West Highland White Terrier Country of origin : Scotland
West Highland White Terrier Original Function : Fox, Badger and Vermin Hunter
West Highland White Terriers are not used for their original hunting job, although they are still considered to be the best vermin destroyers. They are intelligent and agile enough for sports such as fly-ball and agility skills, but they do need good training and supervision. These dogs are excellent family dogs provided the family is sports minded.
West Highland White Terrier dog appearance
West Highland White Terrier dog body
The West Highland White Terrier has a compact and strong body frame with a deep chest, a level top-line and short loins. The ribs are well sprung.West Highland White Terrier should naturally have a short tail ( approx. 4¾ – 6 inch ( 12½-15cm) long. It is carried gaily. The shoulders of these dog are well laid back. The upper arms are quite straight. The thighs are well muscled, as well as the broad hindquarters, with good angulation of the knees and the hocks. The strong, short legs are straight and vertical and well placed under the body. The West Highland White Terrier’s feet are round. The front feet are bigger than the hind feet. The neck is long and muscular. It is broad at the base and tapers towards the head.
West Highland White Terrier dog head
The head is set straight or at a slight angle on its muscular neck. The West Highland White Terrier’s skull is arched a little. There is a clear stop with a slight median furrow and eyebrows. The muzzle is full, particularly below the eyes and overall it is a bit shorter than the skull. The small ears are strong and are carried erect. They end in a point. The medium size eyes are set a little deeper in the head and have a penetrating expression. The nose is relatively big.Dogs of this breed have a strong and big scissors bite.
West Highland White Terrier dog weight and shoulder height
The West Highland White Terrier shoulder height is approx 11 inc ( 28cm ) high.
The West Highland White Terrier dog weight is around 16½ lb ( 7½ kg ).
West Highland White Terrier dog coat and dog colors
The topcoat is rough and hard , approximately 2 inc ( 5cm ) long and should not be curly. The ears should be naturally short and smooth haired.
This dog breed will only have a white coat. The color of the eyes should be as dark as possible and the nose is always black. The nails and pads of this feet are preferably black.
West Highland White Terrier dog temperament
West Highland White Terrier dog character
These lively and extrovert dogs bristle with self-confidence. They are not easily impressed. They rely on their abilities, they are brave, fearless and persistent. West Highland White Terrier are aware of everything happening around them and they make themselves heard if they sense a danger. They are loyal to their owners and families, definitely affectionate, but they can also display a fair amount of stubbornness and independence. Bad-tempered West Highland White Terrier are rarity; they are generally playful and cheerful dogs and you should not underestimate their cunning and ingenuity.Their presence adds spice to life.
West Highland White Terrier social behavior
West Highland White Terrier can usually get on well with kids that are old enough to play and romp about with their dogs. They can withstand rough play. West Highland White Terrier generally get on well with their own kind although a West Highland White Terrier cannot resist challenging members of its own sex in the street. Good training and socialization can curb this characteristic. This dog breeds needs to be taught at an early age that it should not chase cats and others pets or animals. Once again good socializing and training will work wonders. Although they are vigilant and alert West Highland White Terrier are not at all shy.
West Highland White Terrier General dog care
West Highland White Terrier dog grooming
West Highland White Terrier, kept as family dog, will need to have its coat trimmed once every three months. The hair on the back, neck and sides in particular, needs plucking short by hand. In between the trimming sessions the coat will need a good brush once or twice a week . It is best to use a slicker brush. If necessary you should clip excess hair between the pads of the feet and comb the beard and mustache daily. The West Highland White Terrier should have a hard coat and therefore it should not be washed too frequently. Washing makes the hair go lank, although there are special shampoos without this side effect. The structure of the hair allows yo to brush away dirt and mud quite easily once it is dry. The coat of shows-dogs will require more grooming. It needs the expertise of someone who is accustomed to taking dogs to shows.
West Highland White Terrier dog training
The straightforward and cheerful character of this dog breed should not tempt you to let it get away with whatever it likes.West Highland White Terrier can persist in bad habits and they can bark more than necessary. This dog needs a firm handler who will train it consistently and will not be fooled. With some good supervision a West Highland White Terrier can learn a lot of commands in a short period of time. If there is no clear guidance the dog will find its own pastime, one which will generally not be appreciated by its owner.
West Highland White Terrier dog exercise
This dog breed deserves more than a few obligatory runs round the block each day.West Highland White Terrier are active dogs that love ball games, rope pulling, romping and playing. They like to be outdoors and are not bothered by the weather. West Highland White Terrier enjoys digging, so be warned if you take pride in your well-furnished yard.
