| HOME | YORKIES | WESTIES | PUGS | CROSSES | CONTACT US |
WEST HIGHLAND TERRIERS
WESTIES
Watch the funny video of Beautiful Westie Puppies
There are more Westie Videos on the player. Just click on the arrow in the bottom right corner of the video player window. This will open up the menu of other Westie videos to watch.
OUR WESTIE PUP PHOTOS
About West Highland White Terriers
Nickname: Westies
DESCRIPTION
A small but hardy and well balanced terrier that exhibits a straight white double coat about 2 inches in length. They have almond shaped, brightly penetrating eyes that shine brightly with a look that says;
I am alert and ready for anything!
Their tails are usually about 6 inches and have even shorter hair. The Westie teeth are distinctive to their characteristic facial expressions, with the six incisor teeth appearing almost too large for their mouth. Their ears are erect with sharply pointed tips and the head appears round. They have very strong bodies; powerful hind legs, deep chest and ample rib cage. Westies are known for their stamina, energy and confidently free gait. Given reasonable supervision, Westies are excellent dogs to have with children. They are active and cheerful and love attention.
GROOMING
The wiry double coat of the Westie needs daily brushing or combing. They will require shaping, clipping or stripping every three months. Shampoo with natural shampoo only when necessary. The decision whether to strip or groom the little Westie depends a lot on whether or not the dog will be shown or not. It is a matter of personal preferences, as stripping makes the coat stiffer and coarser, while clipping the coat can make it softer and wavy. Most people clip a dog because it is easy and quick, and both methods give two entirely different looks to the breed. If the groomers or the owner is good at dog grooming, the standard look of the breed will be as good with a clipper as with stripping. If the decision to use clippers gives too soft of a look, changing the mind is still an option as once the hair is grown back slightly, hand stripping can be done then until it gets the real Westie look and feel, done naturally.
EXERCISE
The Westie is a high energy dog and will need daily release to prevent too much pent up energy, which can cause destructive behaviors. Daily, active play exercise is an absolute necessity and can be accomplished with walking/running on leash or at the park, treadmills, doggy gymnastics and trick training will keep your Westie happy and well behaved.
HISTORY
Of course, the West Highland White Terrier originates for the Highlands of Scotland from as early as the 1800s. They were bred as small game hunters and working dogs that helped control the vermin populations in Scottish villages, mines, flour mills, farms and cottages. They will dig these unwanted creatures right out of whatever hole they are hiding in. This trait can translate into a challenge for Westie owners with gardens, but can be overcome with proper attention to training.
PERSONALITY
The West Highland Terrier is an intelligent, hardy dog that is easy to train, and is friendly towards strangers and children. They are one of the most affectionate of the terrier breeds. However, this friendliness does not extend to other pets or small animals. Any new pets or visitors must be gradually introduced to your Westie, with plenty of assurance that they are not being replaced in your affections. They are robust, spunky and curious and they just love companionship. They love to dig, bark and engage in high energy fun. Daily walk, fetch play and training sessions will keep your Westie happy and content. After they have spent all their energy, the Westie will need undisturbed sleep for at least 112-15 hours/day. West Highland Terriers are known for their charming character.
TRAINING
The superior intelligence of the Westie, combined with their bold, independent and stubborn temperment, means you will need to train them carefully. If you give your Westie too much training too soon, he will get the idea that he is the pack leader and not you. This situation is undesirable, because Westies can become too overbearing and aggressive, exhibiting bad behaviors such as bossing, snapping and even biting. To prevent this problem, training should be gradual, learning one command thoroughly before progressing to the next. Come, Sit, Heel, Down and Stay. In any given session, remember to end with a command that the dog has already learned well. Praise is a much valued treat for the very intelligent Westie.
HEALTH
There are a few diseases that can be a problem, but these occur rarely in a healthy environment: Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy, Legg Perthes Disease and CMO are problems in Westies that have poor health or weakened immune systems. Some of the other minor concerns are Copper Toxicosis, Cataracts, Patellar Luxation and Deafness. Healthy, well cared for Westies will live long lives without any problems.
I am alert and ready for anything!
Their tails are usually about 6 inches and have even shorter hair. The Westie teeth are distinctive to their characteristic facial expressions, with the six incisor teeth appearing almost too large for their mouth. Their ears are erect with sharply pointed tips and the head appears round. They have very strong bodies; powerful hind legs, deep chest and ample rib cage. Westies are known for their stamina, energy and confidently free gait. Given reasonable supervision, Westies are excellent dogs to have with children. They are active and cheerful and love attention.
GROOMING
The wiry double coat of the Westie needs daily brushing or combing. They will require shaping, clipping or stripping every three months. Shampoo with natural shampoo only when necessary. The decision whether to strip or groom the little Westie depends a lot on whether or not the dog will be shown or not. It is a matter of personal preferences, as stripping makes the coat stiffer and coarser, while clipping the coat can make it softer and wavy. Most people clip a dog because it is easy and quick, and both methods give two entirely different looks to the breed. If the groomers or the owner is good at dog grooming, the standard look of the breed will be as good with a clipper as with stripping. If the decision to use clippers gives too soft of a look, changing the mind is still an option as once the hair is grown back slightly, hand stripping can be done then until it gets the real Westie look and feel, done naturally.
EXERCISE
The Westie is a high energy dog and will need daily release to prevent too much pent up energy, which can cause destructive behaviors. Daily, active play exercise is an absolute necessity and can be accomplished with walking/running on leash or at the park, treadmills, doggy gymnastics and trick training will keep your Westie happy and well behaved.
HISTORY
Of course, the West Highland White Terrier originates for the Highlands of Scotland from as early as the 1800s. They were bred as small game hunters and working dogs that helped control the vermin populations in Scottish villages, mines, flour mills, farms and cottages. They will dig these unwanted creatures right out of whatever hole they are hiding in. This trait can translate into a challenge for Westie owners with gardens, but can be overcome with proper attention to training.
PERSONALITY
The West Highland Terrier is an intelligent, hardy dog that is easy to train, and is friendly towards strangers and children. They are one of the most affectionate of the terrier breeds. However, this friendliness does not extend to other pets or small animals. Any new pets or visitors must be gradually introduced to your Westie, with plenty of assurance that they are not being replaced in your affections. They are robust, spunky and curious and they just love companionship. They love to dig, bark and engage in high energy fun. Daily walk, fetch play and training sessions will keep your Westie happy and content. After they have spent all their energy, the Westie will need undisturbed sleep for at least 112-15 hours/day. West Highland Terriers are known for their charming character.
TRAINING
The superior intelligence of the Westie, combined with their bold, independent and stubborn temperment, means you will need to train them carefully. If you give your Westie too much training too soon, he will get the idea that he is the pack leader and not you. This situation is undesirable, because Westies can become too overbearing and aggressive, exhibiting bad behaviors such as bossing, snapping and even biting. To prevent this problem, training should be gradual, learning one command thoroughly before progressing to the next. Come, Sit, Heel, Down and Stay. In any given session, remember to end with a command that the dog has already learned well. Praise is a much valued treat for the very intelligent Westie.
HEALTH
There are a few diseases that can be a problem, but these occur rarely in a healthy environment: Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy, Legg Perthes Disease and CMO are problems in Westies that have poor health or weakened immune systems. Some of the other minor concerns are Copper Toxicosis, Cataracts, Patellar Luxation and Deafness. Healthy, well cared for Westies will live long lives without any problems.
For more information or to find out about availability dates at Green Acres for
WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER PUPPIES
| HOME | YORKIES | WESTIES | PUGS | CROSSES | CONTACT US |