Table of Contents
West Highland Terrier Facts
Are West Highland terriers good dogs?
Westies are wonderful family pets. They get along well with cats and other dogs, and they are social butterflies that love being around people. But because of their hunting instincts, young children might not be a great fit for the easily excitable Westie.
What are Westies known for?
West Highland white terriers are known for their outstanding white coats, compact bodies and spunky personalities. These sturdy little dogs make wonderful, loyal companions. Westies originated in the rocky regions of Scotland where they were bred to hunt badgers, foxes and other vermin.
Are West Highland terriers barkers?
Again, showing the terrier temperament, Westies are not always good with other dogs that they have not been raised with and can be dangerous around other small house pets such as bunnies. As befits their heritage, they have a tendency to be nuisance barkers and serious diggers.
Why Westies are the best dogs?
True to their hunting background, Westies are feisty, energetic, and determined. They are also very devoted to their people. The breed’s sterling qualities make for a charming companionthough in many ways they can be challenging to own.
Can West Highland terriers swim?
Like any other breed of dog, some Westies like to swim, and others may not like the water so much. However, even if your Westie loves to swim, one thing is for sure; it should never be done without adult supervision! Some dogs are just natural swimmers, while others take some time to adjust and get used to it.
What breed is the Caesar dog?
The breed is used as the mascot of the dog food brand Cesar. The Australian dog food manufacturer Mars Incorporated uses the West Highland White Terrier breed as the face of their My Dog brand. The Westie can be seen on My Dog packaging, website, and television and print advertisements.
Are male or female Westies better?
Deciding Whether to Purchase a Male or Female? In regard to temperament, there is little or no difference between the two, although it is said that Westie males are more affectionate than female Westies. Physically, the female is smaller and lighter, so easier to control on a walk or carry when necessary.
Are Westies easy to potty train?
Part of the difficulty of training a Westie isn’t unique to the breed, it might have more to do with the terrier’s diminutive side. The website Pet Helpful says that small breeds often get bad reputations for being difficult to train, especially when it comes to potty training.
How long do West Highland terriers live?
The Westie dog breed, which has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, may be prone to minor health problems like Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), copper toxicosis, patellar luxation, and cataract, and major problems such as Legg-Perthes Disease, Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO), globoid cell leukodystrophy, and skin …
What is Westie jaw?
Craniomandibular osteopathy, otherwise known as lion jaw or westie jaw, is also seen more in West Highland Terriers than other breeds. This is a disease that affects the jaw causing swelling, reduced appetite, drooling, pain on opening the mouth and, in some cases, a fever.
How should Westies be cut?
What are Westies allergic to?
You are correct that the breed is well known for allergy problems. Dogs can be allergic to all sorts of things, from dust mites to seasonal pollens, food proteins or flea allergy dermatitis brought on by the protein found in the saliva of dog-biting fleas.
What dogs go well with Westies?
Other affectionate breeds to consider adopting include Corgis, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Labradors, who also want regular cuddles with their owners.
Do Havanese dogs shed?
These dogs rarely shed. When they do lose hair, it is typically caught by the outer coat instead of falling straight to the ground. While a dog that doesn’t shed may sound like music to your ears, this does not mean that Havanese don’t require much grooming.
Can Westies stay home alone?
Separation anxiety in Westie is a condition in which a Westie becomes restlessness or exhibits signs of distress when they are away from their owner. If your dog is overly attached to you, it’ll be natural for them to become anxious. Depending on their reaction, they can be left alone up to several hours a day.
How much do Westies cost?
$800-$1,700
The average price of a Westie puppy from a breeder is about $1,000. Of course, this will differ depending on the breeder’s experience level and the dog’s pedigree. If the puppy has already received their first vaccinations and other vet care, the price will often be somewhat higher.
Are all Westies white?
Westies have a double coat, with a short undercoat and a topcoat close to two inches long. That double coat protects him from inclement weather and from the teeth and claws of his quarry. The wee white one should, of course, always be white. Any other color is considered a fault in the show ring.
Are Westies good for first time dog owners?
Other breeds Robinson recommends for first-time dog owners include three smaller breeds the West Highland terrier (Westie), the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and the shihtzu (pictured). She said Westies are generally sweet and petite, and they do well with obedience training. They are also nearly odorless.
Are Westies stubborn?
As they can be stubborn and independent dogs, it is vital that they are trained from an early age to ensure that any commands taught continues through to their adulthood. It is important to remember that Westies could potentially adapt easily with continuous training.
Why does my Westie growl at me?
Westies are proud and smart, and they make no apologies about these traits. Biting is a way to challenge the leadership of the owners. Another reason behind aggressive behavior is fear. It can be due to the owner’s actions such as invading his territory, taking his food and others that include pulling ears and tails.
