The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately knowns as ‘The Westie’ originates from Scotland. They are in fact, simply a white Cairn Terrier, that came about when a Scottish breeder had some white pups within his Cairn Terrier litters. He continued to breed these white pups and created the Westie.
Purpose:
The Westie was used as a working dog to control vermin issues as well as foxes, badgers and otters.
Coat care:
The Westie is equip with a double coat however they shed very little hair. The breed requires a clip every 4 or so months and brushing every other day. Their coat is good at repelling dirt and mess and only requires bathing when needed.
Health & Temperament:
The boldness from their original ancestors has not escaped the Westies we know of today. They are a confident, sturdy and determined little dog. It’s important they have rules and boundaries set in place from a young age to avoid little dog syndrome. In general, they are great with kids and robust enough to keep up with them for some playtime. Without balanced training and good socialisation, they can become destructive. They enjoy companionship and are an easy breed to train.
The breed can be prone to liver issues, hip issues and diabetes. They are often sensitive to certain foods which can cause skin issues too.
Written by We Love Dogs Care Team
Our passionate resort carers, Doggy Doaters, and canine specialists dedicated to providing 7-star boutique dog boarding, health care, and advice in Melbourne.
