West Highland white terrier

Dog Breed Group: Terrier Dogs
Recommended for: Families with older children
Maintenance Level: Low-Medium
Life Span:12-16 years
Height: 23-30 cm
Weight: 6-10 kg
Temperament: Friendly, Independent
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Colors: White, wheat, white with dark paws

Adaptability

Friendliness

General Health

Trainability

Exercise Needs

West Highland white terrier Breed Overview

The West Highland white terrier, or widely known as Westie, is a small breed that originates in Scotland. They were bred in order to hunt small rodents. There were many advertising campaigns that used these them as mascots, which increased their popularity.

In most cases, they have pointy ears and dark eyes. They are muscular and sturdy with a double coat that protects them from extreme cold. Even though most of them are white and that’s how they are accepted by kennel clubs, some of them could come in wheat colour with darker paws.

They are known as a hypoallergenic breed, which means that they don’t shed that much as other small breeds.

Westies can reach the 30 cm in height and 10 kg in weight.
Their life expectancy is approximately 16 years.

Suitability for Children – High
Tendency to Bark – Medium
Energy – Medium
Suitability as a Guard Dog – Medium
Grooming Requirements – Once a Week
Trimming Required – Occassional
Amount of hair shed – Moderate
Food Cost – $5 to $10
Average Monthly Pet insurance Premium – $58

Origins of West Highland

The West Highland Terrier is a descendant of Cairn Terriers, the Scottish terrier, the Dandle Dinmont Terrier and the Skye terrier. They were bred mainly as a working dog, especially for retrieving small animals.

There is a legend that state that Colonel Malcolm hunted with brown terriers when he thought that his bet one is a fox and shot it. In order to avoid it from happening, he set out the white terrier breed so that he doesn’t get confused during a hunt.

They were named in 1904 when it was first shown at Kennel Club in Scotland.

West Highland white terrier Temperament

Westies are amazing dogs that will provide you friendly, energetic and adaptable possibilities. Of course, they have a sense of adventure, but also patient nature which makes them great service and therapy dogs.
They are not so comfortable around young children and after a while, they can get irritated. However, they have a great personality and they can easily adapt on other dogs and cats, but you should raise him in the multi-pet environment from the very beginning.

Common West Highland Terrier Conditions & Diseases

Pulmonary Fibrosis – This particular condition affects lung air sacs which mean that they cannot breathe well. If you notice symptoms such as rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, coughing, and lethargy, you should immediately contact your vet. Quote a West Highland Terrier cover with us.

Interesting Facts

There are numerous dogs that are similar to Westies.
The most famous celebrity that owned him was Alfred Hitchcock.

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