Breed Origin: The West Highland White Terrier, commonly known as the Westie, is a Scottish breed of dog with a distinctive, elegant white coat. The modern day West Highland Terrier has descended from a number of breeding programs of White Terriers in Scotland prior to the 20th century
Coat Colors: White
Description:
Exercise Requirements:
Grooming: Westie Grooming - The first steps to efficient West Highland White Terrier grooming is bathing your dog. The Westie, as they are commonly known are renowned for their elegant white coats, so precautions should be taken to preserve the Westies beautiful coat. As part of your Westie Grooming, use a specialized shampoo to help remove tear and saliva stains from white coated dog breeds and renew the natural shine and color of the fur. After this stage of West Highland White Terrier grooming, you should ensure the coat is thoroughly dried. Another important aspect of West Highland White Terrier grooming is regular brushing of the coat. Although the hair of the Westie is a relatively short length and rather straight, their coats still require constant brushing, untangling and care. Owners of West Highland White Terriers should brush their dogs’ fur daily with a stiff bristle brush as when their fur becomes tangled, the coat can quickly become unmanageable. Use of a de-matting rake may be required if you see any tangles in the fur. It is essential, as part of your West Highland Terrier grooming, to remove matting and knots as soon as you see them, especially before bathing. West Highland White Terrier grooming also entails clipping of the West Highland Terriers coat. Occasional maintenance using scissors or a trimmer can be undertaken, especially around the face and foot area. However, the West Highland Terriers entire coat should be trimmed every few months as part of your Westie grooming regime, to ensure your Westie remains tangle free and comfortable. Clipping your Westie can be done yourself, using specially designed dog clippers. But if you don’t feel comfortable, take your West Highland White Terrier grooming needs to a professional groomer.
Living Area Requirements:Westies are typical terriers. They are smart, independent, and a little stubborn. Obviously they are tough, determined little dogs to be willing to go underground after a fox or badger. This can make them of a handful to train, and much patience and firmness is in order. They are lively and fun dogs but do not always feel the need for human direction.Again, showing the terrier temperament, Westies are not always good with other dogs that they have not been raised with and can be dangerous around other small house pets such as bunnies. As befits their heritage, they have a tendency to be nuisance barkers and serious diggers.