However, as you will be able to see in this blog of westy dogs, they are much more unknown and surprising dogs than you can believe. His body is compact and his face features a black and oval nose, as well as deep-eyed eyes. The mantle of her hair is composed of a hard and thick top layer, after which goes a shorter lower layer. That special coat makes it essential to take care of it continuously. As it is hard hair that does not fall on its own, it must be removed by using special combs. The westy reaches about thirty centimeters in height, although the females do not usually exceed twenty-five. Its weight is usually less than ten kilos.
Character and Behavior
Westy dogs are quite restless by nature and love to move from one place to another. They are real explorers who are happy to enjoy a great space to move around. Despite being very curious, they adapt quickly to new circumstances. They are quite independent animals that will still seek the affection of their caretakers when they need it.
From the first months of age westy dogs must be socialized so that they behave well when they reach adulthood. This will avoid any problem related to aggressiveness. While it is true that some specimens are cautious by nature, if things are done well you can have an animal of the most affectionate and friendly.
They are brave dogs who like to move independently. The dogs of the Westy breed can be very valuable when it comes to protecting the home, since although they are very small and will not face the invaders, they will warn of any intrusion in a very sound way. They are dogs that bark when they hear anything strange.
Although they are small dogs, the Westys require regular exercise to be happy. They need daily walks, and a playtime to strengthen ties with their human family. They love the outdoors, especially wallowing and rolling from side to side for a good weed of grass. In addition to your physique, you also need to train your mind. If they don't find a productive way to channel their energy, they will start tearing things apart, or making holes in the garden.
Cu> They are the most common and easy-to-care dogs, since they hardly have specific requirements. They must have food throughout the day and must be a quality food. If you see that your dog takes more weight than is appropriate, it is essential to limit intake.
Their life expectancy is more than ten years, so you must make sure you buy very durable accessories or you will have to change them every two times for three. Keeping your environment completely clean is essential to avoid disease forecasting. Dogs should be vaccinated when they are young and it is essential to submit them to veterinary check-ups periodically. Antiparasitic products must be applied during the summer months.
Westy features
- Head covered with dense hair,
- Small straight, firm and pointed ears,
- Compact body,
- Erect tail up to 15 cm long,
- Hard and white hair of 5 cm, without ripples.
The westy can be seen in obedience championships and it is one of the most successful races in beauty exhibitions.
Text: Joaqu n S nchez-Almad n Sub as (De Los Duendes Zahories).
A properly socialized puppy makes his incorporation into his new home cheerful, blissful and adapting to the environment is fast and simple. If living with a dog is a wonderful experience, living with a West Highland White Terrier is something unforgettable and that makes you love the Westies with a lot of passion.
There is a false myth about the West Highland White Terrier, since everyone claims that it is a very big-headed dog. Up to a point, and morphologically, it is a dog that has a good cranial structure, but this is not what people refer to when talking about big-headedness. But it tends to confuse stubbornness with tenacity. One of the main characteristics of the Westie is to be a tenacious, very tender, affectionate dog that detects our different moods at the moment.
If they were stubborn and stubborn it would not be possible, for example, to be able to compete in a discipline that many trainers claim is not the most suitable for them, such as sports obedience, and obtaining excellent results, which shows that with affection, patience and tenacity on the part of everyone, what one sets out is possible to achieve. We can also see Westies competing in disciplines such as Agility, so we can contrast that these are myths that are not as real as attempts are made to believe. So, if we apply the maximum of giving love, love, work, and having a great illusion with many doses of passion, anything is possible.
One of the main characteristics of living with a Westie is the adaptation to the rhythm of life that their owners have. It can be a Westie who loves to walk, run, do activities such as canicross or hiking, or quite the opposite, be a good companion in our sofa naps. You can go to the side of our baby's carriage, walking all proud to guard your little brother, or run by your side while taking a light bike ride. Any activity is good, since, although it is a small dog in size, it is very large in spirit, in heart and in the desire to do things with its owners.
