What Things Should You Know In Regards To The Western Highland White Terrier?

The Western Highland White Terrier, also called the "Westie", is a terrier breed of dog. They have a rough white coat with deep eyes and pointy ears. The breed is believed to have first existed during the 1800s. They were initially bred for hunting foxes, badgers and other pests. These days they are a common selection as a companion dog. Characteristics such as their distinctive white coat and friendly nature are what they are identifiable by. They are a descendant of the Scottish Terrier and Cairn Terrier and are believed to originate from Scotland.

They are classed as a small sized dog. The suggested female guidelines are 13-18 pounds with a height of 10 inches, whereas the male size is 15-20 pounds with a height of 11 inches. The breed is well-known for their affectionate, happy and devoted temperament. They are unsuitable as a protection dog, as they are usually friendly with people they haven't met. They rank equal 47th in comparison to all other breeds when being trained to comprehend new instructions, and are known to be fairly smart.

They're suitable (mostly if the kids are older) as a family pet, seeing as they are good towards kids. Other pets such as other dogs they're raised with do get along well with them. Looking after their coat is a time consuming task. They need full grooming every 4 to 6 weeks, and fair brushing through their coat once every few days. They prefer a small, well-fenced yard to run around in, but can be suitable for life in an apartment.

They're by and large long-lived, as is the case with the majority of small sized breeds, and have a life expectancy of 12-14 years. Their major health risk is globoid cell leukodystrophy, and they're also susceptible to cataracts, patellar luxation and skin problems. They have fun doing activities like running around or fetching balls. They require moderate walks each day to avoid destructive behavior because of their high level of energy.

You should be ready to give them early training to prevent Small Dog Syndrome if you choose to buy the Western Highland White Terrier. They are a perfect choice for active owners or families with older children, but not the best option for households with animals other than dogs. Here are a few of the facts you might be attracted to about the Western Highland White Terrier:

1. One of the more attractive characteristics when it comes to this particular breed is the fact it is one of the most popular of all terriers for its cute appearance.

2. Another fact in regards to them that is likable is they can be more accepting of guests due to their friendly nature.

3. One of the other reasons people love them is if your kids are older or more considerate they can make a great family pet.

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