How do you calm down a Westie?
Use Toys and Treats
Toys and treats for training are great ways to get your pint-sized companions to calm down. If you can’t take your dogs outside for a walk just yet, you can always give them their toys to keep them busy. In this way, you’ll get yourself some quiet time to rest or finish up on some work.
How can I tell if my Westie is purebred?
Coat This is probably the most recognizable characteristic of purebred Westies. They should have a double coat of pure white hair. The outer coat is of harsher hair and should be around 2 inches, and should not be curly. The undercoat, in contrast, should be softer hair and should be close.
What dog has the longest lifespan?
Australian Cattle Dog
An Australian Cattle Dog called Bluey holds the record for the longest-lived dog – reaching an incredible 29 years of age. The breed normally lives for around 15 years.
Are there black West Highland terriers?
So, can a Westie come in black? Nope a black terrier will always be a Scottie dog, and a brown terrier is probably a Cairn. Most modern terriers share a common ancestor, the Roseneath, which probably did come in many varieties of color.
How often do Westies go into heat?
The heat cycle usually occurs twice a year, though some dogs will go more or less than six months between cycles.
How do I choose a Westie puppy?
They should feel firm and muscular, and be squirmy and active at first when picked up, but be willing to relax and accept being held and cuddled for a short time. Coats should be clean and thick; eyes, nose and ears free of discharge or irritation; and the puppies should not be pot-bellied.
What is the best age to choose a puppy?
One experienced dog trainer and expert on dog development suggested that the optimum age for a puppy to go to its new owner is about 8-to-9-weeks, when the pup is ready to develop a strong bond.
Do West Highland Terriers get along with cats?
Westies are generally more tolerant to cats than other terrier breeds. But because it was originally bred to chase prey, they have a tendency to chase animals that are smaller than them in size. A Westie can get along with cats if: They were both raised together while still young.
Why are Westies stubborn?
In order to be capable of hunting and killing, these terriers were bred to be both tough and determined. They were bred so well, in fact, that these traits are still deeply ingrained in the breed even today. This hard wired determination is what is commonly referred to as the breed’s stubbornness.
How do you play with a Westie?
Stairwell Dash. If you have stairs within your house, they will make for a great training track for your Westie. Train your little ball of white fluff to sit and stay at the bottom of the stairs. Choose a favorite toy, and throw it up to the top (or if you want a work out, walk up and place it there).
Can you train a Westie not to bark?
The key to training a Westie to stop barking continuously is to tell them No. If they don’t stop barking, you will need to be firm with them. Westies are intelligent dog breeds and they will understand your command. Just don’t expect them to stop this incessant barking behavior the very first time you tell them No.
Do Westies go blind?
Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Westies. We’ll watch for the lenses of his eyes to become more opaquemeaning they look cloudy instead of clearwhen we examine him. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine.
Do Westies go deaf?
Senior Westies are also quite prone to suffering from hearing loss, and although there are surgical options open to you, it might not be the most useful solution.
What is the oldest Westie on record?
The 20-year-old West Highland terrier, Snowy, was taken to the Dogs Trust centre in Huyton, Merseyside, after its owner became ill. The pet was taken in by Margaret Millar, of Wigan, and is now “happily settled”, the trust said. Ms Millar, who cares for several older dogs, said: “It’s like a dog retirement home.
What is dog’s Lion jaw?
Craniomandibular osteopathy, also known as lion’s jaw, is a developmental disease in dogs causing extensive bony changes in the mandible and skull. In this disease, a cyclical resorption of normal bone and replacement by immature bone occurs along the inner and outer surfaces of the affected bones.
How common is Westie jaw?
Westie Jaw is fortunately very rare, however, this means that there is limited research on treatment and a lack of knowledge surrounding the nature of this disease.
Is Craniomandibular osteopathy painful?
The signs of craniomandibular osteopathy usually relate to persistent or intermittent pain around the mouth in growing male and female puppies 4 to 7 months of age. Mild cases may be asymptomatic and are discovered by palpation or radiography.
How do you wash a Westie face?
How do you clean a Westie ear?
How often should I feed my Westie?
Feed your dog two meals a day.
High-quality dry or wet food is best for West Highland Terriers. They should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
Why are my Westies paws red?
It could be due to allergies or due to excessive licking of the paws (usually connected to allergies as well). You should have it checked by a vet and start an allergy treatment ASAP in order to see if it helps.
Why do Westies have skin problems?
Allergies that cause itchy skin are common in all terriers. A recent study found that 66% of West Highland White Terriers experienced some skin disease by age 3. A rare and nasty inherited condition is called epidermal dysplasia or Westie Armadillo Syndrome.
Why is my Westies skin turning black?
