West Highland White Terrier

Breed Description

For many years, the ancestors of modern West Highland White Terriers helped Scottish farmers hunt foxes and otters, as well as clearing their homes of rat and mouse invasions. Close relatives of the white highland terrier include Scottish Terriers, Cairn Terriers, and Skye Terriers. These dogs came in various colors, apart from white. It’s notable that the white color was considered a sign of weak immunity, and such puppies weren’t highly valued. However, at one point, the situation began to change due to an unfortunate event. There’s a legend that tells of a hunter who mistakenly shot his own dog during a hunt, confused due to the dog’s dirty appearance resembling that of a badger. Upon discovering the lifeless body of his loyal four-legged companion, the owner vowed to do everything to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. He then began breeding terriers with pure white fur, making them visible from afar on the muddy slopes of the Scottish hills. Different sources name this hunter differently, so we won’t dwell on that. It is noted that the breed was officially recognized as a distinct breed in Britain in 1907. However, until 1924, West Highland W

Appearance

The business card of West Highland White Terriers is their stiff, very thick, medium-length coat of pure white color. The stiffness of the fur is essential for protecting the dog’s skin from wounds during work, such as when they push through thorny bushes or burrow into a badger’s den. The coat not only protects the animal from injuries but also helps shake off excess dirt. Alongside this, the dog possesses a brave character and has a well-developed intellect. Their compact body is supported by a strong muscular frame hidden beneath the fur. These dogs are very active, somewhat vain, but not stubborn. They are excellent for families with children and can serve as a remedy for depressive disorders. The international standard specifically mentions the vigilance of West Highlands. With a height of 25 to 28 cm, an adult dog’s weight should not exceed 6 to 8 kg. It is important to note that this breed is known for its longevity, with an average lifespan ranging from 14 to 16 years with proper care. Their short legs and rather impressive tail (the standard specifically states a tail length of 13 to 15 cm), luxurious beard, and thick eyebrows that hover over the eyes g

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of the dog should be covered with tousled fur and positioned perpendicularly to the neck according to the standard. The skull has a slight taper from the back of the head to the temples, but it does not "point" the muzzle. The forehead is slightly convex, but it does not protrude and is not noticeable under the fur. The muzzle is shorter than the distance from the back of the head to the forehead.

Морда

The muzzle is short, as if it "peeks out" from the thicket of tangled fur. The bridge of the nose is short, not hooked, and the nose is simply black, without any pigmentation spots. Breeders intentionally style the dog's "haircut" to give it a round shape. Notably, there is a small indentation on the muzzle between the eyes.

Уши

Small ears are completely covered with short fur. The fur on the ears is never trimmed. They are set high, have a triangular shape, always stand upright, and are positioned slightly wider than the dog's eyes. The cartilage in the ears is of medium density. It is worth noting that the structure of the fur on the ears is similar to velvet.

Глаза

The almost black eyes of the West Highland White Terrier "peek" out from under the dog's bushy brows. Additionally, the eyes are set quite widely and are more round than oval in shape. The developed brow ridges on the dog's muzzle add to the attentiveness of its gaze.

Зубы

Despite the dog's small size, the teeth are quite large, and the jaws are well-developed. It is particularly noted that the distance between the dog's fangs is fairly wide. No other bite is allowed except for a scissor bite, where the upper fangs overlap the lower ones, but not by more than 2 mm.

Корпус

The body is very compactly built. The back is strong and straight, without any arching in any direction. The chest is flat and wide. The loin is short and fairly broad. A distinctive feature of the structure is the position of the last ribs. According to the standard, there should be a minimal distance between the animal's hind legs and the ribs, but without hindering the free movement of the dog's hind legs.

Конечности

A characteristic feature of the breed is the difference in paw sizes: the pads on the front paws are larger than those on the hind paws. The claws can only be black. The front legs are straight, with powerful shoulders located closer to the chest, as is the entire shoulder girdle of the dog. The hind legs are muscular and well-developed, with very strong thighs. The hind legs are positioned quite close to each other.

Хвост

It is absolutely clear that the tail of a Weimaraner cannot be docked. The standard states that the tail length should not exceed 15 cm, and the minimum size should be no less than 13 cm. The fully covered straight tail is completely covered with hair, but without a fringe. Originally, the tail had a practical purpose in hunting: it was used to pull the dog out of a burrow without causing it harm.

Шерсть

The West Highland White Terrier has a dense, straight, and fairly coarse coat. Interestingly, its special structure prevents curls and serves to protect the dog from adverse weather conditions. The guard hairs can reach up to 5 cm in length, but the undercoat is quite thick and soft. The coat is not hypoallergenic, which is certainly a plus.

