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West Highland White Terrier |
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Properly groomed, with the round chrysanthemum face, jaunty attitude and low slung body, the Westie is distinctive and charming with a unique, yet completely Terrier attitude. With an easier going approach to life than some other Terrier breeds, the Westie was not shorted on courage, intelligence or cleverness. Fabulously entertaining and devoted to their family, the well reared Westie is truly a joyful companion as indicated by the proud fanciers of the breed. |
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General Information |
Group(s):
Terrier |
Height: 11 inches |
Weight: 14-16 pounds |
Longevity: high teens |
Colors: white |
Coat type: outer coat is harsh and about 2 |
Recognized Registries: ANKC, CKC, UKC, AKC, KC, FCI, NCA and others |
Overall Appearance: Powerful, sturdy and well muscled, though small dog. Longer in body than leg. Distinctive all white harsh, rough coat. |
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Personaility - Behavior - Training |
Energy Level: high |
General Nature: |
alert, self-reliant but friendly, independent, entertaining |
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with Children: generally good if properly socialized, with well behaved children and supervision |
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with other pets: unreliable bred to hunt vermin after all |
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with dogs: variable with each individual |
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Socialization requirements: moderately high: the self reliant nature of the breed can lead to difficulties with aggression, shyness or total independence if not properly reared |
Ideal home characteristics: Appreciates the active nature, curiousity and affectionate yet independent nature of the breed |
Temperament Notes: happy, playful, vocal, intelligent |
Training requirement: moderate: socialization and basic manners |
Trainer notes: |
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Background Information |
Year range of first recognition: 1800s |
Country of Origin: Scotland |
Original Function: vermin hunters |
History: Legend has it that a landowner kept a pack of small terriers, one red dog was shot mistaken as a fox and he swore to breed true white to prevent that from happening again. |
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Adoption Information |
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Deviations from Standard: |
Health Notes: White Shakers, Westie Lung Disease, Skin problems, Heart Problems, liver problems, Legg-Calve-Perthes, eye problems, kidney problems, luxating patellas, IBD, hip dysplasia, diabetes, GCL, CMO, Addisons |
Health Testing: OFA, CERF, heart and lung evaluation |
Questions to ask Breeder:
How long have you had English Foxhounds?
Why do you have English Foxhounds (show, performance, hunting, etc.)?
What do you consider to be the most important single characteristic of an English Foxhound?
What health issues have you seen in the breed?
What criteria do you set for your breeding stock?
Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
How often do you have puppies?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
At what age do you send your pups to their homes?
How would you describe the ideal English Foxhound?
How would you describe the ideal English Foxhound home?
Are your puppies whelped in your home?
What advice would you offer someone in raising and training an English Foxhound?
How do you assist or help English Foxhounds in need of rescue?
How long have you had Westies?
Why do you have Westies (show, performance, hunting, etc.)?
What do you consider to be the most important single characteristic of a Westie?
What health issues have you seen in the breed?
What criteria do you set for your breeding stock?
Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
How often do you have puppies?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
At what age do you send your pups to their homes?
How would you describe the ideal Westie?
How would you describe the ideal Westie home?
Are your puppies whelped in your home?
What advice would you offer someone in raising and training a Westie?
How do you assist or help Westies in need of rescue? |
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Other Resources |
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Breeder Ethics: |
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