Basic Things You Should Know About The Western Highland White Terrier

The Western Highland White Terrier (also known as the "Westie") is a terrier breed of dog. They feature a rough white coat with deep eyes and pointy ears. The breed first appeared in the 1800s. They were originally bred for hunting foxes, badgers and other pests. These days they are popular as a companion dog. They can be recognized by their distinctive white coat and friendly nature. They are thought to originate from Scotland and are a descendant of the Scottish Terrier and Cairn Terrier.

They are classified as a small sized dog. The recommended male size is 11 inches high with a weight of 15-20 pounds, while the female size is 10 inches high with a weight of 13-18 pounds. Their temperament is well-known to be affectionate, happy and devoted. They are typically friendly with strangers, and this makes them unsuitable as a guard dog. The breed is known to be fairly intelligent, and ranks equal 47th compared to all other breeds when learning new obedience instructions.

They are good with children, which can make them suitable (mostly if the kids are older) as a family pet. They do get along well with other animals such as other dogs they're raised with. Grooming them is a time consuming task. They need fair brushing every few days, and full grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. They enjoy having a small, well-fenced yard to run around in, but can be suitable for apartment life.

Like most small sized breeds, they are primarily long-lived with a life expectancy of 12-14 years. Their most severe health concern is globoid cell leukodystrophy, and they are also susceptible to cataracts, patellar luxation and skin problems. They enjoy hobbies like running around or fetching balls. They have a high level of energy, which means they need moderate walks each day to prevent destructive behavior.

If you own the Western Highland White Terrier you need to be prepared to give them early training to prevent Small Dog Syndrome. They are less suitable for households with animals other than dogs, but highly suitable for active owners or families with older children. Here are a few things you'll love about the Western Highland White Terrier:

1. One of the best things about this breed is that it has a lovable appearance that makes them one of the most popular of all terriers.

2. Another good thing about them is they have a friendly nature that means they can be more accepting of guests.

3. Another good thing about them is they can also make a great family pet if your kids are older.

If you want to learn more Western Highland White Terrier information and other related topics take a look at this page.