![]() ![]() To make sure your Westie is looking their best and their hair doesn’t get matted, it is important to maintain proper grooming by taking them to a groomer every 4 to 6 weeks.ĭaily brushing of their coat is also recommended to remove any dead hair. On the whole, Westies have average intelligence when compared to all dog breeds. Large dog breeds are more often ranked higher in intelligence than small breeds. However, with some patience, they are certainly trainable. Westies are known to be independent dogs, who sometime like to do their own thing. These two factors make Westies a hypoallergenic dog breed. In addition to minimal shedding, they also don’t drool very much. If you have allergies, this is a big one. They have a short soft undercoat with a harder topcoat that protects them from the weather and the claws of the small prey they like to hunt. Westies are not soft and fluffy like other dogs. They are the third most popular of the terrier breeds, behind the Yorkshire Terrier and Boston Terrier. Westies are always a popular breed, consistently ranking inside the top 50. ![]() West Highland White Terriers were the 46th most popular breed in 2021 in the United States according to the American Kennel Club. You’ll often hear Westies described as “sturdy.” 7. Strong and Toughĭespite their diminutive size, because they were bred as working dogs to catch prey, they are actually remarkably strong and tough. ![]() My dog Murphy even caught her fair share of rodents in the yard. Much like barn cats, some Westies are still used to catch mice around the farm. Like other terriers, West Highland Terriers were bred to hunt mice, rats, and other small rodents. They look similar to other Scottish Highland Terriers like the Dandie Dinmont, Skye Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Scottish Terrier.Ĭolonel Edward Malcolm, the 16th Laird of Poltalloch, is credited with creating the breed which is why you may occasionally hear a Westie called a Poltalloch Terrier. The “West Highland” part of their name refers to the the West Highlands of Scotland where the dogs were first bred in the late 1800’s. My family’s West Highland Terrier, Murphy, lived to be 16 years old. Westies have a relatively long life span of 12 to 17 years. In fact, Chihuahuas can live upwards of 20 years while healthy Great Danes can live as few as 8 years. In general, smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breeds. They are certainly a small breed, but they do not qualify as one of the “toy breeds” which weigh under 12 pounds. West Highland White Terriers are small dogs that only grow to be about 11 inches tall and weigh 15 – 20 pounds. Some may refer to them as a Roseneath Terriers, but there is debate over whether the Roseneath Terrier was a separate (now extinct) breed.Īlthough there are many types of small white dog breeds, owners will also refer to Westies as the “little white dog.” 2. West Highland White Terrier is their official name, but they are more commonly referred to as West Highland Terriers, or simply Westies. With that in mind, here are 52 West Highland Terrier Facts that you should know before adopting. My Westie, Murphy, was far from perfect, but she was definitely the right dog for me and my family. While they look like cuddly lapdogs, the Terriers actually possess high energy levels so may not sit still for long periods of time.ĭo you have to groom West Highland Terriers?īill tells us: "West Highland White Terriers have a distinctive double coat, with a harsh outer coat and soft under layer, which means they need regular grooming, several times a week.Are you wondering if a West Highland Terrier is right for you and your family? Well, I’m here to help.īefore making any decisions, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the breed. While all West Highland Terries are affectionate, loyal and responsive breeds, some Westies prefer constant cuddles more than others - and will love curling up on your lap at the end of the day. Westies tend to be happy and friendly dogs." "Their independence can sometimes be a challenge during training, but these terriers are also highly intelligent and alert. "Westies are small but active and strong dogs, with a lot personality," says Bill. What are the characteristics of West Highland White Terriers? ![]()
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