West Highland Terriers

West Highland Terriers

West Highland Terrier:  Introduction

This is when Westie Linus, a West Highland Terrier as a two months old, mischievous, baby.

Specifically, he is a West Highland White Terrier Westie.  As a pup, he thought he was 5 years old, and he also thought that he ruled the roost.  He acts innocent as a pup, but he really knows what he is doing.

Don’t let the Westie fool you — they are smarter than you think!

“Hi Mom!”

Below is Westie Linus, all grown up.  He still thinks he rules the roost.

And he is still cute too.

West Highland Terrior:  History

Edward Donald Malcolm, 16th Laird of Poltalloch, is credited with the creation of the modern white terrier breed from his Poltalloch Terrier.

Malcolm owned terriers to work game, and hunting.  History tells that a reddish-brown terrier was mistaken for a fox and shot, therefore he bred a white terrier. 

West Highland White Terrier:   Temperament and Personality

The temperament varies between these dogs. They are abundant in love and loyally protective.  Their personality and temperament can vary according to the individual dog.

One Westie will be social, winsome, friendly, approachable and eager to please newcomers and children.

Another highland terrier will be careful, suspicious and aggressive to strangers, if they feel their master is threatened. Their bond with their owner is extremely loyal. 

West Highland Terriers:  And Exercise

Many cities have parks designated for dog owners to play, just like you have playgrounds for children.

“Play-dates” does help your westie become more social with other dogs and humans, especially if you have a more withdrawn dog.  The social Westie loves playing regardless.

Then again, they love exercise, so this is helpful to get the energy out of them.  Most West Highland White Terriers need a 15-30 minute walk; this is perfect if you yourself like exercise and want to stay fit and trim, because your dog requires it. 

Minimum:  15 minute walk!  They are a ball of energy…

By the way, if you don’t take them for a walk they will have energy to play with you at night when you are getting ready for bed. 

Just because you have to go to work tomorrow is no excuse to the Westie; he/she is ready to play or get exercise.   (I’m telling you this from experience.)

West Highland Terriers:  And Children

Highland Terriers will not tolerate rough handling such as a child pulling on its ears, and can be very possessive of food and toys.   Make note of that!  Respect that.

Regarding children, that makes this dog a much better suited dog for an older child, such as 10 years and above, who knows how to treat an animal well, as well as for adults.

West Highland Terriers:  What To Expect

The West Highland White Terrier is pretty independent, extremely confident, and curious like you wouldn’t believe.  Do not take those statements lightly!  They are all three!

If this is what you are looking for in a dog, be ready to be impressed.

Oh, also, because they are independent, they can be stubborn leading to issues with training.

They want to impress you on their independent thinking and let you know it.

It is good to have them go to obedience school, and the trainer will train you as well, because you will need it as a Westie parent.

The Westie may need its training refreshed on occasion during its lifetime.

Make sure you get your West Highland Terrier from a breeder.  There are also rescue places specifically designed to place this very special dog into loving homes, because it is such an awesome dog. 

Do not purchase your Westie from a ‘puppy mill’ or store.  There would be a likelihood of health problems, etc.  Remember:  A Breeder.

West Highland White Terrier:  The Hunt

As mentioned previously, they were bred for hunting and game, therefore they love running after squirrels and rodents of such like.

Be sure you have a big fenced in area, because they will not hear you if you call them after having spotted a squirrel.  This is not the moment for obedience.

It is all about the chase!

And they love it!

Instinct takes over, and you won’t see your dog if he/she is not fenced in or on a leash for walking.

Just warning you now:  That’s why they are such good hunters!

West Highlander dogs such as these are instinctively an earth-dog, making them inquisitive and curious.  Barking is fun, and digging holes is even more fun. 

If they think there are grubs, moles, or something underground, you will have a hole in your yard that you will have to refill.  

It looks like they are trying to go to the other side of the world, they are so intent on the digging.   Their faces will be brown with dirt. 

It’s pretty funny.

Of course, if you just gave them a bath, it won’t be as funny. 

They kind of are like children… they can keep you busy.  You’ll never be bored with them, I promise! 

They also love chasing balls. It is a lot of fun playing ball with them!  Big balls too!  If the ball is made from plastic, be prepared to buy another ball after 5 minutes play, because they’ll pop it just that fast! 

They really get into chasing the ball!

Westies are highly social and are the most friendly and extremely playful of all the Scottish breeds of terrier.

You’ll probably want to die from laughter more than anything else, because they are such dear, loyal and bonding dogs.

And if you die from laughter, you will have been one very happy person  – all because you owned a West Highland Terrier!  They will get into your heart and just squoosh it with love!

If you enjoyed this blog post or got value, please comment, share and like! Thanks bunches!

 From one animal lover to another…

~ Doris Hullett

 westie Malcolm history – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Highland_White_Terrier

P.S. #1 =Now, if Westies, or dogs, or any animal is definitely your passion… you may want to start blogging about it.

Why not, right?  You could teach us all kinds of things, that I’m sure I still don’t know about this amazing little West Highland Terrier.  lol

You could blog on the broad category of dogs, or you could have a very specific niche, with one type of dog.

Learning more about blogging and a Blog Product line (for the detailed-oriented person).