Its ability to adapt to any family environment is spectacular. The coexistence of a Westie with a child is indescribable, and if that child is `` special '', the attitude of the Westie in these circumstances is worthy of being mentioned. The Westie approaches to the child, the delicacy in which these approaches occur, positive behavior in the face of unforeseen actions of the child towards the dog, make it a breed to take into account in family settings with children, with independence of the age and the particularities of each child. All this we can assure and affirm by having a child who has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and that sharing the living space with his Westies makes it possible for him to have a very direct contact with life and with animals, very faceted important in the development of a child, especially in the parts of social interaction, enhancing love and affection, companionship and intimacy, and making it possible for children to be more participatory, promoting responsibility in turn and that they may be able to put themselves in the place of another living being in certain situations of life.
Not only with a child their behavior is impeccable, but also with older people they show a touch and a knowledge of being very great. They do not show abruptness in their movements even if they are going to demand caresses, they are careful when approaching when people walk and adopt the role of controlling the location of these people in a very representative way.
They are not `` sticker '' dogs, they require their doses of love and pampering, like any living being, and when they have charged the batteries with their demands, they proceed to retire to perform the activities that they want at that moment, being able to demand love os and games in the same time interval. But they are very grateful in the signs of affection and affection that are given to them at all times, especially in the activities in which it implies interaction between people and them, such as games to find the hidden toy, of collect and bring the ball or any other interaction process that we establish with them, being very careful with the mouth when, for example, the little boy in the house has his toys, proceeding to remove with care and care To the child the toys that the Westie knows are his property and that the child has been able to snatch.
That is why we believe that hygiene has no contraindications, rather benefits, and we can say that hard hair does not soften with regular baths. This, and as it is obvious, if the ranges of suitable products are used to carry out these baths, and that thanks to the advances there are varieties of dermocosmetic products that help us take care of our Westies. We can say that throughout the years we have been breeding hard hair races we have seen that it is very necessary to disinfect, nourish and also that there is a correct and adequate closure of the pore to which we have removed that dead hair.
Let's think for a moment when we shave or shave, and that naturally and almost instinctively we proceed to nourish and apply products to avoid problems in our hair pores. With the Westies (and in general to any race that applies the technique of stripping) we must apply products that help avoid the dreaded folliculitis. Avoiding folliculitis, we make a fast, correct and healthy recovery of the mantle and avoid problems in the future. This is the main reason why we say that we must proceed to make a correct bath after a stripping session.
At the food level, there are different varieties of food and many possibilities. The most important thing is to cover all your basic needs, both protein, and vitamin level, and that you have enough fatty acids. Proper external skin care, which is the main element that separates the outside world and its constant bacteria from the body, and we must help to produce a proper hydration of the skin from within. The different possibilities (dry food Super Premium, BARF, YUM, etc.) should ensure that the necessary nutrients are provided by each food intake. It is obvious that our Westie needs to have water constantly and that it is clean fresh.
We must also, and depending on our area of residence, proceed to perform the correct deworming, both internal and external. Internal, that there are intestinal parasites and that can be transmitted to the human being, and not only this, but that some of them can endanger the health of our Westie. External, since not only a flea bite can produce a skin allergy with the consequent fear of this type of allergies, but certain external parasites can cause serious problems to our pet (Leishmania through the bite of the sandfly, Erlechia or Babesia mosquito transmitted through tick bites ). These will be determined by the influence of each parasite based on the areas of residence, by the different protocols established by the illustrious veterinary colleges.
A basic maintenance is the drying of the pads and fingers whenever they are wet. Moisture makes possible the proliferation of fungi and yeasts through the skin, so we should not facilitate these that can spread through the skin of our Westie. If we dry well after bathing or clean our feet well after going to a public pool, let's think that our Westies always have their fingers and pads in contact with the ground and different places in the fungi and bacteria proliferate, so if we maintain proper hygiene, removing moisture and causing interdigital spaces to have no hair, the proliferation of these will be diminished. We will also take into account the areas of the finger in which the nail is born, in which bacteria, fungi and yeasts can also accumulate. If the area in which we reside is very wet, it may be advisable to use fungicides in these areas to prevent their proliferation by the body of our Westie.
