West Highland Terriers or "Westies" originated in the West Highlands of Scotland. These terriers were originally bred to go after small game. It is said that their breeding came about after another terrier was mistakenly shot Another breeder had a few white pups in the litter and bred those exclusively to become the West Highland White terriers of today. A Westie is very friendly and has a jaunt about his step. This breed is very hardy and needs a walk every day for exercise. Westies have a better temperament than most terriers and will not snap as much. They are recognized by the AKC and other top breeding programs as a legitimate breed.
Westies are fun loving, and fun to be with. They need a small yard to be happy. They are also good companions to be with, and all the love that you could ask for. However, the life can go right out of them if you mistreat these precious dogs. They are good companions for those that have families and well behaved children. They are a bit high strung, but are well worth it to have as friends and companions. The heart of a warrior lies within their chests.
For hunting of small game, these terriers really cannot be beat. These hunters keep at it until they have found their prey. Their determination is one of their inborn traits as a small game hunter. They are fantastic to work with and a joy on the hunting field. These terriers have a natural ability to hunt and also to play. Their good nature is what truly endears them to dog lovers. For Westie owners, they really would not have it any other way. These dogs are also champions on the field of competition and have the AKC stamp of approval. You can see a representative at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. You can also see these at any AKC competition.
These adorable Westies have won Best of Show, Best of Breed, and even won several AKC events. Breeders have entered these dogs into all sorts of shows. They have won major competitions in any show that they have been entered into. They are champions of field, of breed and lovable companions to any and all who take them into their homes. If you want a loyal dog breed this is the only one to have.
Of couse there are many other dog breeds that many other people may recommend but the West Highland White Terrier should definitely be an option when looking for a new dog or a great option to look into further.
The Dandie Dinmonts were categorized as a separate breed. The Skyes included the Scotties, the Cairns and the West highland white terriers or the Westies.
It was also noted that these terriers were the hybrids among the crossed Cairns, Scottish, and Dandies terriers. One could assume that the hybrid would really be loyal and its hunting instincts could not be belittled. In fact, many royalties in Scotland owned terriers that were very similar to the Westies of today.
Another remarkable story is about a Westie that stopped a mother from constantly yelling at her daughter. Every time the mother would yell at her teenage daughter, the Westie would attack the mother. The aggression of the dog got worse over the years that resulted in the mother's complete inability to scold her teenager.
It turned out that the girl was actually rewarding the dog for his protection by calming and soothing him down after every "threat" from her mother. Many would perceive that the daughter was able to help her mother to change her ways when in fact she was helping herself by rewarding the dog for its behavior.
The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Westies:
Category: Terrier Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard)
Coat: about two-inch coarse and wiry outer coat and soft, dense, and furry undercoat Color: white
Height: between 10 and 12 inches
Weight: between 13 and 22 pounds
Temperament:
Naturally,
?they like to bark and dig
?they are not as willful like most terriers
?they love companionship
When properly trained
?they can become fairly friendly towards strangers
?they develop close affinity with behaved children
?they love to chase cats but they do not hurt them
?they can become a very good watch dog ?they can become very lively
Breeders should note of the following health issues:
? Chronic skin problems
? Perthe's disease (hip problems)
? Jawbone calcification
? Cranio mandibular osteopathy (lion jaw)
? Patella luxation, a disorder in the kneecap
? Liver ailments
? Deafness
? Congenital heart disease
Care and Exercise:
?Their coat should be brushed regularly using a brush with stiff bristles.
?They should bathe only when necessary.
?Their whole coat should be stripped at least twice a year and trimmed every four months.
?The fur on the eyes and ears should be trimmed using blunt-nose mirrors.
?They will surely be more agile and healthy after regular sessions of play and/or walk.
Origin/History:
As noted, they share the same lineage with Cairns and Scotties (from Skye terriers), and even with the Dandies. This trio was developed in the Isle of Skye, which was one of the highlands in Scotland. It was noted that white whelps were chosen from the wiry-coated Cairns, Scotties, and Dandies to produce the variety that were known as Poltalloch terriers.
Following are some items in the history that show the Westies' reputation of being owners' favorite companion dogs.
Records in the history mentioned that around 1620, King James 1 of England requested some small white dogs from Argyleshire in Scotland. Colonel Malcolm, who was considered as the originator of Poltalloch terriers, that are very similar to the Westies of today, accidentally shot his terrier (a dark one). From then on he vowed to have only white terriers.
In the 19th century, terriers that were very similar to the Westies were known as Roseneath terriers in honor of Duke of Argyll's interest and patronage of this breed. Roseneath was the name of his estate at Dumbartonshire.
In the first-ever dog show that were organized in the late 1800s, the Westies were called as White Scottish terriers. In 1904, they were classified under the name West Highland White terriers.
During the mid-1900s, breeders of the Cairns in Argyll, Scotland selected white puppies from the stock and interbreed some to obtain white Cairns. However, in 1917, the American Kennel Club ruled that Cairns could be listed if they have the Westies' lineage. We can say the history repeats itself for this delightful terrier is now mostly a favorite companion dog of many households.
Jenny Styles has sinced written about articles on various topics from Credit Cards, Terrier Dogs and Bull Terrier Dogs. Learn about and info on. Jenny Styles's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.