West Highland White Terrier
AKA: Westie, Poltalloch Terrier, Roseneath Terrier
Description: The West Highland White Terrier known as “Westie” is a small, in good balanced, hard looking terrier, showing good impressions. They are attractive looking with a beautiful, shiny white colored coat and bright, round eyes, hairy eyebrows with black nose. Their fur around the face is covered with bristles, which gives the dog a rounded face. Their skin is either black or pink, but their fur is commonly white. They have double coat that is harsh and straight and about 2 inches long, with a soft outer coat close, fuzzy undercoat. naturally, their ears are prick ears, and some carry their ears down. Their size makes them great for an apartment but they are just as at home in the country. They are a hardy breed, capable of playing with children and other dogs. West Highland White Terriers make great companions for children of all ages. Easygoing, active, responsive and friendly are all the ingredients for making a Westie. They are one of the most popular breed of dogs today.
Temperament: An intelligent dog who learns quickly, the West Highland White Terriers love human companionship and will play with their family indoors or out. West Highland White Terriers are active, aggressive, fun, obedient and light-hearted. They are alert and friendly. They always love to play and have fun. They are courageous, self-confident and have good self-esteem. They can be independent but mostly long the love and affection on their families. They like to dig in the yard and should be trained to avoid this, as they also will kill any vermin they find around the house. Some Westies may not be good with children, as some are more picky than others for a companion. They generally get along well with other dogs and if trained, with other pets such as cats. West Highland White Terriers need consistent attention, exercise and mental stimulation or else they will become lazy and out of shape. If given the opportunity, the Westie will sit on your lap or next to you and enjoy your petting for hours.
Activity: West Highland White Terrier requires a daily walk, and enjoys to be free playing in yard.
Grooming: They need regular brushing two to three times a week to help keep their white coat clean. Monthly bathing is necessary for their coat to cleaned.
Health Problems: This breed is healthy and a very athletic dog. Some health problems they may encounter are with skin allergies, patellar luxation, hernias, cranio mandibular osteopathy (lion jaw), deafness and congenital heart disease. They can also be prone to atopy, cataracts, copper toxicosis, enzyme deficiency, inguinal hernia, and Legg-Perthes disease. Their life span is around 15 + years
Breed Group: Terrier, AKC Terrier
Color: All white, no other colors, or else they’d be called Cairn Terrier.
Height: 10 – 11 inches.
Weight: 15 – 22 lbs.
Country Of Origin: Scotland
Dynamics: Alert, courageous, self-confident, high-energy, playful and friendly. Good watchdog.
Tags: dog breeds, Poltalloch Terrier, Roseneath Terrier, Top 50 Dog Breeds, West Highland White Terrier, Westie