Famous with its nick “Westie”, West Highland White Terrier is adapted as a warm companion. This breed is full of charm and attraction, remarkably active, confident, determinant and loyal. Agile but compact dog holds distinction among terrier group based on devotion and family bonding. Families adapting this terrier have to greet an addition of affectionate member in home. Travel companion, trip companion, playmate and true friend Westie is reserved, tends to curious thus protective from strange elements. They are able to warn and react against suspect.

The Westie is small and sturdy build dog, black nose, erected and triangle-shaped ears on a thick, hard, medium white coat adds the expression of grace and love. Undercoat is short, dense and soft. Regular brushing would result better grooming. Good strength and stamina are the prime requirements of any terrier breed, alike all, this dogs possesses entire terrier-like qualities. The gait is free, slightly quick and upstanding. Besides an alert watchdog, they are chaser of rodents.

This breed was originated in Scotland and was named as Poltlloch Terrier in its early days after the name of a Scottish region. First presentation of the dog to USA dates in 1906, recognized by AKC in 1907 in terrier group breeds. In 1909 the breed was reformed and standardized with the name of West Highland White Terrier which still retained. This terrier was developed to control vermin and rats, additional they can hunt fox, badger and otters.

Temperament

A little but hard terrier is a pack of flexibility and agility. Love bonded, compassionate and devoted this dog thrives when under attention of its family. Affectionate as they are, treat gently to children, quite well behaved with other pets but after grown together. They are rarely frank with strange people; tend to curious and protective to their family.

Westies are hard to socialize, training is tough rather challenging due to slight stubborn and independent trait. This little breed does not know its small size, they possess courage and determination of larger dogs. Other animals, especially canine can only be afforded when they accept dominance of Westies. They tend to chase small animals, sometimes your pets may be pursued but for fun only. Extremely barkers and diggers, they tend more destructive when annoyed. The dog needs affordable handling otherwise tends to snappish and would punish the child irritating them. Trainer should hold patience and commitment during housetrain. They do not respond well to repetitive training rather acceptive to diverse and agile methods, offer some packages and treats in reward to good learning. Always exercise leadership over dog rather this terrier will dominate you.

Little but strong, the dog needs daily activities to satisfy physical and mental stimulation. A yard to hold playful activities and average walks are good for them. Apartment life is affordable as long as exercise requirements are fulfilled. The breed would suffer separation anxiety if left alone. They tend to chase and hunt small games, keep them in yard with fence or leashed when not supervising the dog.