Also, it is very important to proceed to have your ears completely clean of hair. In the middle ear of the Westie outward hair comes out. The environment in which they live today, with thousands of mites, pollution of the city, together with the wax itself that secretes the ear for protection, makes the ear can not I will breathe, and that the accumulation of these mites will end up leading to otitis.
Many of these otitis can be avoided with proper maintenance of the ear, removing those protruding hairs with a clamp or fingers and, once removed, proceed to use ethical cleansers, which our veterinarian will tell us what are the most appropriate.
All this, together with an exercise appropriate to their age, will make it easier for us to enjoy our companion of fatigue for many years.
Everything you should know about the Westie
Like him alone, many of his owners agree that his very playful and somewhat stunned character makes it difficult to impose discipline on this striking breed. It will be a matter of patience, since very soon you will come to the conclusion that it is a wonderful, charming dog with a great personality.
Despite being very active by nature, his mood gives off formality and will be willing to adapt perfectly to family life, regardless of whether he lives in a huge house in the countryside or in a tiny apartment in the city. What really worries him is to feel one more member, and the sooner, the better.
The name of this breed can be translated as "White Terrier of the Western Highlands", being originally from the island of Highland, located northwest of Scotland. The term "terrier" comes from Latin "land" so the westie was long called "land dog".
In its beginnings, this breed was used to hunting foxes, rodents and badgers due to their pure white color, since their owners were in favor of their color differentiating them easily from dams, which are usually dark.
On the other hand, evicting these animals from their burrows meant sliding through the earth and having to pass through bushes, branches and roots, for which their hard and bushy hair was phenomenal. In addition, his abundant layer of sub-hair protected him from the inclement weather as well as the possible wounds that the dams could produce during the attacks.
His most direct ancestor is the cairn terrier, a race that influenced satiety in the creation of the westy as we know it today. Already in the nineteenth century, Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch Begins to lean on these puppies, of which he remains enchanted, considering that they have all the necessary qualities to be a good house, field and hunting dog. His family was a precursor to the breed, helping their young and their growth.
In 1907 the breed was recognized in England and in 1909 his recognition came from the Kennel Club, moment from which it has not stopped gaining popularity.
The following five races influenced its creation: Dandy Dinmont Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Sealyham Terrier and Skye Terrier. In honor of Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch, March 20 marks the "World Westie Day", coinciding with the anniversary of his death.
Characteristics and physical features
With a height at the cross of 28 centimeters and a weight that oscillates between 8 and 10 kilos, this dog is a clear example of vigorous breed ...
His head It is well proportioned in relation to your body and, whenever you look at it from the front, it has a round shape. His snout It is flat and somewhat shorter than the skull, narrowing towards the nose. It has a well defined stop. His eyes They are brown, well separated from each other and almond-shaped. His truffle It is black. Your teeth They are somewhat larger if compared to those of other races of a similar size and in the form of scissors. His ears they are straight, triangular and erect, separated from each other, making it tender.
Her body is strong, his chest deep and your ribs They stand back. Your back It is straight. Your limbs Posteriors are powerful and their legs muscular, combined activity and strength. In general, its legs are short, as corresponds to a terrier that must develop in the burrows, but sufficiently prepared to support its broad trunk. It's tail in "carrot form" it is not too long and narrows as it advances towards the tip.
Color and sublayer
The most recognized feature of the westie is, without a doubt, her peculiar white hair, free of all stains. This attracts attention since in their predecessors, the "white cairns", were not accepted litters that came to the world white in its entirety. It was required that they be any other color less white, which constituted a true paradox if one considers that today is the purity of his target his most relevant physical attribute.
At the present time although, as we have been saying, this breed is pure white, there are some specimens that look slight patches of brandi (brandy stains), in legs and / or back, circumstance that is not desirable in those specimens that are leaving to be destined for reproduction.
