About the West Highland Terrier Breed
These dogs, popularly known as Westies, are basically terriers and possess most of this breed's characteristics. Hence, westie is not really a lapdog - and if that is what you are seeking, this is not the right dog for you. Though they look extremely cuddly since they are impeccably white and small; however, they do not prefer to be held or handled for long periods of time.
What Goes Into the Making of this Spirited Little Animal?
The dogs of the West Highland terrier breed were raised for the first time by Colonel Donald Malcolm (Argyll) around the 1620s and the eighth Duke of Argyll around 1800s. Along more than two centuries of selective breeding, the perfect genetic make-up of these dogs was established as we know it today. westie got the habit of digging in the courtyard due to the fact that the breed was designed for hunting foxes and rats (vermin in general).
The West Highland terrier has always a bright white colored coat. Designed to be a hunting dog, the breeders selected the dogs having this color in order to easily distinguish them from the prey (fox and rabbits) and thus not to shot them. The dogs of this breed are tenacious, aggressive and energetic also due to their terrier origin. They use only the direct approach to their prey. This dog has a lot of spunk and makes an excellent watchdog. Their most loved activities are playing and sleeping, and you may observe that a Westie will always sleep in a secluded place and always placing his back towards a wall or another solid thing.
Short Description of the West Highland Terrier Coat
This dog has two coats of fur - one dense and wiry, and the other one, soft and fluffy. The coat was meant for its protection - so the prey was not able to hold it down. Today, the advantage of its coat is that being dry it does not need a bath too often. Grooming involves normal daily brushing and trimming of hair wherever you feel that it will affect its hygiene - around the mouth, around the ears and also around the eyes, though the latter is for cosmetic purposes.
The West Highland white terriers are currently healthy dogs. The dogs of this Scottish terrier type of breed encounter mostly skin problems. For unknown reasons, these dogs frequently encounter all types of skin allergies, infections and even cancer. Perthe's disease that affects the hip, liver problems, hernia and jawbone calcifications are other diseases encountered by this breed. Nevertheless, these dogs live for an average of 15 years.
They love to be exercised, but since it is extremely energetic indoors as well, it will not hanker for the outdoors. They are very playful and need many naps during the day. This dog makes a wonderful companion pet because it gets along very easily with children, elder people and all other pet animals at home - including cats.
As these dogs still keep their instinct for hunt, they will rush after a rat and catch it if given the opportunity. Though no more used for hunting for a long time, the West Highland terriers show they are a hunting breed.
What Goes Into the Making of this Spirited Little Animal?
The dogs of the West Highland terrier breed were raised for the first time by Colonel Donald Malcolm (Argyll) around the 1620s and the eighth Duke of Argyll around 1800s. Along more than two centuries of selective breeding, the perfect genetic make-up of these dogs was established as we know it today. westie got the habit of digging in the courtyard due to the fact that the breed was designed for hunting foxes and rats (vermin in general).
The West Highland terrier has always a bright white colored coat. Designed to be a hunting dog, the breeders selected the dogs having this color in order to easily distinguish them from the prey (fox and rabbits) and thus not to shot them. The dogs of this breed are tenacious, aggressive and energetic also due to their terrier origin. They use only the direct approach to their prey. This dog has a lot of spunk and makes an excellent watchdog. Their most loved activities are playing and sleeping, and you may observe that a Westie will always sleep in a secluded place and always placing his back towards a wall or another solid thing.
Short Description of the West Highland Terrier Coat
This dog has two coats of fur - one dense and wiry, and the other one, soft and fluffy. The coat was meant for its protection - so the prey was not able to hold it down. Today, the advantage of its coat is that being dry it does not need a bath too often. Grooming involves normal daily brushing and trimming of hair wherever you feel that it will affect its hygiene - around the mouth, around the ears and also around the eyes, though the latter is for cosmetic purposes.
The West Highland white terriers are currently healthy dogs. The dogs of this Scottish terrier type of breed encounter mostly skin problems. For unknown reasons, these dogs frequently encounter all types of skin allergies, infections and even cancer. Perthe's disease that affects the hip, liver problems, hernia and jawbone calcifications are other diseases encountered by this breed. Nevertheless, these dogs live for an average of 15 years.
They love to be exercised, but since it is extremely energetic indoors as well, it will not hanker for the outdoors. They are very playful and need many naps during the day. This dog makes a wonderful companion pet because it gets along very easily with children, elder people and all other pet animals at home - including cats.
As these dogs still keep their instinct for hunt, they will rush after a rat and catch it if given the opportunity. Though no more used for hunting for a long time, the West Highland terriers show they are a hunting breed.
About the Author:
westie is not the right dog for those who prefer lapdogs westie likes to dig in the courtyard. The West Highland terrier is always bright white