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West Highland White Terrier

The "Westie" is a Very Friendly Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier originated in Scotland and has a history that goes back beyond the 1800's. He was bred to hunt otters, foxes and rats and has a confident, independent nature. He is a sturdy, compact dog, standing about eleven inches tall, at the shoulder and weighing between thirteen and twenty pounds.

The Westie is very popular on both sides of the Atlantic, being 34th most popular in the 2010 breed registrations for The American Kennel Club out of 157 breeds

He is even more popular in Britain, as this breed had the 12th most registrations for The Kennel Club which recognizes 210 different pedigree breeds.

West Highland White Terriers are normally independent, assured and self confident and can make good watchdogs. He is fearless and courageous and is quite a good guard dog, in spite of his small size.

He is loyal and devoted and bonds with his owners, but is very energetic and needs regular exercise. Westies are highly social and are the most friendly and jolly of all the Scottish breeds of terrier.

Grooming The West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier has a double coat, the outer coat being straight, hard hair and the under coat being soft and plentiful. This breed virtually does not shed, but his wiry coat needs daily brushing and occasional clipping. For show dogs, hand stripping is the best method. He is a good pet for a family whose members may be allergic to loose dog hair. 

Exercise For The West Highland White Terrier

The Westie is a true terrier, being full of energy and inquisitiveness, so he needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. He enjoys a daily walk but he should always be on a leash, unless he is in a secure, enclosed area, because he has the terrier's strong prey drive and is likely to chase and attack small animals and birds. He will chase a ball with enthusiasm but he will not be eager to relinquish it.

Training The West Highland White Terrier

In training the West Highland White Terrier, we again encounter his terrier qualities. He is quite intelligent but he is independent and can be stubborn. Dr Stanley Coren, who has conducted extensive research, rates this breed as joint 47th, out of 79 breed groups, as regards intelligence and describes him as "average working/obedience intelligence and understanding of new commands".

In his natural working environment, the Westie is used to acting pretty much on his own initiative, with a minimum of direction from his handler, so he is not attuned to much detailed instruction. A harsh training approach will only make him more stubborn. Provided you can give him time and patience, he can be very good at obedience and agility competition. Otherwise, if you give him plenty of love, affection and exercise, he won't be any trouble.  

 The West Highland White Terrier's Temperament

Some West Highland White Terriers are sociable and friendly, while others prefer just the company of their owners. If they are raised with children from when they are puppies, they can be friendly and protective but they will not tolerate rough handling or boisterous play. The Westie is alert and vigilant and makes an excellent watchdog, although he may need training to curb his excessive barking, if there are many noisy distractions within earshot. He can be very possessive and territorial about food and toys. 

Need To Learn More?
We can recommend this excellent downloadable eBook, written by Mike Mathews, who has over thirty years experience and extensive research into how to choose the ideal small dog breeds for your own individual lifestyle. This book carries a 60-day money back guarantee.