Dogs are amazing creatures. They come in all shapes and sizes, with unique personalities that can add tons of love to any home.
If you’re considering adding a dog to your family, it’s important to do your research and figure out what kind of dog is the best fit for you and your lifestyle.
In this article, we’ll be discussing West Highland White Terriers, more commonly known as Westies. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of owning one of these lovable little dogs!
Contents of this article:
- Westie pros and cons.
- Size.
- Colors.
- Westie grooming needs.
- Life expectancy.
- Westie health problems.
- History of the Westie.
- Are Westies very active dogs?
- Westie temperament.
- Are Westies easy to train?
- Do Westies make good family dogs?
- Do Westies like other dogs?
- Do Westies get along with other pets?
- With strangers.
- Do Westies bark a lot?
- As puppies.
- Similar breeds to consider.
- Westie pros and cons – Summary.
Westie pros and cons.
West Highland White Terriers, or Westies, make great companions. They’re loyal, loving, and full of personality. However, there are some things you should consider before adding a Westie to your family. Here are some pros and cons of ownership to help you decide if a Westie is right for you!
Westie pros:
- Westies are loyal and loving companions.
- Westies are relatively easy to care for.
- They’re small, making them great for city living or people with limited space.
- They’re very low-shedding, which is ideal for people who don’t want dog hair all over their house.
- They have a lot of energy and they’re very playful, which can be great for active families.
Westie cons:
- Westies can be territorial, so they may bark at strangers or other animals.
- They have a strong prey drive, so they may chase smaller animals.
- They can be challenging to train.
- They tend to bark a lot, which can be annoying for some people.
- They’re not the best choice for people who are looking for a very low-maintenance pet. Westies need regular brushing, grooming, and exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Size.
Westies are small but sturdy dogs. They typically weigh between 15 and 20 pounds and stand about 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder. This makes them a good size for city living, as they don’t require a lot of space. They’re also portable, so they can travel with you easily.
Colors.
As Henry Ford famously never said, “Any color as long as it’s white!”
Westies are born with white fur, and they keep their white coats throughout their lives. Some Westies may have a few light-colored hairs mixed in, but for the most part, they’re one solid color. The UK Kennel Club states white is the only permissible color in the breed standard.
Westie grooming needs.
Westies have a double coat, meaning they have both an outer layer of coarse hair and a softer undercoat. The outer coat is waterproof, while the undercoat insulates against the cold. This combination makes Westies ideal for colder climates.
The downside of the double coat is that it requires more grooming than a single-coated dog. You’ll need to brush your Westie’s fur several times a week to prevent matting and tangles. And since their fur is white, you’ll also need to be extra careful about keeping them clean to avoid stains.
Do Westies shed?
Yes, Westies do shed. However, they don’t shed as much as some other dog breeds. This is because their fur grows in a tight, wiry pattern that sheds less than other types of fur.
If you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t shed much, a Westie may be a good choice for you. Just keep in mind that you’ll still need to do some regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of tangles.
Regular brushing will help to control shedding and keep your Westie’s coat healthy and looking its best.
Are Westies hypoallergenic?
No, Westies are not hypoallergenic. However, they are considered to be a low-shedding breed, which may be a good option for people with allergies.
Life expectancy.
Westies have a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years. This is longer than the average life expectancy for most dog breeds, which is 10 to 12 years.
Westie health problems.
While Westies are generally healthy dogs, they can be prone to some health problems. These include allergies, skin conditions, and joint problems.
Westies are one of the most allergy-prone dog breeds. They can be allergic to things like pollen, dust, and mold. If your Westie is constantly scratching or biting at their skin, it’s possible that they’re experiencing an allergic reaction.
Skin conditions are also common in Westies. These can include hot spots, rashes, and infections.
Westies are also susceptible to joint problems like hip dysplasia and luxating patellas. These conditions can be painful and may require surgery to correct.
If you’re considering getting a Westie, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about these potential health problems.
History of the Westie.
The Westie is a Scottish breed of dog, originally bred to hunt foxes and other vermin. The breed was first developed in the 19th century, and it wasn’t until the early 20th century that they began to be bred in the United States.
