Dogs of the West Highland White Terrier breed: history, description, character, care features, what to feed, diseases of the breed

Story

Hunting terriers began to be bred at the end of the 19th century in Scotland. Until this time, it was believed that a light-colored puppy was a breeding match. Related dog species: Dandie Dinmont, Scotch, Skye and Cairn terriers. The owners used these animals to hunt small animals living in burrows.

The first dogs were similar to Scotch and Kern. After a while, they began to take on a doll-like appearance with a rounded head.

White terriers were bred only in a few cities in Scotland. Edward Donald Malcolm from Poltalokha is considered one of the discoverers of the breed. Breeding was also carried out by Dr. Flaxman, Duke of Argyll.

In 1904, a club for fans of the breed was created, and in 1907 these dogs began to participate in exhibitions for the first time.

Brief history of the breed

The history of the West Highland White Terrier breed is a mystery to dog handlers. Presumably, the first dogs of this type appeared in the 12th century. They were bred in the Scottish mountains to hunt burrowing animals. Most likely, they have common roots with other terriers of English origin.

Edward Donald Malcolm made a great contribution to the development of the breed. It was under him that white terriers ceased to be considered a marriage. Red or brown individuals were often killed during hunting, confused with game, and the non-standard color helped solve this problem. At the beginning of the 20th century, the first club of West Highland lovers appeared in Scotland, and two years later the animals were recognized in England, which brought them world fame.

On a note. Another name for the breed is White Highland Terrier. Amateurs often call her simply “Vestik”.

Description

Vestik dogs are cheerful and cheerful. Mostly urban families buy puppies. When brushed regularly, coarse hair does not remain on home furnishings. This is an excellent choice for those who want to have a small pet with a unique character and habits.

Since the dogs’ homeland is high-mountainous terrain, representatives have the qualities of endurance and maneuverability.

Many people believe that decorative dogs often get sick. In fact, the Westie breed is distinguished by good health. If you follow the instructions for proper care, your pet will live for about 16 years without losing activity and cheerfulness.

Small white terriers can become good friends for children, pensioners, and people leading an active lifestyle. Despite easy learning, the mood can be unstable. Therefore, to achieve high training results, you need to find a special approach.

Behavior and skills

Experts recommend buying a dog at two months of age. By nature, white terriers are stubborn, so don't put off training your puppy. If you raise your pet properly, the animal will become a good, loyal friend.

Westies get along with other pets without any problems, but you should be prepared for the fact that conflicts may arise between them . To eliminate this risk, the dog should be immediately introduced to other residents. If the terrier is not trained, owners may be faced with its wayward character, as well as hunting instincts.

A special feature of white terriers is curiosity and activity . They are not aggressive, but can bark loudly if a stranger enters their territory. While the owner is busy, the dogs find games for themselves and do not suffer from loneliness.

Character and behavior

The West Terrier is a cheerful, funny and very funny dog. She literally radiates positivity and quickly infects those around her with it. The little prankster is always ready for games, and his cute pranks do not let his owners get bored.

The pet surprisingly quickly adopts the manners and habits of its owners. At the same time, the character of the West Highland White Terrier breed is quite proud - pets do not lose their self-esteem in any situation. Because of their reckless courage, they are ready to chase both a cat and a large animal, which causes a lot of problems on walks.

Representatives of the breed do not really like small children - they are not recommended for families where a child has recently been born. However, they coexist peacefully with other relatives of comparable sizes and can even establish contact with a cat.

Attention! West Highlands are bred to be burrow hunters, so keeping small rodents in the house at the same time is not recommended.

Character and appearance

Don’t immediately think that this is a small, harmless decorative dog. By origin, this breed is considered a hunting breed. The animal has an individual character, vigilance, good reaction.

View:

• West Highland Terrier puppies are born completely white. The appearance of a pathological spot is considered a deviation from the standard;
• dark eye color;
• good physique;
• developed muscles;
• rounded skull;
• pronounced brow ridges;
• ears are small;
• muscular neck;
• deep chest with smoothed ribs on the sides;
• short tail;
• strong paws;
• The fur is hard and thick, but appears soft.

Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

Ask a Question

West dogs are very smart and dexterous, often becoming prize winners in competitions or exhibitions.

