea about animals from TV shows,movies and commericals because what they see is this "fantasy".
they're fiesty dogs, they are terriers.
i would first start w/reading TONS of info on the westie:
http://www.westieclubamerica.com/breed/faq.html
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/westhighland.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Highland_White_Terrier
http://www.westiefoundation.org/
then look up westie clubs in america for listings of breeders or rescues in your area.
http://www.westieclubamerica.com/
talk with MANY breeders, know the right questions to ask:
http://www.dog-breeds.net/Buying_A_Puppy.htm
http://www.silvercreekcbr.com/FAQBeforeBuy.htm
also know that the money you will invest in this pet does NOT stop at the price tag. there are vet visits, shots, spay/neuter (please do so, too many purebreds die in shelters), and of course grooming. not to mention a GOOD quality food (i would recommend feeding food that has HUMAN GRADE meats):
http://www.preciouspets.org/truth.htm
then of course there is training, toys,bedding, etc.
it's like having a child. i know, i have 4 dogs and 4 children. it's a HUGE responsibility so im glad that you want info, and want to be educated. so here you go…i hope that you adopt from a rescue, but if you dont PLEASE be very careful about the breeder. don't just settle for anyone…because you really DO get what you pay for w/a dog.
Tags: Westie, west highland white terrier
I am in the same situation except I am going to buy her in about 4 months, well I think you've pretty much summed it up. They have a good temperament as long as young children aren't pulling on it too much, which is when they might bite. They are small, independent dogs (don't get me wrong they love their owners too!) but they are very, very energetic!!! They are sometimes prone to ear infections so you should ask your vet about that when you go for his first appointment and they are also prone to hip dysplacia, and cataracts (or so I've heard). They will chase other little animals, like a squirrel but for the fun of it, they have no intention of killing it. With all that said, each dog has their own personalities and you'll just have to find out!
EDIT: All dogs bite if they are in a situation where they seem in danger, and no they don't specifically like to get dirty, I have no idea here anyone can get that from, maybe a personal experience, and their bark are soooooo cute.
References :
They bite, they love dirt esspecialy with that white fir, they just are bug eater so they dig a lot and get dirty fast. Plus they have a Really annoying bark.
References :
why not go through a breed specific rescue instead.
http://www.westierescue.com/
the dog on the commericals is a "movie" dog. they are constantly groomed for the camera to get that coat that white, and perfect.
a house pet will never "look" that perfect on a daily basis, not to mention $$$$$$ for all that grooming!
i think most ppl get the wrong idea about animals from TV shows,movies and commericals because what they see is this "fantasy".
they're fiesty dogs, they are terriers.
i would first start w/reading TONS of info on the westie:
http://www.westieclubamerica.com/breed/faq.html
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/westhighland.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Highland_White_Terrier
http://www.westiefoundation.org/
then look up westie clubs in america for listings of breeders or rescues in your area.
http://www.westieclubamerica.com/
talk with MANY breeders, know the right questions to ask:
http://www.dog-breeds.net/Buying_A_Puppy.htm
http://www.silvercreekcbr.com/FAQBeforeBuy.htm
also know that the money you will invest in this pet does NOT stop at the price tag. there are vet visits, shots, spay/neuter (please do so, too many purebreds die in shelters), and of course grooming. not to mention a GOOD quality food (i would recommend feeding food that has HUMAN GRADE meats):
http://www.preciouspets.org/truth.htm
then of course there is training, toys,bedding, etc.
it's like having a child. i know, i have 4 dogs and 4 children. it's a HUGE responsibility so im glad that you want info, and want to be educated. so here you go…i hope that you adopt from a rescue, but if you dont PLEASE be very careful about the breeder. don't just settle for anyone…because you really DO get what you pay for w/a dog.
References :
owned by 4 dogs
Temperament:
The West Highland White Terrier is a friendly breed. They are outgoing with strangers and other dogs. They will play well with children as long, as those children are not overly rambunctious. Westies need moderate exercise but are generally good companion dogs. They are lively in the house, but they do bark frequently as is the case with many small breeds. If allowed, they will dig which can cause problems for owners who value their gardens and landscaping. As with many hunting dogs and terriers, the West Highland White Terrier can be slightly stubborn and difficult to train.
Health : West Highland White Terrier run the risk of acquiring a number of health problems such as cataracts, copper toxicosis, craniomandibular osteopathy, deafness, enzyme deficiency, inguinal hernia, and Legg-Perthes disease. Despite this seemingly long list of health issues, the West Highland White Terrier is generally healthy and can live to be over 15 years of age.
Maintenance: Grooming West Highland White Terriers is relatively simple. They need to be brushed once a week which should keep them from needing a bath very often. They need the hair around their ears and eyes trimmed regularly. They should also have their coat stripped twice a year. Like any dog, they need some exercise. However, many West Highland White Terriers release their energy by just playing in the house.
Ideal Environment :West Highland White Terriers can live in small apartments or large houses. They are good for families with well-behaved children and other animals. The breed can live in almost every climate without problem. The breed makes especially good companions for the elderly since most of their exercise is obtained simply from playing in the house. If children are around the dog, they need to be supervised so they do not harass the dog. The breed can become angered and will snap. West Highland White Terriers are protective of their families and love to travel with them.
References :
http://www.greatdogsite.com