| Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know | | | | other people will go for the lion clip in which fur |
| its breed, and that includes getting a better idea | | | | around the face is left to resemble the mane of a |
| about its appearance, personality, and health | | | | lion. The Westie has feet with a slight web, similar to |
| requirements. Here's what you need to know about | | | | that of the Labrador Retriever. |
| the West Highland White Terrier: | | | | Temperament and Personality |
| Commonly referred to as a "Westie," this breed has | | | | Keep in mind that while the West Highland White |
| an excellent personality, being extremely friendly and | | | | Terrier makes an exceptional companion or family |
| great with both children and other animals. The breed | | | | pet, it is also among the working class dog, which |
| is small with a white coat that is hard to miss. Keep in | | | | means it has a medium to high level of energy. When |
| mind that because the Westie is a "terrier," you can | | | | taking your dog outside, you may notice it trying to |
| expect a little bit of independence and attitude. | | | | chase down birds, squirrels, and other "prey." It is |
| However, proper socialization and training will help. | | | | important to note that most terriers have a built-in |
| This breed of dog is actually a descent of the Cairn | | | | desire to chase prey. The Westie is exceptionally |
| Terrier, which is also white, and the Scottish Terrier, | | | | driven. Because of this, if you were out walking the |
| also known for producing white puppies. Although no | | | | dog, even one that had been trained, you risk it |
| longer done, original breeds of the West Highland | | | | taking off at the first sight of a rabbit or other |
| White Terrier also incorporated bloodlines from the | | | | creature. |
| Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Bedilngton Terrier. | | | | Although this breed would make a great pet for the |
| The exact origin of the West Highland White Terrier | | | | elderly or apartment-dwellers, due to the energy |
| is a bit confusing. Some believe the breed originated | | | | level, the Westie also needs adequate playtime and |
| during the 19th century, first being developed in | | | | exercise. You will also find that the West Highland |
| Scotland by Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm while | | | | White Terrier is protective of its family, making both |
| others insist the breed was developed by the 8th | | | | great watchdog and guard dog. While the Westie |
| Duke of Argyll. Regardless of the actual person | | | | does exceptionally well with children and other animals |
| responsible for the Westie, we do know that special | | | | in the home, it is still important the dog be socialized |
| breeding was required to end up with this beautiful | | | | and introduced preferably from a young age. |
| and distinguished dog. | | | | Health |
| Physical Appearance | | | | Probably the most common complaint seen with the |
| The West Highland White Terrier has a strong, | | | | West Highland White Terrier has to do with skin. This |
| sturdy body, bright eyes that are typically dark and | | | | breed is prone to dry skin so rather than bathing |
| deep set, and small, pointed ears. The average height | | | | weekly, as you might do with another dog, it is |
| for this breed is 11 inches with weight anywhere | | | | recommended not more than once a month. To help |
| from 15 to 22 pounds. Unlike other breeds, the | | | | keep the coat healthy and shiny, daily brushing will |
| Westie has a tail with a carrot shape, averaging five | | | | help. When you do give this breed a bath, you want |
| to six inches in length. The the tail is a distinguishing | | | | to use gentle dog shampoo, one without fragrance |
| character. It should never be docked. You would also | | | | or detergent. |
| notice the build including a deep chest, short fitted | | | | In addition, you will find that the Westie often has |
| jaw with a scissor bite, muscular legs, and a slight | | | | allergies. For instance, while one breed of dog might |
| convex head. | | | | only itch slightly when bitten by a mosquito, the |
| The coat of the West Highland White Terrier is a | | | | West Highland White Terrier could actually experience |
| double coat. This means the undercoat is soft and | | | | a nasty infection. Other less common health problems |
| thick while the outside or top coat is rough. To keep | | | | include Westie Lung Disease, White Shakers, liver, |
| the Westie looking good, it does require regularly | | | | kidney, eye, and heart problems, along with diabetes, |
| scheduled grooming. Depending on personal taste, | | | | Addison's Disease, Legg-Calve Perthes, and Hip |
| some people will keep the Westie clipped short while | | | | Dysplasia. |