Description of the breed

Dogs of the West Highland White Terrier breed are strong and active, despite their compact size. The height of an adult dog at the withers is 25-28 cm. Weight is 6-10 kg.

They have strong bones, a wide deep chest, a straight back and a powerful loin. Movements are free and easy.

The head looks disproportionately large in comparison with the body, set proudly and high on the muscular neck. The skull is rounded. The transition from the muzzle to the forehead is clearly pronounced. There is a small depression between the overhanging brow ridges. The muzzle tapers from the eyes to the nose. The nose is large and black.

Only a correct scissor bite with strong jaws and large teeth is allowed. The eyes are medium-sized, coal-black, wide-set, slightly recessed, which gives the “under-the-brow” look a smart, serious expression. Small ears are erect and pointed. The neck is long, thickening towards the base.

Straight paws with well-developed muscles, rounded, proportional to the body. The limbs are covered with thick, short, coarse hair. The front legs are larger than the short hind legs. Elbows turned inward. The claws are black.

The tail is thick, straight, without feathering or dewlap, and does not curl over the back. The length of the tail is 13-15 cm and cannot exceed the height of the skull.

The color of dogs of the West Highland White Terrier breed is white (from snow-white to light wheaten). The coat is two-layered, of medium length. The undercoat is well developed, short, soft and dense. The coat is hard and straight, about 5 cm in length.

You might be interested in the rules for transporting dogs on trains.

Education and training

Due to their stubborn nature, such dogs should be trained with relative severity. From a very early age, the animal is punished for pranks. If the behavior is good, then it is necessary to praise and treat the pet with a treat.

You shouldn't let your Westhoundler Terrier do whatever he wants. Without the required training, a dog can become aggressive. Bad behavior manifests itself as follows: eating garbage, aggression towards other animals, digging the ground. A properly trained dog behaves calmly on the street, does not notice garbage or the reactions of strangers.

During the period of training and education of a West Highland dog, one should not hit him, since such human behavior only causes distrust in him. A stern voice, as well as ignoring requests, is quite enough.

If possible, it is better to conduct training together with a dog handler. One of the characteristic features of the breed is willfulness. It's hard to get attention from a dog.

If you have experience, you can do the training yourself. Similar activities are carried out from the age of six months. As a result of training, it is necessary to pay attention to commands and clarification of the rules of behavior outside the home.

Before training begins, the puppy must learn to completely trust its owner. That is, authority appears for the animal.

Physical exercise

Little white Westies are restless, so it is worth taking time to train their endurance. Such exercises must begin with feeding, shrinking, and styling. First, this is done at home, and then in a deserted place in the city.

White Terriers love to run and hunt a lot, so at the beginning of training you should use a bundle or cloth. The dog must chase, grab, and fumble the toy. If your pet likes this kind of fun, you can do it as a reward after training activities.

Care and maintenance

Trimming is a mandatory process for dogs of this breed. Full hygienic cleaning of dogs should be carried out 2-3 times a year. If your pet regularly takes part in exhibitions, then this procedure is repeated much more often, every 1.5-2 months.

It is advisable for domestic dogs to sometimes have their fur trimmed in the belly and sides. With age, it reaches the floor and interferes while walking. Exhibition representatives do not do this; it is enough to simply trim the hanging areas.

The content of news in your own home should be the same as in an apartment. The pet should be with the family, as it requires constant attention and communication. Living in an enclosure is prohibited. A warm summer kitchen or home is suitable for raising and feeding puppies.

Compared to other dogs, white terriers do not freeze. Even in winter you can walk with them without special clothing.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

Ask a Question

An important condition is that the dog must constantly move.

Outfits are usually purchased for exhibition purposes. It is necessary to choose clothes made from natural fabric that is not capable of electrifying wool.

How to choose a puppy

It is better to buy West Highland White Terrier puppies from a kennel. There you can see the parents, choose the baby according to their character traits or the dictates of their heart. Specialists create a pedigree for each dog. It indicates the brand number, date of birth, parents' nicknames, and breeder's address. The dates of vaccinations and anthelmintic procedures are noted in the veterinary passport.

