I am interested in buying a westie but I've heard that they get allergies and need knee replacements etc? Are these things that I would really have to worry about? Are there any other problems that they might have? Would all of this cost me a lot of money?
As a dog groomer the only health problems that I encounter with themis tht they may get skin allergies. I havenot had any with knee problems. That is not an issue with this breed. I must say they are really a hardy healthy loving dog. I would not hesitate to get one of these guys. They have a great personality and you will not be sorry to be an owner of this breed. Good luck with your decision.
Tags: Westie
dont kno much bout them
but
i think that…
it would cost a lot of money
write 2 me
e-mail:
shubin_anita@yahoo.com
lol
References :
West Highland White Terriers are described in the standard as being "possessed of no small amount of self-esteem with a varminty appearance." This game and hardy little Terrier is easy to train. They are fairly friendly toward strangers and get along well with behaved children. Westies may snap when irritated, but are not as willful as many of the other Terrier breeds. They are lively and extremely self-assured toward other dogs. Westies usually do not pick fights with other dogs, although some males are combative with other males. They may chase a cat for fun, but usually will not hurt it. Robust, friendly, cocky and spunky. Westies just love companionship. Despite its size, they make a very good watchdog. These little dogs are easy to travel with. The Westie likes to dig and bark.
An interesting story involving a Westie: There was one case where a Westie would attack the mother in the family whenever she yelled at her teen-age daughter. This aggression has gotten progressively worse over the years, resulting in the mother's complete inability to even scold her child. It tuned out that the daughter was rewarding the dog for his protection by soothing and calming him down after each attack or threat to her mother. Thus, the daughter was perceived as helping her mother by preventing further assaults when in fact she was helping herself by, in the dogs eyes, rewarding the dog for its behavior.
Height, Weight
Height: Dogs 10-12 inches (25-30cm.) Bitches 9-11 inches (23-28cm.)
Weight: Dogs 15-22 pounds (7-10kg.) Bitches 13-16 pounds (6-7kg.)
Health Problems
Most are fairly healthy. Some are prone to chronic skin problems, Perthe's disease (hip problems), hernias, liver disease, and jawbone calcification.
Living Conditions
West Highland White Terriers are suitable for people in towns and cities as well as in the country. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Exercise
These little dogs, need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard.
Life Expectancy
About 15 or more years.
Grooming
The harsh, straight, short-haired double coat is fairly easy to groom and sheds little to no hair. Simply brush regularly with a stiff bristle brush. Brushing should keep the coat clean, so bathe only when necessary. Trim around the ears and eyes with blunt-nosed scissors. The whole coat should be trimmed about every four months and stripped twice a year.
References :
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/westhighland.htm
As a dog groomer the only health problems that I encounter with themis tht they may get skin allergies. I havenot had any with knee problems. That is not an issue with this breed. I must say they are really a hardy healthy loving dog. I would not hesitate to get one of these guys. They have a great personality and you will not be sorry to be an owner of this breed. Good luck with your decision.
References :
dpg groomer