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WHAT IS A WESTIE?
It is thought that in the middle of the 19th century, a breeder of Cairn Terriers who lived in the country of Argyll, Scotland was blessed with some white puppies in his litters. Those puppies were selected and bred to obtain the WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER, which in the 19th century, was simply a white Cairn. The West Highland White Terrier was originally bred for controlling the population of the fox, otter, rats and other vermin. This spunky little terrier is now mostly a companion dog.
It is probable that the Westie and all of the terriers of Scotland came from the same stock; the Cairns, Scotties, Dandie Dinmonts and West Highland Whites are branches from the same tree and its roots.
Westie Facts:
Sturdy, hardy, compact
Usually 15 to 22 pounds
Always white; sometimes with a darker dorsal streak
Many types of coats, e.g., soft, hard, straight, curly
Average life span 12 to 14 years
Usually housebroken by 6 months of age
Need to be groomed every 4 to 8 weeks
Requires daily brushing
Requires frequent nail clipping
Has a happy, peppy personality
Never totally grows up!
Easy to train
Less likely to cause allergies in humans (but there are those who ARE allergic!!)
As with any 'being' with hair, they will shed; however, with good grooming, the shedding can be minimal when compared to many breeds
Are suitable for people in towns and cities as well as the country
Are usually good travelers
Very active indoors and will do okay without a yard
Personality
Vocal; they bark and some 'talk'
Dig and have been know to demolish a shrub or small tree
"Game" terriers; chase small critters; squirreling is their favorite pastime
Excitable!
Best for adults and children over the age of 10
Best for owners who can provide firm but loving guidance
Enjoy obedience school and are fast learners
Require fenced areas or daily long walks
Play hard and growl in their play
HIGH ENERGY; very active little dogs and stay that way for many years
Generally social
Extremely self-assured toward other dogs
Can 'usually' learn to live with cats but the cats always need to have escape routes
Very smart, tenacious, robust, friendly, cocky and spunky
Don't respond well to harsh corrections; you get their full attention when you ignore them
See the AKC or National Breed Club for the breed standard of these alert, gay, courageous, self-reliant but friendly little dogs.
CLICK HERE for the AKC Site and Search on 'Westie' OR CLICK HERE for a direct link.
CLICK HERE for the National Westie Club and choose 'Breed Information'.
BEFORE YOU BUY, KNOW YOUR BREEDER
 CLICK ON JAKE TO READ MORE ABOUT BREEDERS.
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