West Highland White Terrier Puppies For Sale

Amusingly, The “Westie” Is Determined to Protect You Despite Its Small Size

The West Highland White Terrier, also known as the "Westie," is a white-coated true Terrier breed. This is probably the dog you think of when you think of a Terrier. Bodacious, effervescent, and most definitely not lacking in confidence, the West Highland White Terrier is vivacious, adorable, tough and most definitely self-confident. It is a perfect family dog or devoted companion to a single owner, as long as you offer plenty of attention and don't leave this dog alone for long periods of time.

History
The West Highland White Terrier has its roots in Poltalloch, Scotland. The breed had been started and maintained there for more than a century before it was first shown in dog shows, according to the American Kennel Club. It's quite likely that this strong, happy little dog goes back to King James I, in fact. Related to the other Terriers from Scotland, including the Dandie Dinmont, the Cairn Terrier, the Skye and the Scottish Terrier, the West Highland White Terrier is predominantly a working dog, skillful in controlling small vermin and game like rats, badger, rabbit, and fox. Although it's not quite known why the dog is all-white, legend has it that Col. Malcolm of Poltalloch accidentally shot his beloved Terrier while hunting and wanted to develop a breed that would never be mistaken for prey animals. This is said to be where the Westie gets its white coat, although it's also surmised that the Cairn Terrier may be a significant (or even sole) part of the breed when white puppies from litters of that breed were then bred to ultimately come up with the Westie. Known variously as the Roseneath Terrier and the Poltalloch Terrier, it became the West Highland White Terrier in 1909 after Col. Malcolm said that he did not want to have his name associated with the breed and insisted that they be named something else. The first breed club was established in 1904, with the UK Kennel Club recognizing the breed in 1907. The breed came to the United States in 1907-1908. The American Kennel Club recognized the then-Roseneath Terrier Club in 1908, before the breed's name change to the West Highland White Terrier. Col. Malcolm died in 1930, and at that point, a fully developed species of the Westie had been established.

Appearance
The Westie is quite simply a classic Terrier – from stem to stern. With a sturdy, small, muscular frame, deep chest, dark, almond-shaped eyes, erect, pointed ears, black nose, coarse, rough, dense double coat that is always white, this dog is Terrier through and through. In adulthood, the Westie stands 10 to 11 inches at the shoulder and weighs 15 to 18 pounds. A confident, cheerful, eager expression completes the picture of the perfect "Terrier," as perhaps no other breed does completely.

Temperament
Tenacious, fearless, curious, self-assured, and what can only be called "spunky," the Westie was originally meant to be a working dog, to go off on its own and get the job done. Whether helping hunt small game or keeping vermin under control, the Westie knows what it wants to do – and will think you'll be perfectly happy with that! What's interesting is that despite an independent nature, the Westie is very easy to train especially when young, and exceedingly eager to please. Westies also make excellent watchdogs, which may be somewhat amusing when you think of your little tiny four-legged family member protecting you with every ounce of its "mini" might – but rest assured that your little pet takes its job very seriously – as is true of everything it does. Energetic, bold and determined, that chipper personality enhances this working dog's conviction to get the job done right.

Proper Environment
Although Westies get along well with children and other pets for the most part, it's not advised that you keep small rodents as pets if you've got a Westie as part of your family. Hunting instincts are strong, and they have not been bred out of the Westie. Because of that, any rodents you keep as family pets will likely have very short lifespans.

The West Highland White Terrier, like most Terriers, also likes to chase cars, to dig, and to bark, and your pet may not be entirely obedient when you try to discipline against doing this. Because of that, you need a strong fence and leash, and you need to socialize your puppy from its first days with you not to bark even when things get VERY exciting. Be advised as well that your little pet may not always listen to you all the time especially when it comes to barking – but this is the Terrier personality at its utmost. The Westie is very athletic and needs at least a daily walk every day, preferably a yard to run and play in as well. Frisky and full of pep, this little dog will have no trouble keeping up with anyone, from small children to active adults.

Health
"Sturdy" is the word when it comes to the West Highland White Terrier, both in physicality and in health. With an average life span of 12 to 14 years, your pet can be prone to abdominal hernias and Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome (a disintegration of the hip bone), both of which can be corrected with surgery. Skin disorders like atopic dermatitis caused by a vast array of allergies can also give the dog symptoms similar to those of hay fever, but can progress to a more advanced condition in some cases.

Grooming
The Westie sheds very little and will simply need to be brushed regularly, with trimmings every few months and stripping twice a year (if a show dog). Bathe only if necessary.

References
AKC Meet the Breeds®: Get to know the West Highland White Terrier.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/west_highland_white_terrier/index.cfm
Retrieved April 19, 2013.

West Highland White Terrier.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Highland_White_Terrier
Retrieved April 19, 2013.

West Highland White Terrier (Westie).
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/westhighland.htm
Retrieved April 19, 2013.

West Highland White Terrier Dog Breed.
http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Dog-Breed-Center/Terrier-Group/West-Highland-White-Terrier.aspx
Retrieved April 19, 2013.

West Highland White Terrier Dog Breed Review.
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/dogbreeds/westhighlandwhiteterriers.html
Retrieved April 19, 2013.

Colors
The traditional color of the West Highland White Terrier is white, but some may be a wheat color or a white with darker colored paws. But in AKC shows the colors other than white will be disqualified, as that is the only acceptable standard color of the West Highland White Terrier.

Living Area
The West Highland White Terrier has the ability to live on a farm, in a city apartment, with a family of two, a grandmother, or a very overcrowded house with the whole extended family. The only thing it requires is a lot of human companionship, somebody to go for walks or throw balls, play with dog toys, and love.The Westie is not a fragile dog, rating medium on both the heat and cold tolerance scales. It is very high on the watchdog scale and ease of training, but nothing is as high as the affection level of this breed. The dog is a watchdog, and watches things continuously-letting its owner know what is going on. BUT the Westie is still friendly to strangers, expecting them to play ball or to pet them.