Another sensitive problem is cryptorchidism. In males of this breed, the testes descend into the scrotum at 7-9 months. Without this, the dog will not be able to leave offspring. In addition, it cannot be registered to participate in exhibitions.

When selling Westies, breeders give a receipt in which they undertake to return part of the amount if the testicles are not descended before the age of one year.

Dogs of the West Highland White Terrier breed are not suitable as pets for novice dog breeders, young mothers, busy people and elderly people. They require a lot of attention, time, and expense. The cost of such puppies is quite high.

• pet class (pets) – 20-25 thousand rubles.
• breed (suitable for breeding) – 30-35 thousand rubles.
• show class (for participation in exhibitions) – 40-50 thousand rubles.

You can find West Highland White Terrier puppies online at a more affordable price. But the purity of their breed and health status will remain in question.

Nutrition

As with any other purebred dog, proper food is the key to health, as well as success in training. Experts recommend feeding your pet after a walk. Food is better digested when the body is calm.

Small terriers are not prone to gluttony, so the portion size should match their appetite. If after eating the dog remains near the bowl and licks its lips, then the owner should think about increasing the amount of food.

Newborn puppies feed on their mother's milk for several weeks. The indicator of satiety is healthy sleep. If the baby is not full, he squeaks, shows anxiety, and crawls on his mother.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

Ask a Question

It is recommended to pay attention to the following advice from veterinarians:

• In order to prevent rickets, you need to start offering cottage cheese. Another product fortified with calcium will also work;
• give cheese in hard form;
• Learning to eat from a bowl is as easy as shelling pears. To do this, you need to poke the puppy’s muzzle into the plate several times;
• after 3-4 weeks they begin to feed meat. Small portions of this product are offered after taking mother's milk.

When the puppy is weaned from the nipple and transferred to individual feeding, it is necessary to monitor development parameters. Correct actions will help prevent possible diseases at an early age.

It is important to control weight gain. During one feeding, the dog should gain weight by no more than 20 grams. After purchasing a pet, it is advisable to stick to the same diet. Even when feeding an adult, you should be careful, as there is a risk of developing food allergies.

Many owners prefer ready-made dry food for the following reasons:

• no need to waste time preparing food for your pet;
• the terrier receives a balanced diet;
• There is no need to independently calculate calories, vitamins, and microelements.

Despite this, you should know that high-quality feed is not cheap.

If you want to prepare natural food for your puppy, then, in addition to calculating important indicators, you will need to choose only high-quality meat.

Diseases and treatment

The advantage of dogs is good health. If you follow the rules of keeping and feeding, your pet will live for 15 years. You can maintain a high level of immunity at any age of the dog.

Despite the endurance and resistance to temperature fluctuations, there is a risk of developing the disease.

There is a list of problems that you may encounter:

• food allergies;
• atopic dermatitis;
• cataract;
• diabetes;
• keratoconjunctivitis;
• hip dysplasia.

Many of these pathologies can be easily eliminated if timely diagnosis is carried out.

You should be careful when choosing a puppy. It is important that he does not have congenital defects that are difficult to treat. Acquired diseases are easier to identify.

Experts strongly recommend following these tips:

• to prevent the development of otitis media, it is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the ears;
• Timely cleaning of your teeth will help you avoid going to the dentist. It is also worth buying special toys to remove plaque;
• To protect sensitive skin, you need to choose the right cosmetics, giving preference only to certified products. The dog should not be bathed frequently;
• The diet must be balanced to avoid allergies. If necessary, consult a veterinarian;
• It is recommended to walk outside for about 1.5 hours. Fresh air improves metabolic processes, blood circulation, and skin condition in your pet.

If the slightest defects are found on the body, you should immediately seek medical help. After the examination, be sure to follow the veterinarian's instructions.

What are the dangers of insect bites?

An active attack of these parasites occurs during the months: May - June, August - September. Ticks can be carriers of piroplasmosis, which is a threat to the life of the dog.

To protect your dog, it is recommended to use a special spray. Compared to drops or collars, which take 2 days to take effect, this product provides immediate protection. Another advantage is that the risk of allergies is eliminated.

Recommendations for use of the drug:

• the spray is used once every 25 days or according to another scheme described in the instructions;
• apply against the growth of the fur, covering the eyes;
• distributed evenly over the body;
• After treatment, the dog is not bathed for 2 days.

