The Westie appears to be native to Argyllshire, Scotland. As for its origins, some contend that he is simply a Cairn terrier that took a detour. Cairns and westies appear to be closest in type to the Scottish Terrier, and some think that the Westie descends from the white, cream-colored and sandy Cairn terriers. Still, the Westie's shorter back, heavier bone, and more refined grooming distinguishes him from his cousin.>
Hardy West Highlanders have enjoyed great popularity as rugged outdoor companions and their amusing, lighthearted mischievous ways have won American hearts by the drove. Westies are quite sociable, the merriest of all Scotland's terriers. They have an endurance of much larger dogs and owners need not to pamper them and carry them home form a long walk.
Extremely sef-confident and assured, the Westie is not easily impressed by unimportant matters. Built into every alert Westie is an alarm that can be triggered at any time by any disturbance; thus they are excellent watchdogs. Most Westies are wild about balls and other small toys, and if encouraged, will play by the hour. The Highlander is an enthusiastic and independent dog with instinctive terrier characteristics. Its curiosity and ambition are driven by the need to investigate and approve of everything in its enviroment.
Photo courtesy of hundund.de
The Westie's perpetual animation will frustrate, yet entertain, delight, yet vex. If this type of relationship doesn't appeal to you, please consider another breed. Before you buy, learn as much as possible about terriers in general and Westies in particular. Never imagine you cam mold this canine personality to suit yourself; some inherited traits are stronger than human will. Neglect, boredom and lakc of human attention will ruin a nice Westie.
Somewhat pugnacious around strange dogs, the Westie is generally sociable with family dogs and cats.
Westies have double coat, the top of which is hard and wiry, in contrast to his soft, short undercoat. Westie's skin tends to be drier that that of most other breeds, which is why they have very little doggie odor. Plucking instead of clipping is necessary to achieve excellence in blending the softer undercoat with harder and longer top coat.
Health problems in Westies include craniomandibular osteopathy, globoid cell leukodystrophy, atopic dermatitis, inguinal hernia, Legg-Perthes-Calve disease, myotonia, copper toxicosis, epidermal dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, cleft palate, luxating patella, hip dysplasia, cataracts, seborrhea, chronic hepatitis, ectopic ureter, deafness, faty liver syndrome, pyruvate kinase deficiency, keratoconjunctivitis sicca.