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West Highland White Terrier

Background

The West Highland White Terrier or "Westie" as they are affectionately known, is a member of the small group of Scottish National Breeds that includes the Scottish Terrier and also the Cairn, from which the Westie originated. Until the early 19th century Terriers tended to be dark in colour and it was not uncommon for hunters to mistake a brown terrier for a fox and shoot it by mistake.

So the lightest coloured puppies of future litters were then kept in a bid to avoid these shooting accidents. These white terriers were then used to control vermin, including foxes and hares. They became known as the West Highland White Terrier in the first part of the 20th century.

Breed Personality, Characteristics & Temperment

Westies possess the classic terrier temperament; they are active, alert, game and full of self-importance. It does need pampering, and this hardy breed enjoys scampering about in all weather types and will follow its owners just about anywhere. They are extremely faithful, but do have a stubborn streak and so early training is essential.

Barking is a natural behaviour for Terrier Breeds and the Westie is no exception.

Compatibility With Other Pets

The Westie is not an aggressive dog, but being a terrier will always be prepared to "stand its ground". They were bred to hunt in packs and as such usually run happily with other dogs that show no aggression towards them. Westies also live happily with other pets especially when introduced as a puppy.

Care Requirements

This is a no wash-and-wear dog. Show dogs are trimmed by hand, plucking the coat with finger and thumb. Westies need to be trimmed at regular intervals (usually every three to four months) to remain presentable. Owners must keep up the combing and brushing, preferably daily. This brushing removes any dead hair and helps keep the coat clean.

Please take note:
Unlike most other breeds, Westies do not moult in the normal way - they do not shed hair and therefore some asthma sufferers are able to live with a Westie when they have been unable to tolerate other breeds.

As the Westie was bred to be an earth dog, it can be a great digger if not taught at an early age that they must not dig in your favourite flower bed.

Conclusion

If you have decided that the West Highland White Terrier is the dog for you and you realise that it needs strong discipline to keep it safe and happy, contact one of the groups listed below:

Breeders

State	Contact	Breeder
QLD	Christine Moore	Dassin	Contact
SA	Cathy Kuchel	Bobbinray	Contact
SA	Fiona Mackness	Aonais	Contact
WA	Lyn Baile	Kiatasee	Contact
NSW	Pam Gerrey	Tawnyoak	Contact
NSW	Jennifer Baxter	Whitehiland	Contact
NSW	Lorraine Cloake	Dombrit	Contact
NSW	Gabriella Monagle	Whiteheather	Contact
QLD	Connie Chan	Ailton	Contact
QLD	Louise Suel	Waioni	Contact
TAS	Shirley/ Adam Daley	Shenmont	Contact
QLD	Tim and Tennille Hughes	Timmentee	Contact
SA	Andrew Foster-Johnson	Daboda	Contact
QLD	christine bowers	westland	Contact
QLD	carolyn minter	westieblu	Contact
QLD	Megan Perkins	Tochinver	Contact
QLD	Ann Isijanovski	mistymornin	Contact
VIC	Barbara Gregor	gregalach	Contact
NSW	jack wallace	Moffattlad	Contact
QLD	Stewart Edmonds	Aulda	Contact
SA	Maggie Clarke	Romadore	Contact
NSW	jan wallace	moffattlad	Contact
QLD	Sue Smith	Appyblue	Contact
TAS	Shirley Daley	shenmont	Contact

Height:

Weight:

Lifespan: Westies generally live to 15 years of age, however older dogs are not unusual.

Ideal Owners: The Westie makes an ideal family pet as they are a great lover of human company. The Westie has a built-in sense of fun and adventure and enjoys exercise, whether it be a long country hike or a short trot around the block. They are extremely good with children and make an ideal companion for any individual.