Окрас

Definitely, only a pure white coat is permitted. A tremendous amount of work has been done to achieve consistent results. In addition to aesthetics, the white coat has practical justification: it is most visible on the slopes of western Scotland, where the breed was developed. No other colors are allowed according to the breed standard.

Character

Ideal for the role of a family pet. However, before describing the character of a Westie, it’s important to remember that it is a terrier. To ensure the dog’s character aligns with its adorable appearance, training should start from a very young age.

The breed is known for its easy-going nature and loyalty to its owner. It tends to bond most closely with its primary caregiver while maintaining good relationships with other family members. Dog owners sometimes notice signs of jealousy when another pet joins the household, so it’s important to consider this aspect and build a relationship with the Westie that caters to its social needs.

Westies get along wonderfully with children, playing happily with them but also in a way that respects their own interests. Therefore, it’s essential to instruct younger children about appropriate behavior, as a Westie won’t tolerate rough or careless treatment. The dog will definitely express discomfort if hurt, which could frighten a child.

Occasional stubbornness can be observed in the dog’s behavior; however, this often results from improper training or a playful attempt to test the owner’s firmness. To avoid such issues, more attention should be given to the dog’s upbringing from day one. It’s important to note that a Westie can live peacefully with other animals as long as it feels it remains the number one and there is no other male around. Otherwise, rivalry is inevitable, as is the nature of all terriers.

The standard for West Highland White Terriers states that a healthy dog’s character is playful, courageous, and friendly. These traits are particularly noticeable when guests arrive at the house. The dog will not hide away or observe from a distance; once it is assured there is no threat to the family, it will showcase its true nature and demonstrate its friendliness. However, at the slightest hint of danger, the dog will bravely defend its surroundings.

Among the negative traits of this breed is its loud barking, which can disturb neighbors, especially if the dog lives in an urban apartment and the owners do not dedicate enough time to walks. The dog may remind everyone of its needs at any hour of the day or night. Therefore, walks should not be neglected. If the dog lives in the countryside, it might start “hunting badgers” in the gardens. It’s best to create a designated area for such activities in advance.Westies are quite intelligent and learn well. As a hunting breed, they do not excel in monotonous activities. The dog can quickly lose interest in training and engage in digging or other activities instead. They respond best to commands that resemble chasing, tracking, jumping, and other active exercises.

Care and Maintenance

Such a wonderful breed doesn’t require special care regardless of where it lives. These dogs are always fun, excellent companions, and the life of the party. However, their veins carry the blood of a hunter, so they need daily physical activity. It’s best to walk them in parks or squares, as they will see a “mouse” in every leaf and want to dig up an imaginary burrow. Additionally, large or stray dogs can injure a puppy, as the West Highland Terrier won’t back down even from a bigger opponent. If you live in the countryside and plan to walk your snowy guardian on your property, be sure to fence in the dog’s area in advance. Otherwise, flower beds will inevitably be dug up in the search for prey. Just make sure there are no sharp objects in the ground in the walking area. To maintain a peaceful atmosphere at home, walk your dog at least twice a day for 20 to 40 minutes, including various exercises and command training.

An equally important part of caring for a West Highland White Terrier is looking after its white coat. Regardless of whether you plan to participate in shows, you need to trim the dog. This can be done either by yourself or with the help of professionals. However, in any case, the dog should be accustomed to this from the very first months of life. The coat of Westies is double-layered, consisting of guard hair and a dense undercoat. It’s best to trim the hair in warm weather. However, regular trimming can make the coarse hair softer and lose its protective function. Professional breeders prefer plucking the hair, as this procedure preserves the genetic characteristics of the coat and improves the dog’s exterior. Typically, grooming is done at least 2 to 3 times a week, while plucking is recommended at least 5-6 times a year. Haircuts are performed twice a year, especially in the summer. To maintain the cleanliness of the white coat, the dog should be bathed at least once a month, and more frequently in cases of heavy soiling.

Considering the Westies’ love for digging, the claws on their front paws wear down naturally faster. Therefore, you may need to trim their back claws more often. It’s best to regularly check the dog’s paws and develop an individual nail trimming schedule over time. Use special nail clippers for this procedure, and avoid cutting the nail too short.

Nutrition for West Highland White Terriers is a separate topic that requires special attention. Prone to allergic reactions, these dogs do best on specialized premium-quality food. To maintain the condition of their snowy coats, use premium food containing omega acids and biotin. Never get your dog used to food from the table, as this can create numerous problems for both the dog and its surroundings. The animal’s character may be spoiled, and your beloved pet might start begging for food at every opportunity. For proper digestion, feed the dog in portions, twice a day. Despite their activity, they should not be overfed to avoid weight problems.