A westy has two types of hair. Outer layer, of coverage, is composed of a long and hard fur. The inner layer or sublayer It is made up of hair that is attached to the skin, short and with a soft texture that resembles cotton. The hair of the head and legs reaches a length of about 10 centimeters and that of the skirts about 15 centimeters. The hair on his face is arranged by some fans with a Teddy style cut.
Temperament
Its character makes it the ideal dog for people who are looking for a partner vivacious, cheerful and always willing canine. Those who live with them agree that it is a real delight to come home and find themselves in such pleasant company, which is a formidable way to disconnect from the problems of the day.
If there is a value that stands out in this race above the rest, it is that of fellowship and the quick and enthusiastic response he presents to the love he receives from his family. This is not an obstacle so that, like the terrier it is, it shows strong headed, testing the patience of its owner when training.
Sweet and restless, you will be ready on a ticket to take a walk or to go on an excursion to the countryside or the mountain, for many years you have completed. In fact, it is more than likely that, if necessary, take out the old hunting dog inside and find a trail that interests you to follow.
This rogue kid will show up at any time willing to play and to intervene in all kinds of jokes and pranks, Although its legs are short, it is a very agile pet. Affectionate and faithful Until exhaustion, this puppy is good-natured, cunning and attentive. With its owners you will enjoy frolicking and accepting your pampering, which you accept with more pleasure than those of strangers.
To the extent that they come from the cairn terrier, these puppies tend to be very tenacious, as they already were in the times when they needed to chase their prey. For many of his followers they are a kind of "Big dogs in a small body".
The westie needs moderate exercise but quite often, so, although he can be happy living in a small flat, it will require daily walks. Another of his main hobbies is that of dig in the ground and bark, which requires limits on the part of its owner.
This dog is very confident and will not allow anyone, animal or person, to try to abuse its small size. Nor is it a pet of those that will be lying all day at the feet of its owner. We must not forget that the westy was raised to be an excellent hunter and that, as a vermin persecutor, it is priceless.
The terrier likes work with courage and enthusiasm, counting for it with strong and big teeth, a great sight and a privileged ear. These characteristics will mean that, if you have the opportunity, they will not hesitate to run down the street after any animal, compromising their own safety, so you should never take it off without a leash.
As a guard dog it is a great find because it is always found alert, defending your area against any hint of threat, barking furiously when you perceive strange noises or strangers approaching.
Relationship with other pets
Although the westie is a somewhat jealous puppy that likes to be the center of attention of his family's pampering, it is a breed suitable for living with other puppies, preferably of a size equal to or greater than him.
Regarding smaller dogs, it is not too advisable to try to live together, nor should you try with other pets like birds, ferrets or hamsters, since Your developed hunter instinct can lead you to consider them easy prey.
Relationship with children
This sensational dog, very affectionate and nothing aggressive can become the ideal playmate for your children, along with some of the most memorable anecdotes of his childhood. This is because the cheerful westie loves to play with children, feeling one more, while jumping and running.
Something fundamental in the peaceful coexistence of every family with dogs is that they educate the smallest of the house in respect for pets, to which they must also leave their own private plots at the time, for example, of eating or resting .
Small dogs are also prone to accidents, such as those that result from unexpected falls, if they are the subject of rude games for children, especially young children. For this reason, while our children are young we have to supervise their games with pets, so that they are not unnecessarily damaged.
Feeding
Diet and nutrition is one of the fundamental aspects when determining the health that a dog of any breed will enjoy. In the case of the westie, as in the rest, it has to be sought a balanced diet in the form of very complete and quality dry feed, specific for each age and race.
Thus, while it is a puppy you must choose from among the junior range (rich in fat and protein to fatten and feel satiated), to give way to a feed of the adult range, once it has passed such a tender stage.
Keeping a pet in perfect state of cleanliness is an obligation of every owner who also, in the case of small breed, which usually end up in the arms of their owners, is even more important.
