West highland white terriers?

Question

I have decided to get a Westie, and I am going to do a LOT of research but is there anything (good or bad) i should know about Westies? Thank you!!

Also, please don't tell me I should get a lab or something cause my family and I have decided to get a Westie

Answer 1

We decided to get a Westie because they are supposedly among the hypoallergenic breeds - my adult son was very allergic to our Corgis, clouds of dog hair. We located a 4 month old male and I've loved him since the minute I first held him, he's now 51/2 yrs. old; the female, now 41/2 years old also came into the house at 4 months old. I am crazy about these spirited, awesome dogs BUT:

1. Never let them off leash no matter how well trained and obedient they are, you'll lose them at the first sightng of a squirrel or rabbit - these dogs are hardwired to hunt vermin;

2. The female has airborne allergies in the spring which once identified is managed without the regular use of steroids. Because I knew that this breed is prone to allergies/skin problems I opted not to feed kibble/canned food and they are both raw fed (BARF). Touch wood, no problems as yet with the male;

3. They need regular grooming; you don't have to pay to have them stripped (it's very expensive, I was quoted $85.00 each dog) unless you plan to show them. Their coats will be softer and curlyish if they are just trimmed.

4. It's especially important with this breed to do dog training because they do tend to be on the obstinate/stubborn. Both are smart and were very easy to train.

5. Both were easy to crate train and have had the run my house without accidents since they were a year old. I have Christmas bells hung from the doorknob on the back door which they ring when they want to go out. Neither one was a chronic chewer or destructive and any time something was chewed it was my fault for leaving the closet door open. The female is a lapdog, the male more aloof but very cuddly at times. They are actually both very sweet dogs.

Knowing all of the above I wouldn't hesitate to get another or ever regret getting my 2 Westies. Enjoy your pup.

Answer 2

They are the best,I have had all kinds of dogs growing up,German Shepard part wolf,Alaskan malamute,A Bull Mastiff which is a wonderful dog for Children,a Mastiff,a bischon frise,and a few others but my westie is the best,she listens,is very affectionate,only barks when theirs something that we should check out,and of course she loves to pull the mail thew the mail slot,gets along with all my other animals,she thinks she's the Mom of them all,won't get up on the couch unless you give her permission and so much more that's positive,you can't go wrong with a purebred westie,only one thing they are little hunters.......so enjoy your new puppy,their a bit funny too about moving furniture around ,they like things as they are and will bark at new things you bring in the house..funny....:)

Answer 3

Check the website for Westie Rescue, Inc. we have several in foster care. Also, check the site for the National Westie Club.

Answer 4

My grandparents have a Westie, and she is very sweet. However, Westies can be stubborn, and since they are terriers, they bark a lot.

Answer 5

Check out LOADS of breeders before you decide who to buy from. Westies almost ALWAYS suffer from allergies and food intolerances, which tends to 'present' as skin conditions/infections.

Answer 6

Good compainion dog, but all terriers are high-energy and some have a short attention span because of it. They are smart, but they can get bored with what youre trying to teach and would rather be chasing something. Start training early. I don't think it would have a problem going jogging. Be prepared for noise, energy, and grooming.

Answer 7

i dont know anything about westies except they are adorable and id love to have one. good luck!!