Note: Do you live in Western Kentucky/Southern Indiana? A group of dedicated Westies owners meet regularly for Westie Westies dog socials. We are a great resource for the first time Westie owner or a pet parent who is over their head with west-a-tude. Please send us an e-mail at Preston@prestonspeaks.com to get added to our group’s e-mail distribution list!
I have a bone to pick with you humans today. Recently I posted this as my status update on Facebook:
Preston Phelps What part of my breed– west highland WHITE terriers do you not get? I don’t come in any other colors..just white…and no your dog isn’t a westie if he is brown, tan, gray, black, etc.
Which I’m sure you all read it since your all friends with me on facebook right? (hint, hint, hint).
I always thought you humans were pretty smart but my mommy gets questions all the time asking me about my color and then they also say they , co-worker, friend of a friend, etc. have one but they are (insert a color other than white). So today I want to clear up what exactly is a Westie.
Here is the official description from dogster with my comments in red.
Weight: 15-22 pounds (I’m 18 so far so good 🙂
Height: 10-11 inches (Yep I’m short, but don’t hold it against me)
Trademark Traits
· Shaggy and small
· Peppy and fun
· Tireless
· Intelligent and proud (you bet I’m intelligent..how many dogs you know can type and blog?)
· Crave attention (true, true—I love when people pay attention to me!)
· The coat is about two inches long, white in color, hard, with plenty of soft undercoat. (see WHITE ONLY, if a dog looks like me but isn’t white it is probably a Carin Terrier..see below)
What They’re Like to Live With
:They may look cute and cuddly, but West Highland Terriers would much rather be running around than sitting on a couch. Bursting with energy, curiosity and playfulness, Westies are always game for activity. This can involve playing games inside or out, chasing small animals or digging—or all of them at the same time! Though high-energy dogs, West Highland Terriers don’t require too many walks or jogs to stay mentally and physically healthy. (I’m full of energy and hate, hate, hate to be on a lap. I would much rather be chewing a chewy or playing with a toy then to sit still).
West Highland Terriers are loyal and devoted pets—a great family dog for city or country living. They get along with children who are old enough to respect their space, and they are very friendly with strangers. However, they can be quite effective guard dogs, barking wholeheartedly if they sense danger. (I love human puppies and love to play with them but I agree sometimes they can step on me or crowd me too much and I get a little upset).
Things You Should Know
These dogs have a self-confidence and self-reliance that can be good (resulting in resourceful play and solid companionship) or bad (resulting in destructiveness). Though independent, Westies need attention and activity or they can become restless. Left alone for too long, they could dig up a garden, chew things or get involved in other forms of mischief. (I love mischief hehehe it is so much fun )
West Highland Terriers, descending from a breed of robust dogs that chased rats and foxes through the moors, are naturally curious and intelligent. Always keep them fenced-in or on a leash. If they see a small critter scurrying off somewhere, they will most likely follow them at lightning speed. (Plus, if a cat goes by I always want to chase them too so my mommy says I always have be on leash. Westies and cats are an iffy combination..I have brother and sister cats but I still chase them and have the cat scratch scars to show for it. So please carefully debate about bringing a westie in your home if you have cats already.I will tell at some point we will chase them!)
Not only do West Highland Terriers bark when a suspicious person approaches the house, they also bark when just about anyone pops by. With proper training and socialization, this barking can be minimized. (YES, I love to bark and bark and bark, and my bark is very loud..I’m quite proud of it)
Westies are relatively clean and odorless, but they still need daily brushing to keep their coat under control. A healthy West Highland Terrier can live as long as 14 years. Common health problems include joint deterioration and skin allergies (Warning..Westies hate to be brushed and have their nails cut! )
So now you know a little bit more about me 🙂
Woof,
Preston
