West Highland White Terrier

The Westie is energetic and spunky. They are devoted to their family, but are not very interested in being cuddled. They alert to danger by barking and are good watchdogs. The Westie is a wonderful family pet that prefers to be the only pet in the home. They get along with children over the age of ten who are well behaved. They can be demanding and assertive, and exhibit true terrier traits. They have a tendency to snap when irritated. The West Highland White Terrier is a social, fun loving breed that does best in an active and attentive household.

The Westie needs either a short to moderate walk on leash or a good game in the yard every day. Her wire coat needs combing two or three times weekly, plus shaping every three months. Shaping for pets is by clipping or stripping. In some areas, it may be difficult to keep her coat white.

The West Highland White Terrier loves to run and explore. They are not suited for apartment living, as they are easily excitable. This high-energy breed needs at least an hour of exercise daily. The Westie must have ample yard space that is securely fenced as they have a propensity to dig. They love to engage in rough and tumble play with older children and have the stamina to do so for lengthy periods of time.

Attention, exercise, grooming, firm but positive training and socialization.

The West Highland White Terrier 's double coat requires brushing twice weekly. They also require having their coat professionally stripped at least two times per year. They should only be bathed when necessary, as they are prone to dry skin. The Westie may be susceptible to deafness, patella luxation, and allergies.

It is a jolly dog, playful, a little wilful, which takes the lead and it must not be let to do what it wants. The training must be firm, consistent, well-balanced, without being harsh, severe. It likes to play with the ball, to run, to dig, because of its high level of activity.

The fur this dog must be brushed, combed weekly to keep it neat and trimmed 2-3 times a year.

Westies will accommodate to a household with children, but do better in one without. They are easier to train than many terriers, as they are smart, but they also bore easily, so training sessions should be kept short and positive. A quick daily brushing