Overview:

The West Highland white Terrier  is a lovable terrier that can get on well with dogs, household pets and children. It is a very intelligent dog and is very cautious with strangers.

Country of origin:

Scotland

Size type:

Small dog breeds

Character:

This is a lively, playful, intrepid, vigilant and alert dog which is cheerful, loyal to its handler, is an extrovert, cunning and ingenious but also stubborn, resolute and independent. The Westie is brim-extremely self-confident and not easily impressed.

Breed group:

Terrier dog breeds (AKC)

Height:

25-28cm

Weight:

6.5-7.5kg

Temperament:

Westies generally get on well with their kind and make excellent playmates for children-because they can withstand rough play. Teach them to tolerate cats when they are young. They can be dominant with other dogs but this depends on their earlier training.

Coat:

The Westie has a double-layered coat: the topcoat is rough and hard, without curls whilst the undercoat is soft and short. This breed is always white with darker eyes and darker pigmentation on the pads of the feet, nails, jowls, and nose.

Care:

Westie is required to have a hard coat so avoid making it lank-it must not be washed frequently. When hairs get dirty playing outside, it is best to let them dry and then brush the dirt out. Its coat should be plucked by hand two to three times each year.

Training:

The straight forward and cheerful character of this dog must not be a passport for it to get away with whatever it likes. Occasionally, it may need to be corrected. Westies can be rather persistently naughty, so remain consistent and do not let yourself soften.

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