Westies were originally called ” Poltalloch Terriers,” after the estate where they were first bred. The name “Westie” comes from the West Highlands of Scotland , where the breed is from.
The first Westie to be registered with the American Kennel Club was in 1908, and the breed has been increasing in popularity ever since.
Westies are now one of the most popular terrier breeds in the United States. They’re known for their friendly personalities and their cute, compact appearances.
The Westie is a descendant of the Cairn Terrier and the Scottish Terrier. They were originally bred to be working dogs, but they soon became popular as companion animals.
Are Westies very active dogs?
Yes, Westies are active dogs, full of energy and life! They were originally bred as hunting dogs, so they have a strong prey drive and tons of stamina. They need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk or run is a good start, but Westies will also enjoy playing fetch, going for a swim, or taking a hike.
Westies are happiest when they have a job to do, so they make great companion animals for active people. If you’re looking for a laid-back couch potato, a Westie is not the right breed for you!
A Westie who isn’t given enough exercise can become bored and destructive. But that’s not to say that Westies are high- maintenance dogs – they’re actually pretty easy to care for.
As long as you give them plenty of love and attention, they’ll be happy campers. So if you’re looking for a fun-loving, active dog, a Westie is a great choice.
Westie temperament.
Westies are the life of the party. They’re always up for a game of fetch or a belly rub. But don’t let their playful demeanor fool you – Westies are intelligent dogs, and they’re quick learners.
Westies are loving dogs with bags of character that make great family pets. Westies are lively and playful dogs. They’re also very loyal and protective of their families.
Westies can be territorial, which means they may bark at strangers or other animals. But once you’ve earned their trust, you’ve got a friend for life.
So if you’re looking for a fun-loving, loyal companion, a Westie could be the perfect choice.
Are Westies easy to train?
Westies are notorious for being independent thinkers. This can make them a challenge to train, but with some patience and persistence, you’ll find that it gets easier.
They also need to be socialized from an early age so that they’re comfortable around people and other animals. But once you’ve put in the work, you’ll have a loyal and loving companion for life.
Do Westies make good family dogs?
Yes, Westies make great family dogs. They’re loving and loyal companions that will stick by your side through thick and thin. Westies are also great with kids, and they enjoy being the center of attention.
They’re fairly robust for their size, so they can handle a being part of a busy household better than some other more fragile breeds. Just be sure to supervise young children around Westies, for everyone’s safety.
Do Westies like other dogs?
Westies can get along well with other dogs. They’re social creatures that enjoy being around other animals. However, they can be territorial, so it’s important to introduce them to other dogs slowly and supervise their interactions.
Do Westies get along with other pets?
They were bred as hunting dogs, so they have a strong prey drive. This means they may chase smaller animals, so it’s important to socialize them from an early age and keep them on a leash when they’re around other animals.
With strangers.
Westies can be territorial, so they may bark at strangers or other animals. But once you’ve earned their trust, you’ve got a friend for life.
Do Westies bark a lot?
Westies can be prone to barking, especially if they’re bored or excited. They were originally bred as working dogs, so they have a lot of energy and drive.
If you’re looking for a quiet dog, a Westie may not be the best choice. But if you don’t mind a little noise, then a Westie could be the perfect companion for you.
As puppies.
Westie puppies are full of energy and mischief. They need plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
A Westie puppy that isn’t given enough attention can become destructive. So if you’re thinking about getting a Westie puppy, be prepared to put in the time and effort to train and socialize them.
Similar breeds to consider.
If you’re looking for a dog with similar characteristics to a Westie, here are a few breeds to consider:
- Cairn Terrier
- Scottish Terrier
- Skye Terrier
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Airedale Terrier
Westie pros and cons – Summary.
Westies make great family pets. They’re loving and loyal companions that will stick by your side through thick and thin. Westies are also great with kids, and they enjoy being the center of attention.
However, they can be territorial and bark a lot, so it’s important to socialize them from an early age.
If you’re looking for a fun-loving, loyal and active companion, a Westie could be the perfect dog for you.
