West Highland White Terrier

Who can resist the cute and cuddly Westie? That shaggy coat, erect ears and button nose are bound to make you smile! You'll find Westies to have a thick, double coat. The outer-coat is straight, hard hair and the under coar is soft and plentiful. For a little dog with a compact build, the West Highland Terrier has a fox-like appearance and move freely and easily.

Other Names
Westie
Country of Origin
Scotland
Colour

The breed is always white.

Size
Small
Height / Weight
Both dogs and bitches measure25 to 28 cms, weighing between 7 to 10kgs.
Health
Westies are generally hardy little dogs with few breed-specific problems being reported. Some Westies are prone to skin ailments and deafness.Common ailments: Bones (Developmental) - Legg Perthes disease, Eye - Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS)/ Dry Eye, Krabbe's Disease, CMO, Skin disorders, Epidermic Dysplasia
Life Span

13-14 years

Intelligence
Westies are intelligent but can be rather naughty so remain consistent in their training or they will become the pack leader!
Exercise
Medium
Suitability (Children)
Medium
Feeding

This breed is easy and relatively inexpensive to feed. They can become prone to chronic health issues like hernia, liver disease, and hip problems so make sure you keep up your vet visits!

Feeding Cost
$5-$10 p/w
Other Cost
Excercise
Westies need exercise. They are energetic little dogs who love to play with a ball. They enjoy digging and some do wander off, so make sure the garden is well-fenced.
Hair Shed
Moderate
Ailments
Westies are generally hardy little dogs with few breed-specific problems being reported. Some Westies are prone to skin ailments and deafness.Common ailments: Bones (Developmental) - Legg Perthes disease, Eye - Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS)/ Dry Eye, Krabbe's Disease, CMO, Skin disorders, Epidermic Dysplasia
Grooming
Westies' coats are hard so they must not be bathed too often. When the dogs get dirty it is best to let the mud dry on them and brush it off when dry. The coat needs to be hand plucked two or three times a year by a professional groomer. A weekly groom is all that is needed to get rid of the loose hairs.
Grooming Frequency
Once a week
Trimming
Occassional
Westies were originally hunting dogs, sharing their ancestry with the Scottie dog, Cairn and Dandie Dinmont—they would hunt otters, foxes and vermin. It's not surprising they are such a spirited breed! James 1, the King of England, wanted a little white dog and white whelps were bred selectively to most likely come up with these pure white pups!


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