West Highland White Terrier
Breed Profile
Group: Terrier
Origin: Scotland
Colour: White
Lifespan: 14 years
confident • alert • courageous • independent • friendly
Owner's Guide
Active and high spirited, West Highland White Terriers are popular pets. Feisty and easily aroused, they can also be wilful and independent. Westies are excellent watchdogs, but the desire to bark should be calmed early to prevent them becoming too noisy.
Originally bred to hunt and kill rats.
Special characteristics
The Westie is alert and easily aroused, with a hard bite.
Exercise requirements
High. Enjoys exercise and play.
Attitude to
Owners: affectionate, loyal
Children: good if raised with them
Other pets: may kill small pets, may injure cats unless raised with them
Strangers: friendly if well socialized
Unfamiliar dogs: friendly if well socialized
Perfect owner
Strong-willed, active owner who will enjoy this dog's excitable, independent spirit and who can provide plenty of play, exercise and training.
Potential problems
Dogs from some lines may display status-related aggression towards gentle owners (especially male dogs). Tends to bark excessively.
Coat will need to be clipped regularly.
Articles
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- Q: My terrier has a red rash on her underbelly, can you suggest something to soothe it?
- A: The best course of action would be to make an appointment with your veterinary surgeon to have the rash examined. The rash may be a contact reaction to something she has laid down on, or it may be an allergy... More »
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- Oh Those Devilish Digging Dogs
- There are many different breeds of dogs that are naturally more likely to become diggers. Basically, the ones most likely to be culprits are most terrier breeds More »
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- Pet Insurance - Do You Really Need It?
- Today, there are an ever-increasing number of insurance companies offering pet insurance and it is now possible to insure most pets from dogs to cats, rabbits to tortoises and birds to horses. More »
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- Correcting Jumping Problems In Dogs Of All Sizes
- Dogs that jump up, regardless of their size, are a real problem for most people. Dogs jumping will definitely frighten people, and can potentially cause injury when they knock people over with their enthusiastic greetings. More »
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