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West Highland White Terrier
Nickname: Westie
Breed origin: Poltalloch, Scotland
Original purpose: Hunting and companion dog.
AKC recognized: 1908
AKC group: Terrier
Size:
Weight: males 15 to 20 lbs;
females 13 to 16 lbs
Size: Height: males around 11 inches;
females around 10 inches
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4-month-old puppy
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Color: White.
General characteristics/temperament: The West Highland White Terrier is alert, gay, courageous, self-reliant, intelligent, friendly, and devoted. They love people and make affectionate family pets. They are strong-willed, but generally respond well to positive training methods. Many Westies excel in a variety of different canine sports. They tend to be laid back inside the house, but are active and playful outdoors. They will bark an alert when someone's at the door, but are friendly towards the visitors once they come in. They have a high prey drive and will generally chase small animals, but some can learn to live with cats, especially if the cats learn not to run from them.
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puppies
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Good with children? Yes
Good with cats? No
Good watchdog? Yes
Protective? No
OK in apartments? Yes
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Intelligent? Yes
Easy to train? Yes
Energy/Activity Level: Moderate
Suitable canine sports/activities: conformation, obedience, rally, agility, earthdog, tracking, flyball
Grooming requirement: Brush thoroughly once a week. During shedding season twice a year for about two weeks, they would need to be brushed daily. Bathe up to once a month as needed. Strip or trim every six to eight weeks, either by a professional groomer, or learn to do it yourself.
Known health problems: Addison's disease, atopic dermatitis, diabetes, ear infections, heart disease, craniomandibular osteopathy, hip dysplasia, inflammatory bowel disease, cataracts, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, allergies, Westie lung disease, white shakers syndrome.
Additional photos of West Highland White Terrier
Recommended books for further reading:Show more books
Other websites for additional information:
American Kennel Club breed page
West Highland White Terrier Club of America
Wikipedia breed information page
West Highland White Terrier Club of America Rescue
DogBreedMatch