When returning from a walk, you must comb out the fur and inspect the skin. Pathological lumps or bumps may be a cause for concern. If a tick is found, carefully remove the parasite using tweezers. The bite site is treated with hydrogen peroxide.

Maintenance and care

The first and fundamental rule for raising and keeping a healthy dog ​​is proper nutrition, a balance of vitamins and microelements. Since calculating a diet for a dog is a painstaking task, and when it comes to a small four-legged animal it is also difficult, breeders recommend high-quality industrial food. Naturally, only the owner has the right to decide what to feed the West Highland White Terrier. However, it is worth remembering that a pet that does not receive additional vitamins, microelements, proteins, carbohydrates or fats will lose the beauty of its coat or, worse, health.

Grooming is painstaking and mandatory, even if your dog is not shown; the West Highland White Terrier needs to be groomed once every 2-3 months. Next, whether you like it or not, the white dog will have to be bathed often. Choosing a shampoo is a responsible undertaking that may not succeed the first time. Remember that the wrong shampoo will not only ruin your appearance, but is also guaranteed to lead to dermatitis. Clothing for dogs is a smart solution to reduce the frequency of bathing; in addition, funny costumes will only highlight the peculiarity of your pet. In addition to hygiene procedures, the coat needs regular (once every 2-3 days) combing.

Note! In the absence of trimming, Westies lose a lot of hair, and dogs receiving care do not shed and do not have a “dog smell.”

Once you become the owner of a West Highland White Terrier, make it a rule to examine your dog's ears, eyes and teeth every day. The eyes are cleaned with a damp cotton sponge, if necessary daily. Teeth should shine white, and the appearance of tartar is a reason to visit the veterinary clinic. The ears are not the Westie's most problematic area, but also need cleaning 1-2 times a week or as needed. Claws are cut once every two weeks, which means you will need a nail clipper for small dogs.

It is worth noting that for the sake of convenience, many owners prefer to lead small dogs on a harness, but regarding the West Highland White Terrier it is worth following several rules. If you put an “adult harness” on a Westie puppy, the dog is guaranteed to have a bent keel bone and a deformed sternum as a whole. Until you reach the age of one and the bones are fully formed, you have several alternative options: a baby harness, a harness-vest or the classic – a collar.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before buying a puppy, it is important to familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of the breed in advance.

Positive traits:

• the dog can be kept in a house (apartment);
• it does not cause allergies in residents, since its fur does not shed;
• easy to learn;
• West gets along with all family members;
• easily adapts to the city. There is no trouble on the street.

Minuses:

• a prerequisite is regular walking, active games;
• you need to carefully monitor the condition of the coat;
• Males are stubborn, so they need a special approach during training;
• the breed is wayward, there must be strict upbringing;
• Highlands have white wool, which gets dirty during walks;
• loud frequent barking.

West Highland White Terrier - reviews about the breed

• + Leave a review

Leave a review Reset

Nikita

https://sovets24.ru/1310-vest-haylend-uayt-terer.html#h2_13

Even with a friendly and kind character, the dog is very cunning, but this causes even more affection. Although the “puddles” around the house in response to some kind of insult from Vestik are sometimes annoying. If he notices that he didn’t have anything to do with it, he’ll sit on his neck. So pay more attention to education.

Anna

A wonderful dog. Very clever. Kind, affectionate. Protects. The dog is 4 years old, soon 5. We walk him outside to the toilet twice, and he doesn’t want to go anymore. While with other breeds you need to walk 3-4 times a day. Very beautiful in appearance. We live - I am a husband, a 4-month-old daughter, a 4-year-old dog, a 3-year-old cat. Everything is fine. Another advantage is that it does not shed. There is not a single hair lost from the dog. Active, loves the countryside, nature

Kiryusha and Marusya

https://labrador.ru/ipb/topic/29942-west-highland-white-terrier/?tab=comments#comment-596765

A kicker, not a dog!

It appears in the form it appears in the pictures only on the first day after washing and then before the first walk.

By character: barking, bullying towards large dogs, irritable, they can bury their nose in the ground during a walk and go far. not responding to commands, very stubborn.

Allergic to everything...

