The west highland white terrier or Westy, is a small and friendly dog, but rough and brave at the same time. Developed as a hunting dog, today it is one of the best pets that exist. This breed of dog comes from Scotland, more specifically from Argyll, and is characterized by its bright white hair. It appeared at the beginning of the 20th century as a result of the offspring between cairn terrier specimens that had white and cream hair. At first the breed was used for fox hunting although it soon became the excellent companion dog we know today.
He is a very affectionate and sociable dog, which is why he is ideal for families with children, who can give them lots of company and affection. In addition, this breed needs to do moderate physical activity, so it is perfectly compatible to have a Westie in a small apartment or house, while his dose of daily walks. If you want to adopt a west highland white terrier, this breed file on our site will help you answer all your questions.
Origin of the west highland white terrier
This breed originated in the highlands of western Scotland In fact, the literal translation of its name is white terrier of the western highlands. The breed was initially indistinguishable from other short-legged Scottish terriers, such as the Cairn, the Dandie Dinmont, and the Scottish Terrier. However, over time each variety was bred separately, until they became true breeds of dogs.
These terriers were originally bred as hunting dogs of fox and badger, and had different coat colors. It is said that Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm decided to breed only white dogs after one of his red dogs died because he was mistaken for a fox when he came out of the den. If the legend is true, that would be the reason why the westie is a white dog.
In 1907 this breed was presented for the first time at the prestigious Crufts dog show. Since then, the West Highland White Terrier has been widely accepted at dog shows and in thousands of homes around the world.
West Highland White Terrier Physical Characteristics
The Westy is a small dog, ideal for those who have a flat as it measures about 28 centimeters at the withers and generally does not exceed 10 kg in weight. Females are generally somewhat smaller than males. This is a small and compactdog, but a strong build. The back is level (straight) and the loin is broad and strong, while the chest is deep. The legs are short, muscular and strong.
The west highland white terrier's head is slightly bulging and covered in thick fur. The nose is black and somewhat elongated. The teeth are large in relation to the size of the dog and very powerful, a useful feature for hunting foxes in their burrows. The eyes are medium and dark with an intelligent and alert expression. The Westy's face is sweet and friendly, it seems to be always alert due to its little pointed ears. The tail is a typical and much appreciated element of the West Highland appearance. It is covered with abundant coarse hair and is as straight as possible. It is shaped like a small carrot, it is between 12.5 and 15 centimeters long and under no circumstances should it be cut.
The most notable characteristic of the West Highland is its beautiful white coat (the only color accepted) resistant, which is divided into an undercoat of smooth and dense hair that contrasts with an outer coat of coarse hair and something rougher. The outer layer usually grows up to 5-6 centimeters, something that, combined with white hair, makes it essential to go to the hairdresser with some regularity. The Teddy type hairstyle is one of those used for this breed.
West Highland White Terrier Character
Brave, mischievous, highly self-assured and dynamic, the Westie is perhaps the most affectionate and sociable of the terrier dogs Still Thus, we must bear in mind that it is a rough dog designed for hunting dangerous animals such as foxes. Although it will depend on each individual, the Westy usually gets along perfectly with other dogs thanks to its balanced and friendly temperament. It is important that, like any dog, it is properly socialized from a young age in parks and nearby environments so that it meets other pets and people.
We should know that this wonderful dog is also the perfect companion for children, with whom he will enjoy an active rhythm of play. If our intention is to adopt a dog so that our children enjoy spending time with it, we must be clear about the importance of its small size, and that is that too rough a game can end up with a broken leg. We must educate them so that the game between pets and children is appropriate. In addition, they have a tendency to bark and dig, so they can complicate things for those who like extreme silence and a well-kept garden. However, they make great pets for on-the-go people who like outdoor activities.
We usually talk about a dog with a strong personality and that is because he is very determined and courageous despite his small size. The Westy is an active and affectionate dog who will love to feel part of the family nucleus. He is a very accommodating and affectionate dog with those who take care of him every day, to whom he will offer the most positive version of his life. Sweet and restless, the Westy will love being taken for a walk in the countryside or in the mountains, even as an old dog, where he will bring up his past as a hunting dog if he finds an interesting trail to follow. It will also be essential that you play with him regularly to maintain his agility and intelligence as he deserves.
West Highland White Terrier Care
West Highland skin is somewhat dry and too frequent bathing can make it prone to breakouts. We will try to avoid this problem by washing it regularly for approximately 3 weeks with an exclusive shampoo recommended for the breed. After the bath we will dry his ears well with a towel, a part of his body that needs regular cleaning.
Brushing the hair should also be regular, this way your coat will look he althy and shiny. In addition, brushing is pleasant for most dogs, for this reason we affirm that the practice of its care will promote your bond. Although the maintenance of the coat is not that complicated, the westie tends to get dirty easily because it is completely white. It is normal for our Westy to get his nose or paws dirty after eating or playing, one trick is to use baby wipes to clean the area. We will also pay attention to the tear ducts that tend to accumulate film, and sometimes create unsightly brown stains.
He is not a dog that needs large doses of exercise, for this reason, taking two or three daily walks with an active rhythm will be enough to keep our West Highland happy and he althy. Due to its small size, this dog can be exercised inside the house, but it really enjoys playing outdoors, in a fenced-in area. In addition, it is important to give this dog all the company he needs Since he is a very social animal, he needs to be with his family as much as possible, and it is not good to leave it alone for long periods. It is a dog suitable for living in an apartment.
West Highland White Terrier Education
Westies tend to be friendly with people and can get along with other dogs when properly socialized. Their strong prey drive, however, makes them poorly suited to tolerating small pets, which they tend to hunt. In any case, it is important to start the socialization of dogs at an early age, to prevent future problems of shyness or aggressiveness. The strong personality of these little dogs has led many to think that they are difficult to train, but that is not true. West Highland White Terriers are highly intelligent dogs that learn quickly when positively trained with methods such as clicker training, treats, and rewards. They do not respond well to traditional training techniques based on punishment and negative reinforcement. He only needs a regular training in terms of education since he is usually somewhat independent. It is always alert, aware of its territory, ready to defend it, for this reason we affirm that it is an excellent watchdog
West Highland White Terrier He alth
Westy puppies are especially vulnerable to craniomandibular osteopathy, a disease that involves abnormal growth of the jaw. It is genetic and should be treated properly with the help of a veterinarian. It usually appears around 3-6 months of age of the puppy and disappears at 12, after the application of corticosteroids or natural remedies among others. On rare occasions it is usually serious.
Other diseases your West Highland may suffer from are globoid cell leukodystrophy or Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. The Westie is also susceptible, although less frequently, to cataracts, patellar luxation, and copper toxicosis.
