I want to get a westie but i really need to know the advantages and disadvantages. If you've owned a westie for more than 3years or around that please help I have done lots of research but I wanted to know straight from someone who has owned one.
Thank you very much for any help.
My family has a 10yo Westie that we've had since he was a puppy. He is absolutely adorable! Loves to snuggle. He's also a size that's easy to take care of because he can't really pull that hard on the leash. He's smart and wants to please. He has never had any chewing or pottytraining problems, he pottytrained very early. He loves staying in his crate and doesn't have separation anxiety issues.
Here are the cons: He is not a fan of young hyper children, he hides in his crate when my little cousins start poking their fingers in his ears and stuff. (He'd never bite them or anything but he doesn't like them too much.) He is VERY active (and I think this is a breed trait, I know 2 other Westies who are the same) and runs around our house like crazy. (Our 50lb pit bull is a much calmer dog with lower exercise needs!) He can NEVER be trusted off leash because he acts like he has ADHD and will chase anything in any direction.
Edit: Regarding health problems, westies (like all small cute dogs) are known to have some, notably terrible allergies and heart and kidney problems. Make sure you go to a reputable breeder, even though a well-bred dog is expensive.
Tags: WestieTags: Westie
Sorry , but i have not own a westie dog before bt …. search thhison google " advantages of a westie dog"
and you will get answers
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I have one !
He is called Snowy and it 4 years old going on 5 in January. They are a very good breed to have…and the bonus they don't eat alot of food compared to other dogs..mine takes one caesar tray and 3 handfuls of pro-plan.
The advantages would be they are very playful , obedient , love going walks , good at security and catching rats in the house..lolz [snowy got the mouse in my grannies]
The disadvantages is they seek alot of attention [ i know mine does] , he normally doesn't like to be carried , they are pron to having problems with their back-legs [he has had one operation on his costing £500 and needs another operation..
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I think you should get one !! really nice dogs
Be careful where you get it from, either find a AKC breeder, or check http://www.petfinder.com . I worked with one from a pet store whose owners were paying $600/month for kidney treatments to keep it alive (that's still going on, three years later…).
One I worked with was a totally sweet dog, but there were two that lived together that barked at everything, and were aggressive. You should make sure to train it, and get it socialized.
A lot of people with small dogs don't take them seriously as dogs. You need to think of it like a 80lb German Shepherd, and take its training seriously if you want it to turn out well.
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My family has a 10yo Westie that we've had since he was a puppy. He is absolutely adorable! Loves to snuggle. He's also a size that's easy to take care of because he can't really pull that hard on the leash. He's smart and wants to please. He has never had any chewing or pottytraining problems, he pottytrained very early. He loves staying in his crate and doesn't have separation anxiety issues.
Here are the cons: He is not a fan of young hyper children, he hides in his crate when my little cousins start poking their fingers in his ears and stuff. (He'd never bite them or anything but he doesn't like them too much.) He is VERY active (and I think this is a breed trait, I know 2 other Westies who are the same) and runs around our house like crazy. (Our 50lb pit bull is a much calmer dog with lower exercise needs!) He can NEVER be trusted off leash because he acts like he has ADHD and will chase anything in any direction.
Edit: Regarding health problems, westies (like all small cute dogs) are known to have some, notably terrible allergies and heart and kidney problems. Make sure you go to a reputable breeder, even though a well-bred dog is expensive.
References :
my mother-in-law has one, Toby he's coming up to 4 he has the most hilarious character i've ever known in a dog!! He growls at absolutely everything! He's not nasty thats just what he does! Always wants attention and great with the kids that go round. But he is a huge wimp when he's away from home if there's more than one dog on the park he runs home! I'd get one what joy it would bring you!
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