Black skin disease, or alopecia X, is one of the specific skin disorders common to Westies. This disease is caused by a genetic hormone imbalance and is thought to be most common in males. Skin conditions are the most common health concern in Westies.
Are Westies hypoallergenic?
How big do Westiepoos get?
The Westiepoo is usually described as a small dog. Although, as is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 20 to 35 pounds and range in height from eleven to 17 inches.
At what age are Westies full grown?
The West Highland Terrier is a smaller breed and will most likely reach full maturity between the six to eight-month time frame. However, they will continue to gain weight until they reach 12 months of age.
Do Havanese like to swim?
Havanese
Our ancestors likely came to the island of Cuba via trading ships. We became popular with Cuban and European aristocracy, and traveled aboard many a ship. Some of us love to swim; almost all of us thrive on both land and water outings with our family.
Are Havanese dogs biters?
Havanese are a mild and gentle breed that make for a great family pet. But just like any breed, he does need to learn good manners, and this includes not nipping. Even more than this, it’s important to teach him a general rule that biting as a whole is not acceptable.
Can you leave Havanese alone?
The Havanese doesn’t like to be alone, and would not be a good choice if you’re going to be away often. He will likely suffer some amount of separation anxiety. That’s not to say that you should never leave him alone. It would be good for him to adjust to a little alone time early, so that he can tolerate it later.
Do West Highland Terriers bark a lot?
Barking is a natural dog behavior and sometimes its okay when our furry little friends are trying to communicate, but sometimes they just don’t want to shut up. If you have a West Highland Terrier that is constantly barking, here are a few tips that you can use to stop (or at least reduce) your Westie’s barking.
How much exercise do Westies need?
Your Westie will need an hour exercise every day. This should be split into a couple of walks with lots of time for sniffing and exploring along the way. On top of this, your Westie will need plenty of time off-lead in a secure area to run around.
Are Westies anxious?
Westies are an adorable, highly active, and most importantly a non-violent breed of dogs. However, as nature has it, owners can easily trigger separation anxiety in Westies, either due to their negligence or just simply due to insufficient knowledge.
Can Westies drink milk?
Most dogs can drink cow’s milk or goat’s milk, however some dogs may be allergic or lactose intolerant, cautions Dr.
What is the cheapest puppy?
Chihuahuas are the cheapest dog breed because of how affordable it is to take care of them.
…
Our research shows that the top 10 cheapest dogs are as follows:
…
Our research shows that the top 10 cheapest dogs are as follows:
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
- American Foxhound.
- Chinese Crested Hairless Dog.
- Australian Terrie.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
- Pug.
- Rat Terrier.
- Dachshund.
What is the most expensive dog?
The Tibetan mastiff is the most expensive dog in the world. The breed stands at at least 26 inches shoulder height and typically weighs more than 100 lbs. Known to sell for at least $7,000 per puppy, a Chinese businessman made headlines when he bought a 1-year-old Tibetan mastiff for $1.9 million.
Are Westies easy to potty train?
Part of the difficulty of training a Westie isn’t unique to the breed, it might have more to do with the terrier’s diminutive side. The website Pet Helpful says that small breeds often get bad reputations for being difficult to train, especially when it comes to potty training.
Do Westies like water?
Westies can enjoy the water, but their owners need to be just as cautious with their dogs around the water as they would be for toddlers or babies around the water.
What breed is the Caesar dog?
The breed is used as the mascot of the dog food brand Cesar. The Australian dog food manufacturer Mars Incorporated uses the West Highland White Terrier breed as the face of their My Dog brand. The Westie can be seen on My Dog packaging, website, and television and print advertisements.
Do Westies need groomed?
Westie’s do require routine grooming. … If you have chosen to keep your Westie in a clipped trim, plan on spending 20 30 minutes per week for brushing to keep the undercoat at bay and to remove dead coat and to keep the furnishings from getting tangled.
Are Westies easy to care for?
Westie care is easy once you know what to provide your pup. He’s so adorable that you’ll want him to have the best of everything. With the right attention to Westie grooming and Westie health, you’ll have a wonderful canine companion for many years to come.
How long can a West Highland terrier be left alone?
Separation anxiety in Westie is a condition in which a Westie becomes restlessness or exhibits signs of distress when they are away from their owner. If your dog is overly attached to you, it’ll be natural for them to become anxious. Depending on their reaction, they can be left alone up to several hours a day.
Are Westies loyal to one person?
True to their hunting background, Westies are feisty, energetic, and determined. They are also very devoted to their people. The breed’s sterling qualities make for a charming companionthough in many ways they can be challenging to own.
How often do Westie puppies poop?
In general, a dog should move their bowels at least once a day. Many will go two or three times a day on the regular, but if you’re wondering how often do puppies poop, it’s closer to five times a day.
