What kind of fur does a West Highland Terrier have?
The standard color for a West Highland White Terrier is white, but dogs that are not being used for show can be wheat color with darker paws. The Westie has a thick harsh double coat and its fur can be either course or fine, hard or soft depending upon if your dog has been trimmed or shaved.
Where did the West Highland white terrier come from?
The West Highland White Terrier is closely related to other Terrier breeds that originate in Scotland around the same time, in the 1800s. These dogs were originally known as the Roseneath Terrier or the Poltalloch Terrier, but they were officially deemed the West Highland White Terrier in 1909.
Are there any health problems for West Highland Terriers?
In 2007, the West Highland White Terrier Club conducted a health survey that found that 1 in 2 Westies had at least one of the following common health problems. Many of them are, sadly, incurable conditions that must be managed throughout your dog’s life.
How often should I Groom my West Highland Terrier?
They enjoy human company, but you must socialize them to children and insist they accept handling and grooming. Grooming can be as simple as having the dog clipped a couple of times a year or as time consuming as hand stripping a show dog’s coat. The West Highland white terrier has a variety of names from its places of origin in the British Isles.
How big does a West Highland white terrier get?
Small in size but big in personality, the Westi stands 9-12 inches tall at the shoulder and weights averages are 13-22 pounds. The breed is a true terrier, known to be feisty, willful and extremely affectionate.
In 2007, the West Highland White Terrier Club conducted a health survey that found that 1 in 2 Westies had at least one of the following common health problems. Many of them are, sadly, incurable conditions that must be managed throughout your dog’s life.
What kind of grooming does a West Highland Terrier need?
The Basics of West Highland White Terrier Grooming. Westies have a double coat with a soft, furry undercoat and a stiffer outer coat. The tough texture of the outer coat doesn’t retain dirt, keeping the dog clean and protecting the undercoat.
When was the West Highland Terrier first shown?
By 1896, when the breed was first shown at Scottish dog shows, it was known as the West Highland White Terrier, referring to the northwest part of Scotland where Westies earned their fame. Westies were first shown at AKC shows in 1906.