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 West Highland White Terrier Information and Picture
Dog Breed Group
Terrier Group
History and Origin
West Higland White Terrier also called Westie is orginated in northern part of Scotland in the mountainous regions during the 19th century. Westie is direct decendant from Cairn terrier; the obvious difference is the color coat only. Some believe Cairn Terrier, Westie, Scottish Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier are same to decend from the same root. It is said that Westie is developed by Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch. Once he had a terrible hunting accident where he accidentally shot his brown color coated dog mistaken it for a fox it was pursuing. Then, Colonel Malcolm decided to breed white color coated dogs while will be easily tell apart from games in the bushes. These white terriers proved as gameness and successful as other colored cousins thus received overwelming acceptance and recognitions.
Westie is accepted as West Highland White Terrier of a new breed at the beginning of 20th centuries.
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Temperament
West Highland White Terriers are hardy, friendly, assertive, full of passion little terriers. They are intelligient and eager to please make them easy to train. They may be a good watchdog and will bark only when things do not seem right. They are rather friendly toward strangers and get along well with children. They may not tolerate well with small animals because of their instinct to hunt. Like all terriers, Westie may be stubborn sometimes; they need to have assertive human leader to guide and train them.
Description (Appearance)
Westie is a well-proportioned, compact, hardy terrier. Westie is one of the smallest registered dog breed in the world. The coat is completely white maintained at 2-inch length. The outer coat is rough and slightly wavy; has undercoat which is soft and dense. Some Westies have "wheaten tippings" on their backs, this can be regarded as undesirable in show conformance. Their eyes are dark and big giving a penetrating gaze. Ears are pointed and erect. Tail is about 5-6 inches long and should not be docked.
Size
Height -- Dogs 10-12 inches. Bitches 9-11 inches from the withers
Weight -- Dogs 15-22 pounds. Bitches 13-16 pounds
Living Conditions
Westie is suitable to live indoor or outdoor in either coutry or apartment life. It will be very active indoor. Westie prefer live in cooler climate.
Exercise demand
Westie requires daily long walk or free romping around fenced yard. Westies that do not received enough exercise might poccesse behavior problems.
Health problems
Westie is a health breed. Some may prone to chronic skin diseases, jawbone calcification, hip problems and liver disease.
Life Expectancy
Around 15 years.
Grooming
It is fairly easy to groom Westie, brush daily with wire brush or terrier bush to keep the hair from becoming malted. Trim the coat 2-3 times a year to maintain tidyness. Bathe only when necessary; use only dog or baby shampoo to prevent eccessive natural oil lost as this breed tends to easily suffer from skin diseases. Westie shed little to no hair.
Special Concern
NA
Recognition
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CET, APRI, ACR
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