West Highland White Terriers
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BREED STANDARD
The West Highland White Terrier (Westie) is a small well-balanced hardy looking
terrier, exhibiting good showmanship. They are elegant looking with a beautiful, shiny
white coat and bright, button eyes, shaggy eyebrows and a black nose. An intelligent
dog who learns quickly West Highland White Terriers love human companionship
and will play with their family indoors or out. Their size makes them great for an
apartment but they are just as at home in the country. West Highland White Terriers
make great companions for children of all ages. Westies on average range from
10-11 inches tall and 15-22 pounds. They have a double coat that is wiry on the
outside and soft on the inside. Regular grooming is required to keep the coat clean
and free of tangles. Expected lifespan is 12-14 years.
HISTORY
The West Highland White Terrier shares its roots with the other terriers of Scotland.
At one time the Westie, Dandie Dinmont, Skye, Cairn, and Scottish Terriers were all
considered one breed with considerable diversity. Selective breeding based on such
qualities as coat type or color could have produced distinctive strains that would have
been easily maintained in the relative isolation of the various islands in the country.
The Westie first gained attention in 1907 as the Paltalloch Terrier, named for the
home of Col. E.D. Malcolm, who had been breeding the short-legged white terriers
for the previous 60 years. The breed has gone under several different names,
including Roseneath, Poltalloch, White Scottish, Little Skye, and Cairn. In fact, the
AKC first registered it as the Roseneath Terrier in 1908, but the name was changed
to West Highland White Terrier in 1909. Since that date it has made quite a name for
itself, establishing itself as one of the more competitive terriers in the show ring and
one of the most popular terriers in the home.
GROOMING
Westies have a stiff dry coat. To keep it looking its best, regular grooming is a must.
Stripping (or plucking) the old, dead hair is the traditional way of taking care of the
terrier coat and is the grooming method that must be used if showing your dog. Pet
owners often have their dogs coats clipped for neatness. Usually a visit to the
groomer every 4-6 weeks will work just fine. Daily brushing and combing is
important. Remember, because Westies have such a dry coat, bathing too often can
be more harmful than helpful. Once a month bathing is fine.
TRAINING
Although Westies are small, they still have a big desire to chase birds, rabbits, and
other small animals. Be sure that you have s sturdy leash and collar for your dog and
a fenced area if left alone. Remember digging after all those varmints is just as
much fin as chasing after them so be sure your area is "dig proof." Never let your dog
roam. Westies are small and quick and cars are lethal.
Inside your dog needs a safe haven. A crate, pen, or small room works great, but
remember a bored Westie can be destructive. Introduce a crate and exercise pen at
an early age, and they can be a place of safety and comfort while at home or traveling.
Spending time now to socialize and train your young puppy will reap huge rewards
later. Not only is a trained dog a happy dog, but you will form a close bond with your
dog that will last a lifetime.
IDENTIFICATION
Please identify your puppy with a safe form of identification such as collar and tags.
Or ask your vet about tattoos or one of the new microchip implants that are now
available.
NEUTERING VS. BREEDING
Is one of the most important decisions you will make regarding your dog. Be aware
that neutered dogs live longer than those left entire. Male Westies which have been
neutered do not have testicular cancer and are at greatly reduced risk of prostate
problems, cancerous and otherwise. In addition, dominance and aggression in
males is often hormonally linked. Females will not have uterine cancers or other
uterine infections, which are not uncommon in unspayed females. Mammary tumor
incidence is greatly reduced in females spayed before their first season, and a
spayed female won't be attracting all the neighborhood dogs.
Breeding is a serious undertaking, best left to those who have the knowledge to do it
well, and who are committed to the responsibility for the puppies brought into our
often uncaring world. Breeding is a lot of work. Many long hours are required to keep
a litter of puppies clean, fed, and properly socialized through the early weeks of life.
Many additional hours are spent researching stud dogs and pedigrees, as
responsible breeders endeavor to produce puppies better than either parent. It can
also be very expensive. And it can be heart-breaking. Even in the skilled hands of an
experienced breeder, the birth of a litter can end tragically.
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Helen and Malcolm (Mally)
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Thank you for visiting our Westie page.
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The busy Westie is happy, curious, and always in the thick of things. It is affectionate
and demanding, one of the friendliest terriers. It enjoys a daily romp in a safe area or a
walk on a lead, as well as playtime at home.