Lyudmila and Winsor

https://labrador.ru/ipb/topic/29942-west-highland-white-terrier/?tab=comments#comment-594728

My friend, the owner of the Dogstyle salon, once rehoused a two-year-old male Westie.

The history of the dog is as follows: the first owners brought the puppy from Hungary. The funny baby has grown into a wayward, quarrelsome dog. If I didn’t like it, my teeth were used. They didn’t stand on ceremony with him - he got kicked off his nose with a boot, which made him even more aggressive. The result was a hysterical fighter with a broken ear. And the war with the owners could end in tragedy.

During grooming in Larisa's salon, the dog was insane. But you can't spoil Larisa - she will subjugate anyone. She persuaded the owners to give the dog to her for re-education with further reconstruction. She suppressed the dog’s character and made him look like silk. And now he lives with her neighbors under her control. They don’t let him off the leash during walks, but in everyday life the dog knows his place.

Maybe if this message had been brought up correctly from childhood, it would not have been necessary to apply extreme re-education.

In any case, behind the toy appearance of this breed lies the soul of a gladiator.

Uoga

https://forum.materinstvo.ru/index.php?s=bca5cee08f6a24481fbd64d33f4c8db5&view=findpost&showtopic=1290638&p=45764557

We have Vestik. Very friendly, gentle, doesn’t bark idlely, communicates very well with the child, allows herself to be tormented, never snaps, if she gets bored, she just hides. We love her very much and are very happy with the choice.

Im Tanya-)

https://www.babyblog.ru/community/post/petsandcats/1711973

This is a terrier and the character of a terrier is not a toy. They can also be stubborn and difficult to train. And grooming is not easy - you can’t trust trimming to just any groomer, the coat is white, skin irritations are not uncommon...

Olga

https://dajlapu.com/vest-xajlend-uajt-terer-otzyvy-vladelcev/

My husband gave me my dog ​​for my birthday; he knew that I liked this particular breed. I didn’t read about it in advance, so I actually looked at all the literature. Now the dog is one year old, they named him Fim, a very mischievous little guy. According to the description of the character, a lot is the same, a smart, loyal, cheerful dog. The only thing I don’t like is the cunning and touchiness. If you do something that is not according to his nose, he will definitely take revenge, for example, by messing up the house.

Fim loves attention and children very much, he can be left with a small child, he has never been offended or harmed in any way. Plays with the baby carefully. As for health, thank God everything is fine in this regard, we don’t get sick with anything. When we went to get vaccinated, he was very afraid and even bit me, he doesn’t like doctors. Actually, a wonderful breed in all respects!

Natalya and the boys

https://labrador.ru/ipb/topic/29942-west-highland-white-terrier/?tab=comments#comment-597952

My friend has 2 Westies... he is a terrier and a terrier in Africa.... quite vicious, especially the male, he gets into trouble with all the big dogs, they crushed him a couple of times, he continues to throw himself to no avail! A bitch can show her character if you get her, she won’t let you squeeze her, she’ll bite right away, and they terrorize children at home! Allergy sufferers are terrible + terribly picky, the girl is even more so, and the guy is persuaded with songs and dances! I was in foster care for 3 days, I thought I’d fucking kill him

LYDIA M

https://forum.materinstvo.ru/index.php?s=bca5cee08f6a24481fbd64d33f4c8db5&view=findpost&showtopic=1290638&p=26925582

Westies need good coat care. If you are planning breeding work, then this is a must for exhibitions; therefore, the dog also needs basic training in order to walk around the ring with dignity. All this requires not only material investments, but also time. Well, about the itself Breeding work is a separate issue: how many puppies, how many pops will pee and poop in your apartment for up to two months? And finally, about the price, yes, Vestikas are expensive, on average a thousand bucks.

Julia

https://sobaka.lv/index.php?m=Poroda&page=Poroda/Otzyvy&id=West

A wonderful breed for an apartment, for a child. Selects one owner, but treats everyone well. Always ready to rush to the owner’s defense, even if the enemy is larger and stronger. Very smart. It is enough to say “ugh” once, and the cat passing by does not matter at all. My dog ​​is calm, doesn’t chew on anything (except for his bones and sticks), and will always come when called. He can’t stand it when someone cries and runs to kiss him in his arms. Affectionate, smart, brave, beautiful!!! For those who want a guard and a caring friend. I wanted a big dog, but in an apartment this is torture for the animal, and my Westie is a strong and small dog for the house. I recommend to all!!!