It’s recommended to check the dog’s eyes and ears after each walk. The dog’s activity level can sometimes lead to eye injuries, especially during walks in the woods or parks when the animal pushes through bushes. At that moment, your dog might bump into a branch or pick up a tick.

In winter, you can dress the dog in a warm suit to help keep its paws and body warm. In autumn, a dirt-repelling treatment on such a suit will protect the dog’s white coat from dirt.

Training and Education

Is the West Highland White Terrier easy to train? The answer is undoubtedly positive if professional trainers handle the process. However, if you decide to train the dog yourself, it’s essential to consider the animal’s personality and to be patient.

Let’s note right away that training should begin as soon as the puppy arrives in its new home. Start with getting it accustomed to its name and designated spot. Then, you can gradually make the sessions more complex. Be sure to train the dog to walk on a leash. The days when owners dragged their dogs out of burrows by their tails are long gone. Before going outside, the puppy should clearly respond to commands like “no,” “come here,” “beside,” and “forbidden.” Perfect execution of these commands can save your pet’s life in critical situations. It should be strictly forbidden for the dog to attempt to take food from the hands of strangers or off the ground.

Utilize the dog’s desire for active engagement. During walks, commands like “barrier,” “fetch,” and “search” will be learned much faster.

Important: never forcibly pull a toy or stick out of the dog’s mouth. This can harm its bite.

Even the cutest dog can ruin its impression by chasing pigeons around the neighborhood. Each time you walk the dog, teach it to ignore noise, cats, and birds. Do this without shouting and under no circumstances apply physical punishment to the animal.

Every successful repetition of even the simplest command should be rewarded. They love praise and remember it forever. However, if a command is not followed at all or is performed incorrectly, do not scold the dog. The situation is your fault, so focus on reviewing what has been learned. It is reasonable to use treats as a reward. But there’s no need to give out goodies for any little thing; doing so may devalue them.The West Highland Terrier’s liveliness can sometimes be a disadvantage. Pay attention not only to the intensity of the training process but also to its duration. For optimal results, 20 minutes of daily exercise is sufficient. If you try to train the dog for longer, it will lose interest in what’s happening. At Zooinika, they offer puppies with pedigree and health guarantees.

How to Choose a Puppy

The popularity of a breed is a great way for unscrupulous breeders to make money. A strong resemblance to breeds like Skye Terriers, Cairn Terriers, or Scottish Terriers can mislead inexperienced buyers. Therefore, it’s not worth taking the risk of buying a dog from unverified sources. Even when purchasing a puppy from a kennel, it is essential to check the veterinary passports of the puppy’s parents and ensure that all dogs are microchipped or have identification tattoos.

If you are determined to get a West Highland White Terrier, it’s best to do so after they have started eating independently. By around two months, the breed’s main characteristics are already evident. Knowing the key traits outlined in the breed standard will make your choice easier.

After carefully inspecting the kennel and assessing the conditions in which the animals are kept, you can begin selecting your companion for the next 15 years. Generally, healthy puppies do not show aggression towards their surroundings. Their demeanor is usually cheerful and active, not aggressive. Ears and eyes should be clear of discharge, joints should be pain-free, the tail should not be tucked between the hind legs, and the nose should be moist and cool-these are the main indicators of a dog’s well-being. At ZooNika, you’ll find only verified offers with a health guarantee.

Health and Illnesses

Even if all rules and precautions were followed when purchasing, and your West Highland White Terrier’s veterinary passport has all the necessary markings, this doesn’t guarantee that your dog won’t fall ill while living with you.

The West Highland Terrier has generally possessed fairly robust health. However, it is genetically predisposed to allergic reactions, mainly due to its snowy white coat, which is a key requirement of the breed standard. This issue occurs most frequently but can often be resolved by changing the diet.

Among other common health issues, age can bring about cardiac muscle dystrophy (cardiodystrophy). Unfortunately, this disease is incurable. Older dogs may also experience diabetes and cataracts. Younger dogs can suffer from dislocations due to excessive strain during training and jumping. Hip joint dysplasia occurs in 12-15% of dogs. To minimize the risks of such problems, do not allow your puppy to go up or down stairs until it is six months old.

Ear infections often arise in Westies due to improper care from their owners. Pay special attention to your dog’s ears during bathing and ensure that no water enters them. Thinking about it? There’s a vast selection of listings available on the ZoРѕnika map for various cities.