West highland white terrier: an excellent hunter and family friend

Origin: Scotland

Lifespan: 12-16 years

Activity level: moderate

Grooming: require regular brushing and trimming

History

The West Highland White Terrier, often called the "Westie", comes from Scotland. It is one of several Scottish terrier breeds developed in the 19th century. The breed was developed by Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch. Legend has it that Malcolm decided to breed white terriers after a tragic hunting mistake when he accidentally shot his red-brown terrier, thinking it was a fox. White dogs were more visible and less confused with wild animals. Westies were bred to hunt small rodents and other animals such as foxes and badgers. Their white fur and small but strong build made them perfect for the job. In the 20th century, Westies became popular as companion dogs. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the West Highland White Terrier in 1908. The breed is also recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and other cynological organizations around the world.

Personality

The West Highland White Terrier is an energetic, intelligent and playful dog that can be a great companion for an active family. They require regular physical activity and mental stimulation to maintain health and well-being. Due to health predispositions, owners should regularly consult a veterinarian and provide appropriate health care.

West Highland White Terriers are small dogs, 25-28 cm tall and weighing 7-10 kg. The coat is double-layered, with a dense, soft undercoat and a hard, straight outer layer. The color is always white. The build is compact, muscular and proportional. They have a short, straight back and a deep chest. The head is proportional to the rest of the body, with a short muzzle. The eyes are medium-sized, dark, with an intelligent and alert expression. The ears are small, erect and pointed.

Westies are known for their friendly, sociable and playful nature. They are loyal to their owners and get along well with children. They are also intelligent and eager to learn, but can be a bit stubborn. They require consistent and positive training. They have high energy levels. They need regular exercise to burn off excess energy. They are cooperative, but their independence may require patience during training. They like to have something to do and appreciate tasks that challenge them. Additionally, they are sociable and get along well with people, but they can be dominant towards other dogs. Early socialization is important.

Health

Health problems to which the breed is prone to include: skin problems (atopy, skin allergies, dry skin and coat problems), orthopedic problems (hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes), eye problems (cataracts, dry eyes , progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)), ear problems (ear infections, especially in dogs with sensitive skin), dental problems (prone to tartar formation, require regular oral hygiene), kidney problems (congenital kidney defects sometimes occur).

Due to their double-layered coat, Westies require regular brushing to prevent matting and to keep the coat in good condition. Regular bathing and visits to the groomer are also recommended. You should regularly check their ears, eyes and teeth and maintain their oral hygiene.