Valeria828

https://otzovik.com/review_5374871.html

Advantages:

Sweetheart, kind

Flaws:

read review

Good day to all. They gave me a puppy of this wonderful breed of dog. Everything would be fine, and sweet and beautiful and playful and kind, affectionate, “obedient” she wrote in quotation marks for a reason. She was already a grown-up girl. For the first month, she was just a fabulous dog, I couldn’t get enough of her, she didn’t shit at home, she always asked to go outside, she didn’t bark at everything like most representatives of her breed. At the end, as I understood, of the adaptation period to the new housing, this dog simply began to become impudent before our eyes, stopped asking to go outside, very rarely when this happened, took her for a walk as before according to the schedule, where she did not do any of her business, I just ran around and had fun. It turned out that she began to relieve herself in shoes and on furniture. With grief, I weaned her from this, although she is not a stupid dog and understands everything, but as if to spite me, she began to stick to her line. In addition to this, she began to bark non-stop at everything, shuffles, sounds, slamming doors in the entrance. Just a terribly stubborn dog, I hope that only I got one, and everything else is fine. I would not recommend this breed to anyone based on how much I suffered from it. He is lazy, but due to the fact that he constantly lies on the sofa or chair, it causes discomfort.

Elena Sapozhkova

https://otvet.mail.ru/answer/141364581

The coat needs to be looked after - white dogs are white dogs, you need to look after your eyes very carefully, select food, bleach it, and have it cut regularly by a specialist. then you will get a dog picture. By nature, Westies are real terriers - very active, brave, get into fights with big dogs, and temperamental, so think about it - not everyone is suitable for this character. Or choose from calm parents.

Worsong

https://otzyv.expert/umniy-taktichniy-veseliy-predanniy-drug-1760079

Advantages:

Easy to keep, smart, loyal, tactful, courageous

Flaws:

Tendency to allergies.

Details

A West dog will not cause you much trouble, but will give you priceless moments of love, devotion and fun. A small white terrier is not a sofa cushion. He takes responsibility for everything that happens and reacts sensitively to violations of the usual way of life. He may chase naughty children, grumble at a tipsy group, or at a stranger in your yard. Love him and he will love you back. He will tactfully leave you alone if you are not interested in him. Will happily support any outdoor game.

veda2

https://irecommend.ru/content/eto-ne-bolonka

After reading the reviews on this site last year I acquired such a friend. First about the positive qualities. Yes, very sweet, friendly, smart, loyal, always positive, gets along well with other animals (cat), active. But I want to warn everyone who is considering this breed. THIS IS A REAL TERRIER. Hunter. We have a male. He behaves very aggressively towards other males, especially fighting breeds (Labradors and small breeds do not interest him as an enemy), regardless of their size, he attacks first and provokes retaliatory aggression. This came as a complete surprise to me. In addition, he loves to get dirty in poop (like any hunter). Before getting one, I recommend reading reviews about terriers in general. We have a small child, he plays well with her, but if something happens he can bite, although not hard, but as a warning. Coat care is required, constant scratching, because... The undercoat does not shed on its own.

zosea

https://otzovik.com/review_1199991.html

Advantages:

Doesn't shed! Smart. Cheerful disposition. Loves children.

Flaws:

They are not here

My favorite Westie is almost 4 years old. The dog understands everything, all that remains is to learn how to speak. At home, this is the sweetest creature, she will lie down next to you, head on shoulder, eye to eye. But as soon as you go outside, it becomes a wild, freedom-loving beast. Knows no fear and if he has chosen a target, he flies faster than the wind. I didn’t immediately find out that the breed is hypoallergenic. We are allergic to the sun (bright), styling gel, vinegar, flea repellent. I had to read, search, adapt. He is unpretentious in food, is friendly with cats, although he loves to chase them for his own pleasure. In general, the world's dog! No one can lift your spirits like he does. And I agree with the opinion that there is never too much news!