In addition to your regular baths, you will have to take special care to clean your westy with a damp cloth around the snout When you drink, eat or dig a hole.
The tear also be cleaned in order to prevent them from accumulating legañas, because the fact of being a white dog will make them stand out more, so that they will be very unsightly and will make their appearance look neglected or dirty.
If there is an undeniable question, it is that in a white dog the dirt will be noticed more than in a dark one. Thus, it is common that, after arriving from playing the garden or if they have been digging, activity that is very attractive to them, their appearance when crossing the threshold of the door is, from unfortunate to disastrous. On rainy days, if you have been in contact with mud, expect it to be even more. So, the grooming will have to be permanent in the life of a westie, so it is an aspect to value when making or not with a copy of these characteristics.
Dental hygiene
Oral hygiene must be a constant in the life of a small breed dog, which tend to be excessive accumulation of bacterial plaque and tartar in his tiny teeth. In the best case, this inconvenience will lead to problems of halitosis or bad breath, which can lead to others as serious infections if not treated in time.
Preventing it happens by submitting your westie to periodic toothbrushes. This practice is not usually liked by dogs, so we recommend that you get used to yours from puppy to do it, so that at least you are familiar with it.
It is important that you use material designed for canine mouth cleaning in order to make the work less tedious. At the same time, you can help yourself with the cookies or bones that, for these purposes, the market puts at your disposal so that you establish a reward system that also serves to keep your teeth healthy and clean. Of course, take care that such awards do not translate into excessive caloric intake that can lead to overweight.
Bath and drying
The bathroom, which should be carried out around once every two months, should be made with soaps specific to your skin type, containing as few chemicals as possible, so as not to damage the delicate skin of your little friend. Some neutral soaps can affect your health. Bathing them less frequently than other dogs is due to the fact that these dogs are very prone to rashs having sensitive and dry skin, a problem that aggravates frequent baths.
Once out of the bathroom, and when you have removed the excess water with a towel, you can proceed to apply an electric dryer at a moderate temperature. Dry your legs and ears well and you will be able to keep it safe from fungi, which could otherwise wreak havoc on the health of your westie.
Her abundant layer of hair and the hypersensitivity of her skin recommend daily brushed hair in the westie, with which to eliminate the layer of dead hair that they release every day, avoiding skin diseases. In addition, they will maintain a smooth and shiny hair that will further embellish their appearance.
Vaccines and antiparasitic treatments
Like any other breed of dog, the westie must observe the vaccination schedule The veterinarian indicates. As for fleas, ticks and intestinal worms, it will not be difficult to keep them away from your pet if you put the antiparasitic pipettes and collars That the same professional recommends you.
More common diseases
Although the West Highland Terrier are considered to be strong and healthy dogs, they are susceptible, like the rest of the breeds, to have a certain genetic predisposition to suffer from any of the following diseases:
- Jaw of the westie or scottie. I also met her> Training
Due to its somewhat stubborn temperament, the westie has to start being trained as a puppy, so that it adapts and follows due behavior. Its owners should not fall into the error of letting this white little one develop the so-called "Small dog syndrome", which is that the puppy happens to be considered the “leader of the pack” and wants to impose his capricious behavior at home and on the street.
Avoiding it is as simple as its owner being inflexible and proving at all times that it is he who sets the standards. Otherwise, the Westie temperament would become complicated and would make him try to put the owner to the limit in all situations, jeopardizing the harmony of coexistence.
Otherwise, positive reinforcement techniques They are the best results with these little ones, who despite their tenacity are sensitive dogs that do not respond well to punishment or voices. Turning prizes into desired behaviors and ignoring unwanted ones is the way to advance by leaps and bounds in your education.
As for physical activity, remember that in all breeds it is one of the most effective ways to achieve physical and mental balance of the pet. In the case of the westie, he will be happy whenever he goes down the street, taking a long walk with his proud owner, in which, surely, he will become the center of all eyes.
