West highland white terrier | Facts & Information

Temperament: active, friendly, courageous, independent

Origin

West Highland White terrier, respectively, Westie, is a popular dog, especially among families and children. This naughty and acrobatic dog loves to play with his human partners.

In the mountains of western Scotland, Scotch Terrier hybrids have been used to hunt badgers, foxes, etc.These dogs have also been used to destroy the nests of mice and rats. Initially, these Terriers were crossed in an attempt to create a hunter in the true sense of the word. At that time, it was decided that certain breeds should be created so that each showed different external characteristics and abilities.

Through selective breeding, the Scotch Terrier eventually developed into different breeds: Cairn Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Skye Terrier and West Highland White Terrier. In fact, until 1917, crossbreeding between these varied breeds continued to occur. When kennels refused to accept these hybrids (Metis), the pure lines of each breed were enshrined.

The West Highland White terrier is thought to have developed in Poltalloch, Scotland and has been known by various names. The first record of a dog named West Highland White Terrier occurred in the early 1900s. Initially, the West Highland White terrier was presented in various colors. The problem arose when hunters made confusion between their own dogs and the game.

After a few tragedies, it was decided that all Westies should be white, to prevent confusion in the future. The West Highland White Terrier first appeared in the United States in 1906 under the name Roseneath Terrier. The breed was accepted into the American Kennel Club (AKC) terrier group in 1908, but was not given its official name until 1909.

Feeding The West Highland White Terrier

It is known that these gorgeous white terriers have a more than known problem: skin allergies. The best diet for Westies is based on Lamb and rice. These two ingredients, lamb and rice, are recommended for those with a sensitive stomach.

Other foods (e.g. corn, etc.) can cause allergies and it is good if you introduce them into the dog's diet to do it gradually and keep an eye on his activity to see if it causes itching.

Like the rest of the dogs, the Westie must have fresh water at his discretion to drink when he is thirsty. Pay attention to the amount of food you give him because he may be prone to obesity.

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Appearance West Highland White Terrier

Westie is a small dog, brisk, energetic, compact, robust and vigorous. The head has a dome-like appearance, and the snout is of medium size with a pronounced stop. The eyes are shiny, dark in color, with a piercing gaze. The small ears are raised and sharp, giving it the appearance of an alert animal, ready for anything.

Westie shows a deep chest and muscular limbs. The tail is worn carelessly, having a length around 12.5-15 cm and should not be shortened. All West Highland White Terriers are characteristically white, but a lemon shade may be present around the face and ears.

The coat (robe) of the Westie is double with a soft, frequent and warm fluff and a thick straight or wiry hair, up to 5 cm long.

The adult West Highland White Terrier has a height at the Withers of 25-30 cm in the male and 23-28 cm in the female. The body weight is 7-10 kg in the male and 6-7 kg in the female.

Behavior West Highland White Terrier

The Westie is characteristically an intelligent, well-bred dog with good manners. The breed is cheerful, loving and very playful. Many consider Westie to be a puppy all his life.

Even though they may have a playful side, the Westies can be quiet, good, confident and determined. They are quite friendly to strangers.

The West Highland White Terrier may bite when provoked, but it is not as disobedient as most terriers are. The West Highland White Terrier is energetic and extremely confident compared to other dogs.

The West Highland White Terrier is usually not the one who causes conflicts with other dogs, although some males are more aggressive, especially with other males.

Training West Highland White Terrier

This small, brave and robust terrier is easy to educate. Westie learns quickly and excels at hunting and trail-taking. It also sits well in the chapters obedience and agility.

He is a cheerful, playful, slightly stubborn dog with initiative and should not be allowed to do what he wants.

Training must be firm, consistent, balanced, without being harsh, severe. He likes to play with the ball, run, dig, because he has a high level of activity.

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Features West Highland White Terrier

Westie's white robe can take a little of your free time to keep it clean. Hair should be brushed to prevent its tangle and damage. The hair is kept in proper condition by detaching or plucking dead hair.

Regular brushing with a pig hair brush can keep the fur clean, so bathing will only be done when absolutely necessary. Around the ears and eyes, the hair is trimmed with a scissors with a blunt tip. Their entire coat should be trimmed every 4 months and trimmed very short twice a year.

As a terrier, the West Highland White Terrier can develop a habit of digging. If left alone for long periods of time, the West Highland White Terrier can show behavioural problems.

Westie is an excellent dog for children.

Diseases West Highland White Terrier

As with other breeds, the West Highland White Terrier is not exempt from certain medical sensitivities. Among them were reported with an increased frequency the following:

craniomandibular osteopathy is an inflammation of the maxillary bones (maxilla and mandible). This condition is temporary and occurs in young people. Affected dogs will stop eating because opening their mouths causes severe pain.

cataracts cause a loss of normal transparency of the lens. The condition can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to vision loss over time.

diabetes is a pancreatic disease associated with insufficient insulin production.

patellar dislocation is a disorder that affects the patella (patella).

hip dysplasia is a malformation of the coxofemoral joint that results in consecutive pain, lameness and arthritis.

cardiac dilation is a heart condition that results in enlargement, thinning of the heart muscle that forms the walls of the heart.

In addition, the West Highland White Terrier is prone to allergic dermatitis, liver disease, otitis, trembling disease in albinos and deafness.

White shaker disease is a condition of tremor seen in small white dogs.

The average lifespan of West Highland White Terriers is 14-16 years.