Veni

https://otvet.mail.ru/answer/141347985

Personally, I don't like the looks. I know about character that they are cheerful and affectionate, but when I see an uncut Westie on the street, who sweeps our dirty streets with his white fur (and for some reason I only see such people), the sight is so unpleasant that all their positive character traits somehow are forgotten...

manilakhtina

https://irecommend.ru/content/moi-lyubimyi-sumashedshii-pesik

My favorite crazy dog ​​- that’s how I’ll title my next review)

Vestik is a small breed dog, weight 7-9 kg (depending on gender), snow-white fur, high ears and black buttons - eyes and nose.

Think very carefully before adopting this breed: Westies have a wayward character, are very jealous and become less friendly to other dogs with age.

I got a Westie with a very complex character, but of course I still love him.

Westies are very active and really require a lot of attention.

Pros: very smart! It is easy to train, remembers commands and carries them out. Of the minuses - only for food (cheese, etc.).

Pros: very convenient for transportation, shopping/restaurant shopping, walking, etc. All this because he is small.

DaryaKu

https://otzovik.com/review_5446549.html

Advantages:

Doesn't shed at all, very affectionate, especially with children. Gives us only joy.

Flaws:

It smears very quickly when walking. Barks for any reason or without. Beggar.

We got a little Westie puppy not too long ago, not even a month has passed. Bought from a breeder. It was important for us that the dog had documents, because without documents it is no longer a Westie, but just a white dog. He came to us quite well-fed for his age, and was getting fatter before our eyes. He constantly asks for food. We feed him dry and wet food, 3-4 times a week I give him cottage cheese, cheesecakes, I often bake pies and give him a piece. He refuses to eat rice((He eats grapes with great pleasure. I also buy him a cracker without any additives, not sweet or salty, so... to kill the worm. Of course, he gnaws on everything from the first day. I hope this is temporary. We bought him a lot of toys and special bones for grinding down teeth. The problem with the skirting boards was solved quickly, the veterinary store sells a special product to prevent dogs from gnawing, I spray it before we leave for work, so far it helps. I learned to use the litter box very quickly. We walk it twice a day, but so far he refuses to go in toilet on the street. =((Despite all its harmfulness, we cannot get enough of it. There is so much enthusiasm, joy and playfulness in it.

Novik_Lyudok

https://irecommend.ru/content/belyi-tsvet-obyazyvaet

Seeing this white, doll-like dog for the first time, the heart of almost every girl screams, “I want one like that!!!” . Mine is no exception. I love this dog madly, but I would like to warn you about the many difficulties that owners will face

first full trimming

1. this is not a toy, this is a Terrier: a wayward, stubborn dog, be sure to train

after visiting a groomer - 9 months

2. The dog must be trimmed (pluck out dead hair). The first trimming must be carried out “to zero”, plucking absolutely everything, DO NOT CUT, otherwise the puppy’s coat will become curly, like a lap dog’s.

3. white color is not only a problem with hygiene (everyone understands that a white dog shows all the mistakes in caring for it: somewhere they didn’t wash it, somewhere they didn’t brush it enough...)

The white color of a dog means a very high probability of skin diseases!!!!!! allergies, demodicosis... and much more. Get a veterinarian who knows all the nuances of this breed...

For us, an unqualified veterinarian ended very badly

And on the plus side, this dog will very quickly become a member of the family, and not just a pet.

Ulka

https://irecommend.ru/content/111

I have news! This sweet miracle has been with me for a year and a half! The cutest dog I've ever seen, incredibly positive and cheerful! Will charm the whole family. Loves children! But the truth is that the character is still the same)))).The truth is that the character still sometimes has to be put in place, otherwise it will get on your head......although this happens every morning!))))) I don’t even know what I would do without my blondes! I love my Street!

Glafirka

https://irecommend.ru/content/vest-khailend-uait-terer-po-chestnomu-sploshnoe-mi-mi-mi

Hello! I'll tell you about our dog.

West Highland White Terrier

We chose Vest for its compact dimensions and cute little face.

We adopted her at two months old, raising her fell entirely on my shoulders, since my husband is most often at work, and I have experience with dogs. What can I say, this dog is not simple. With character. And she has vindictiveness, once, for sending her to her place so she wouldn’t have to scavenge in the kitchen, she peed right on my bed. It took a long time to teach him to go to the toilet outside. God forbid you linger somewhere for an hour - hello puddle or heap. Tolerates so-so. If you don’t scold, tomorrow there will be a puddle-heap earlier.

