The Westie, as his friends call him, is more than adorable -- he's smart as a whip. If you're thinking of bringing a Westie into your life, you'll have a small but active companion. At maturity, Westies weigh between 15 and 21 pounds, standing 10 to 11 inches high at the shoulder.
As his name states, his coat is snow white, but his dark, "shoe-button" eyes equally add to his appeal. This Scottish native terrier started out hunting rodents, including badgers and foxes. Historical references to this type of terrier date back to at least the s.
Originally called the Poltalloch terrier, the breed made its initial appearances at dog shows in the early 20th century. The American Kennel Club first registered the breed as the Roseneath terrier in , although the name changed to the West Highland white terrier the following year.
Happy, friendly and curious, Westies make good dogs for individuals or families. He's adaptable, so as long as you spend time with him it doesn't matter whether you live in the city, suburbs or out in the sticks. He's a good little watchdog, but might overdo the barking. Westies generally gets along well with other dogs -- it could take a while longer with cats.
Westies have a double coat with a soft, furry undercoat and a stiffer outer coat. Adults require daily brushing. The Westie only sheds a tiny bit, but his coat must be cut.
Some people choose to use electric clippers themselves to save money and further bond with their Westie, while others prefer the services of a professional groomer. If cost is a concern, grooming equipment can be purchased for the cost of a few professional visits. Depending on the Westie, a clipper can either make the coat softer or wavy; a hand-stripped Westie has a wirier coat.
Stripping is a time-consuming process in which dead hairs are plucked by hand, a technique typically only done by owners of show dogs. The rest is basic care: Trim his nails as needed, usually every week or two. And brush his teeth daily with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for overall health and fresh breath.
Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind. Selecting a respected breeder is a great way to find the right puppy. Reputable breeders will welcome questions about temperament and health clearances, as well as explain the history of the breed and what kind of puppy makes for a good pet. Red flags to look out for: multiple litters on the premises, puppies always being available, having your choice of any puppy, and being offered the option to pay online with a credit card.
Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations. Puppies should be temperament tested, vetted, dewormed, and socialized to give them a healthy, confident start in life. If you put as much effort into researching your puppy as you would when buying a new car, it will save you money in the long run. Before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult Westie may better suit your lifestyle.
Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a good deal of time and effort before they grow up to be the dog of your dreams. There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization. Here is how to get started. Sites like Petfinder. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests housetraining status, for example or very general all the Westies available on Petfinder across the country.
Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears.
Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Westie. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog , that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations. Most people who love Westies love all Westies. You can also search online for other Westie rescues in your area. The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice.
They also often offer fostering opportunities so, with training, you could bring a Westie home with you to see what the experience is like. You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a dog. These include:. Wherever you acquire your Westie, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides.
Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter. Puppy or adult, take your Westie to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems, and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues.
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Wonder which dog or cat best fits your lifestyle? Our new tool will narrow down more than breeds for you. If the video doesn't start playing momentarily, please install the latest version of Flash. West Highland White Terrier. Tara Gregg, Animal Photography. Mary Bloom. Breed size: All Sizes. Pet food type: Dry. Net weight: 5 Pounds. Pets subtype: Dog Food. Country of Origin: United States.
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Shipping details Estimated ship dimensions: Return details This item can be returned to any Target store or Target. This item must be returned within 90 days of the in-store purchase, ship date or online order pickup. See return policy for details. See the return policy for complete information.
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