is a westie a good breed of dog?

Question

i am thnking of getting one and i want to see what westie owners say about them. Any tips?

i am a westie owner. i just wanted to see what people tought about them and they are good with children and they are easy to train.

Answer 1

Westies are wonderful dogs. True terriers with lots of energy. Can bark a lot like terriers tend to do. Health wise, they are #1 for skin problems of all breeds! Make sure the breeder does not have any skin allergy problems in her lines.

Answer 2

The Westie is NOT for everyone! Therefore, the WHWTCA is dedicated to helping "prospective" Westie owners make the most informed decision possible as to whether the Westie is the right breed for them. If you are considering owning a Westie, we recommend that you take the Westie Profiler and read the Acquiring a West Highland White Terrier section and the Westie FAQ page to help you understand the true nature of the Westie.

With the knowledge provided in these sections, if you feel you want to bring a Westie into your family...please access our Breeder Resources page. Use the color coded map to determine which Regional Resource Counselor (RRC) services your specific geographic region. Your respective Regional Resource Counselor should be able to answer most of your questions and provide you with a list of WHWTCA members who are breeders in your area.

Answer 3

All dogs have their own problems that usually result from the owners so, as they say, bad dogs aren't born, they're made. Anyway, look into the reasons you chose a westie and cocker spaniel and see if you can apply those same reasons with another dog. Check out "groups" i.e. toy group, non-sporting group, and terriers. They all have different types of dogs with different characteristics that could give you the same qualities as a westie or spaniel. Seeing the different dogs could also help your husband choose which ones he'd rather be seen walking with. Take the dog's looks and add them with the purebreds attributes to find what kind of dog you'd want. Do as much research as POSSIBLE!! and if you still can't make up your mind...look into shelters-there are always dogs waiting for a home :) Hope this helps!

Answer 4

My cusent wanted one and I looked them up for her, she dident get one tho because they arent good with children. That is major right there!
The Westie is a compact, hardy, white coated, and people oriented terrier. People unfamiliar with the breed often will mistake the West Highland as a "Scottie." Although Scotties do appear in a medium cream color, they are never true white. If the terrier is solid white, it is a Westie.

The Westie is 10-11 inches at the shoulder and normally weighs 14-22 lbs. The breed attains an alert appearance from its dark rimmed eyes, prick (pointed) ears, and carrot shaped tail, which it carries straight up when spotting prey or a potential dog treat. The white coat is about two inches long when trimmed and consists of a somewhat wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat (pet dogs may lack this hard outer coat and just have straight, wavy, or slightly curly soft hair). They need brushing weekly and trimming at least quarterly to maintain a traditional "Westie" appearance.

An untrimmed, ungroomed Westie may not appear as depicted in photo books as its fur will get shaggy, tangled, and dingy. If, after bathing, the dog is white, has prick ears, erect tail, and meets the height and weight criteria, it is more than likely a Westie.


Personality
The breed adapts well to most climates with normal precautions taken for extremes in temperature and sunburn. A Westie does equally well in the city as in a more rural setting -- as long as the dog receives the amount of attention from its owner that it feels it deserves. Adult dogs have no problem residing in the house while the owner is away for an average 8-9 hour work day. However, the breed is very people oriented and tends to get into trouble (barking, chewing, etc.) when left alone in a yard too long or not receiving adequate attention or exercise upon the return of the owner. Westies are intelligent dogs and most are easily trained as they are good natured and eager to please. With kindness, consistency, and patience, Westies respond well to house and obedience training. Some dogs may get bored with repetitive work so training in short sessions and offering a variety of tasks is most effective.

Answer 5

I've never owned a West Highland Terrier, but I had friends that had one. I love dogs and have 4. But I personally wouldn't have a Westie, unless I had a big garden, and a sound-proofed room, where I could escape. They bark all the time, all day, and sometimes a lot at night. They have miles of energy,always on the go,and get very possessive,as is the case with most small dogs. And they shed everywhere.If your still interested-Good Luck!

Answer 6

All dog breeds are good. No matter what breed the dog is, if you properly raise, train and socialize the dog and take good care of it and treat it right, it should be a great dog. No matter what breed the dog is, if you dont properly raise, train and socialize the dog and/ or abuse, neglect or train the dog to be mean, it should be a mean dog. Each breed is different and not all breeds are for everyone, but that does not make them a bad breed in any way! No breed of dog is born bad, but any breed of dog can be made to be bad!

Answer 7

they are very smart. I liked all the westies I ever met. They are very sweet dogs. I love most terriers and westies are one of my favorites.

Answer 8

My mother-in-law's Westie was raised with alot of children. She ran a day-care in South FL, and all the kids and parents loved her to death.

She was a little arrogant, but never nippy or yappy.

Answer 9

I dont own one! I dont hink i will!
They are not very good with training and listening!
My g-ma had one! THey are very hyper!
consider a mellower breed

Answer 10

yes