Bring Home an Adorable Additional to Your Family
Known as Westies, the West Highland Terrier is a wonderful choice if you’re thinking of adding a new companion to your household. They are energetic, intelligent, and playful pups, recognizable by terrier-like traits and their distinctive white coat, although some Westies present slight tan markings. This breed is easy to train but they require constant leadership and socialization. West Highland Terriers are medium-sized, standing 10-11 inches tall. They have a double coat; harsh on the outside with a softer undercoat so regular grooming is important. If you think the West Highland Terrier sounds like your ideal dog, contact us today at Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, CO, or fill out the online form to get the adoption process rolling. We can’t wait to see you with your new Westie puppy!
History
Originating from the Scottish Highlands, the West Highland Terrier was bred to hunt vermin and small game-like rats and foxes through the rough Scottish terrain. Edward Donald Malcolm, 16th Laird Poltalloch played a key role in developing the Westie’s distinct white coat after losing a reddish-colored terrier in a hunting accident where another hunter thought Edward’s dog was a fox. Early names for this breed include the Poltalloch Terrier and Roseneath Terrier. In 1908 they were recognized by the AKC under the moniker West Highland White Terrier. Westies are extremely popular in England and America. They are closely related to Cairn, Scottish, and Dandie Dinmont Terriers as they all were bred from the same common stock.
Temperament
West Highland Terriers make great family dogs as they are friendly, happy, and active. They are also very alert, letting you know by barking that someone is close by or approaching. Besides being quite vocal, Westies have a tendency to dig – early training can keep those habits from forming. They get along well with other household pets but because of their breeding, they may see smaller friends like rats or hamsters as prey.
Environment
The West Highland Terrier is a very adaptable breed. They will thrive in almost any environment as long as they are safe and well-exercised. These pups do great in city apartments, houses in the suburbs with fence yards, farms in the countryside, and anywhere that gives them room to play and explore safely.
Exercise
One of the more energetic breeds, the West Highland Terrier requires 30-60 minutes of exercise a day. This can include a daily walk to help burn off energy while they explore their surroundings and interactive play like tug-of-war, fetch, or hide-and-seek to help with mental stimulation as well as physical activity. Puppies need controlled exercise so it’s recommended that they have short sessions of exercise, 20-30 a day. No matter your Westie’s age, always remember to avoid overexertion, especially in hot weather, as they are prone to overheating.
Grooming
West Highland Terriers require regular grooming. Their coats need daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Use a brush with round balls on the end of each bristle for easier coat penetration. Daily brushing also helps distribute natural oils to keep their coat healthy and shiny. You can also do hand-stripping or clipping when it comes to removing dead hair. Their nails require trimming every 4-6 weeks and their ears should be cleaned regularly. You should plan on having your Westie professionally groomed every 8 weeks with maintenance baths in between.
