You can look at westhighland terriers and know if it is the right size for your yard, home, or lifestyle, but a little more in-depth knowledge is necessary to determine if westies have the personality for you.
Westie terriers are exuberant little dogs, but owners do report that they are usually content to lie at their side throughout the day. However, once they are let outside, westies will want to run and jump and play. Like any dog, they require outside playtime every day. Westies are not dogs that perform well when left alone all day.
Some people describe them as obstinate and naughty. This is a trait of many terrier breeds, but westies dogs usually have it to a lesser degree. They are very independent, but they are also intelligent and easy to train if they handled in a firm, consistent way. Westie terriers are considered easy to housetrain, because of their natural desire to remain clean.
Most are not described as cuddlers. They are not lap dogs. However, they are extremely companionable, and want to be with you no matter what you do. You can take westie dogs just about anywhere that dogs are allowed to go.
They will bark to announce that a stranger is approaching. They make good guard dogs. They can be trained not to bark, or to bark once and then stop. Although they announce strangers, they are also extremely friendly with everybody.
Your westie terriers will get along with your children if they respect the dogs' boundaries. One that has been poked and pulled to the point of irritation will nip or become aggressive. Some authorities on westies do not recommend the dogs for homes with children under six years of age.
West highland white terriers were bred to chase down small prey. If a cat runs away, it will chase it. Westie rescue organizations report that the terrier's inability to tolerate cats can be a problem. Other small pets, such as rodents and birds, are not safe to run loose in a home with a westie terrier. Your westie will usually accept other dogs, although males are less likely to accept another unaltered male of any breed.
All terriers are also bred to dig prey out of the ground. They enjoy digging and will do so if they are allowed to learn the behavior when they are puppies. Older dogs that have already learned the behavior can be trained out of it.
Westie terriers' physical needs are fairly simple. They do not shed much, but require regular brushing, and grooming every six to eight weeks. It is better to let the hard, stiff coat shed dirt and debris naturally, rather than frequent bathing.
(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)
I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.
Good health and happiness
Jeff Cuckson
webmaster@madaboutwesties.com
Want To Know How To Have The Healthiest,
Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You
Have Ever Dreamed Of! Then Visit NOW!
webmaster@madaboutwesties.com
* Lock things up that could cause harm* Keep the... Read More
Your dogs health is important to you. You show her... Read More
Which is the noisiest species of all? Nope, not the... Read More
There are lots of ways a horse can go lame.... Read More
Last summer, we added a new pet to our family... Read More
According to recent statistics, an astounding 65% of all U.S.... Read More
For the first 8,000 years of their relationship with humans,... Read More
Every month I am approached by dog owners of my... Read More
Flowerhorn Cichlids Flowerhorn cichlids is a hybrid cichlid that was... Read More
Dog Shock CollarsDog shock collars are a touchy subject among... Read More
Any person, whether a minor or adult, having been bitten... Read More
I am a happy owner of two rat terriers. They... Read More
HistoryThroughout the US and in many parts of the world,... Read More
Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More
Do you want a long and healthy life for your... Read More
It was the Saturday morning of August 20, 2004 and... Read More
The treatment for heartworms is different for cats and dogs.... Read More
Part2: Does your puppy want to be crate trained?Yes! in... Read More
Just like children, westie puppies learn through play. Playing games... Read More
From the first day of life on a leash, most... Read More
Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More
Many different skin problems can arise in the aquarium. thankfully,... Read More
Buy or Adopt - That is the question.If you intend... Read More
A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More
As I listen on my long drive to my grandpa's... Read More
cleaning help near Bannockburn ..In horse training or natural horsemanship, Approach is nothing more... Read More
Making our lives better includes protecting our families, and also... Read More
Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More
The greatest fear of most pet owners is that there... Read More
Is your dog due for a makeover? Has she been... Read More
While your friends and family are amazed that you're raising... Read More
We've recently moved into a new apartment complex that really... Read More
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition... Read More
Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog... Read More
When I first started my interest in reptiles I was... Read More
Natural preventative pet care isn't a new thing but it... Read More
There are many ways in which you can prepare for,... Read More
Thunder storms affected pets differently. Some hardly notice them, others... Read More
Do you make a lot of trips to the vet's... Read More
The first thing to do when searching for a lost... Read More
Allergies to dogs can strike anyone at any age, yet... Read More
Dog Training CollarsHaving a pet means having to provide for... Read More
Do you have some adult discus fish and want to... Read More
Do you own a horse? If so, then you have... Read More
Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More
Hamster breeding can sometimes be confusing for a hamster owner.... Read More
Scientific Name: Botia macracanthus Other Scientific Name(s): Cobitis macracanthus, Botia... Read More
Animal welfare organizations and humane societies have been very successful... Read More
Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
Pet |