West Highland White Terrier Dog Breed
Character, independence and loyalty are attributes that describe Westies, one of the most popular dogs of the small white dog breeds. More formally known as West Highland Terriers or West Highland White Terriers, these small white dogs originally hail from Scotland share ancestral history with their cousin the Cairn Terrier.
Originally bred as hunters of small prey and vermin, the West Highland Terrier is smart, fast, focused and at times a little stubborn. These traits along with their appealing attributes create the unique Westie temperament also known as westitude!
If you are fortunate to own a West Highland White Terrier, then expect your Westie companion to be with you for next 12 to 16 years. They are on the whole robust healthy little dogs and if you would like a big dog but have space only for a small dog then a Westie Terrier is for you.
The West Highland White Terrier breeds recognised height standard is about 11 inches or 28 cm and weighs between 13 to 19 lb or 6 to 9 kgs. Westie girls on average will be a little smaller than their boy counterparts. Whilst there is no formal recognition for smaller measurements outside the standard there are variations out there amongst breeders especially those finding a niche for their West Highland Terrier puppies i.e. Teacup Westie. Read more
Westie Mix Dogs
Pure bred West Highland White Terriers have a charm of their own but increasingly Westie mix dogs are being bred. The reasons are many and varied but some of the more popular Westie Mix dog breeds include the Westie and with the Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese Terrier. The characteristics and traits of the breeds are blended, not always in even proportion and results vary from breeder to breeder.
These Westie mix dogs or designer dogs as sometimes they are known have some fabulous sounding breed names. These names are taken from the breeds used in the Westie mix and few examples include Westiepoo, Wee-chon, Mini Wauzer and Westillon to name a few.
Westie Temperament
Westies are confident and energetic little dogs and as such fit well into active family life. They cheerfully play, go camping and boating, travel with the family and if allowed go shopping as well! Although Westies are active small white dogs they are equally happy living in a family size homes, smaller compact apartment living to motorhomes.
West highland terriers are great family pets and like all puppies the earlier the training starts the better the outcome. Early socialisation and training of your puppy builds a sound foundation for your relationship. Early puppy training enables your Westie to behave appropriately when participating in many family activities both indoors and outdoors. In fact, you will have a delightful companion and enjoy their Westie charm for many years to come. Read more
Small Non-Shedding Dog
If you’re after small dogs that don’t shed then consider Westies a find, they could be your dream dog. Westies have a double white coat, an outer coarse coat with a soft undercoat and skin that sheds little to no dander.
Their coats require a trip to the groomer a couple times a year for a Westie trim otherwise brushing of their coat is sufficient to keep Westie looking dapper. The advantages of owning a non-shedding dog is not only known for families with allergy suffers but saves Westie mum or dad arriving for work in white fur covered clothing covered looking like a doggy cast off!
Westies are endearing little white dogs with their expressive dark eyes and nose through that white coat. They seem to have a smiling expression which so aptly reflects their nature which makes them so appealing. Read more
Westie Puppy Health Care Essentials
Like all new family arrivals, a new Westie baby requires preparation from an assortment of Westie puppy gear through to puppy health care essentials.
Good West Highland Terrier breeders will supply information about their Westie’s genetic breeding line and health strengths status. They also will be happy show you not only the Westie pup but the dam and sire as well.
Usually Westie puppies are for sale from about 10 weeks of age and will have started their recommended puppy shots or vaccinations. The puppy should come with documents about the treatments to date and ongoing vaccination schedule, microchip identification, and pure-bred Westie puppy’s registration papers plus transfer of ownership.
Westie Breeders will also give you info on the puppy’s diet and recommended feeding times and quantities. Going forward as your small white puppy settles in and is thriving, a gradual change in diet to your preferred brand or recommendation for your veterinarian or your fellow Westie owners.
There are all sorts of food preparations from grain free, hypo allergenic, preservative free and low-fat options to keep you well occupied in the dog food arena.
Other considerations include where to train and socialise your Westie puppy and ongoing what grooming, exercise and day-care provisions to put in place especially if you’re a working Westie mum or Westie dad. Read more
Easy Home Preparations for Raising a Westie Puppy
It is such an exciting time expecting a new Westie puppy into the home. Preparations begin with deciding where your little white puppy will be confined during those first few weeks. Indoors find a secure warm area where Westie will sleep, eat and be safe especially when alone.
An outdoor area also needs to be secure, very important as your West Highland Terrier puppy may not always be under you direct watch. It is a Westie owners nightmare to have their puppy missing from the home yard.
An essential investment is an appropriate size dog crate remembering that your Westie puppy will grow to almost their full size by the end of the first year. Crate training begins early in puppy training programs along with house or potty training, obeying simple commands and leading. Read more
Westie Puppy Gear Basics You’ll Need
This is where the fun really starts….shopping for the wee Westie puppy! One can spend as much or as little as you want on the new arrival but the basics will include the following:
- dog crate and dog bed
- puppy food and treats
- food and water bowls
- westie puppy collars, leads and tether
- puppy toys grooming gear
Time will go quickly as your puppy grows and matures. You will not want to be separated from your new Westie companion and your Westie purchases will expand into travel harnesses for the car, Westie travel bag for essentials, a dog coat for after the first Westie trim in winter and another for that special occasion!
Inspirational Westie Gift Ideas
There is a passion among those who own and live with Westies for this charming little white terrier dog. Westie lovers, whether male, female, young or mature, their delight will be guaranteed on receiving Westie gifts that acknowledges the love of their favourite breed.
Be inspired by the fabulous range of Westie gift ideas starting from personal in jewellery to Westie apparel through to the homemaker in Westie home ware and garden ideas.
Westie jewellery offers choices for that more intimate gift of a Westie necklace and earrings or add to that bracelet with a delightful Westie charm. For those Westie dads, is a range of Westie cuff links in pewter or silver or perhaps something from the huge range of Westie bags from lap top covers, knap sacks through to Westie travel gear.
If that is not enough look at Westie homeware with Westie mugs and teapots, Westie cushions, throws, linen. There are Westie ornaments and Westie figurines galore for indoors, the patio and court yard. Gifts for Westie lovers continue through to life size Westie garden statues and topiary, Westie wellies and Westie weather vanes to name a few.
Finding gifts for Westie lovers will send you on a fun journey of discovery of how the charm of West Highland Terriers inspire artists and designers to include this endearing small white dog on much of their work.
Meander through and enjoy their work, it will capture your imagination for Westie Gifts for all sorts of occasions and quite possibly your heart for a West Highland White Terrier dog. Read more