Climbs on tables and beds in the absence of owners. Steals food. Everything needs to be hidden. Collects and eats all sorts of rubbish on the street, although she is well fed before the walk. Strives to lick human spit from the asphalt. And I’m not the only one complaining about this, other Vestik owners also confirm this problem.

At the dacha they were forced to tie her up because she ran around the neighboring areas and ate all the food of the neighbor's dogs. Although we feed normally, he is not starving. In general, she loves food more than her owners, she will jump in front of strangers for tasty treats, forgetting about her own, shame! Before this, a Giant Schnauzer and a Miniature Schnauzer lived with us until old age, but nothing like this happened to them at all.

Dirty. Puddles and liquid mud are our everything, it will definitely fit in!

But we must admit that she learns tricks quickly and efficiently, especially with a clicker. The character is cheerful, loves to play. He tolerates transport well and loves to sit on the handles. Doesn't hurt children.

I’ll be honest, no matter what, I fell in love with the dog, and she’s like a member of the family. But I will not associate with this breed again.

Thank you for your attention.

I’m waiting for angry slippers, that I’m probably a bad housewife and couldn’t raise her properly and blah blah blah... I bought it after reading rave reviews on the Internet, but in reality everything is not so rosy.

natali9484

Pros: Loves people

Disadvantages: Requires special care

The West Highland White Terrier appeared in our family not so long ago. The dog is very peaceful, loves children and loved ones, is friendly towards others, and plays a lot. This breed is highly intelligent and understands absolutely everything that is asked of it. The breed is artificially bred and requires very careful and attentive treatment. The fur of such animals is not cut, but plucked, since if cut, it will bend at the wrong angle. The procedure is painful for the animal and takes a lot of time and effort. In addition, this breed of dog is terribly allergic and you should choose food only after the advice of a specialist.

Mira Malo

https://irecommend.ru/content/redkaya-effektnaya-umnaya-sobaka

It took a long time to choose the breed. It was necessary in size, larger than a Yorkie and smaller than knee-length)) Of course, the dog is spectacular, white, beautiful, RARE!!! We live in Moscow, and on every walk we meet people who ask questions - what size will it grow up, what breed is it, is it a puppy, where did they get it, how expensive is it, etc.!

From the first days at home, the puppy captivated us with his intelligence!!! We had dogs (not terriers, there is something to compare with and we consider this breed smarter than many!) a puppy every other day, he chose a diaper and while we were in quarantine he only went there (he was 1.5 months old at the time!!!!)

This breed is allergic, but ugh ugh nothing has shown up for us, we feed Grandorf (we have no problems with holistic food!) It is easy to train and this breed of dog needs to be trained!

From the first days at home, he began to show who is boss in the house, they reined in and will keep in check every day! Shows his dissatisfaction! 1.5 hour walk in the evening and a dog without hind legs! You can take a walk and 10 minutes only won’t let you through at home!) I think it’s not difficult)

From the very first walk he goes to the toilet a lot on his own and no one taught him how to do this!

I would like to advise you to buy one from nurseries with good genes, intelligence and your friend will only bring you joy!!!!!! It is very important!!

As for children, everyone loves them more than adults!)

List of suitable nicknames

Choosing a name for white terrier puppies should be done carefully. Each of them must mean something.

For girls:

• Addi – decoration;
• Daisy – daisy;
• Eve – alive;
• Lorna – found;
• Lyme - happiness;
• Bonita – kind;
• Amanda – worthy of love;
• Hilda – warlike;
• Unita – submissive;
• Felisa is happy.

Nicknames for boys:

• Harold is the ruler;
• Hayk – brave;
• Noah – calm;
• Quint – fifth;
• Reynold – reasonable;
• Hard – strict;
• Oscar - accurate;
• Orestes - mountain;
• Sheriff is fair;
• Kin is a warrior.

Rules for choosing a puppy

Depending on the purpose of purchasing a small white message, the criteria for determining the appropriate option may differ.

Despite this, there are general recommendations from experts that should not be neglected:

1. The White Terrier is an unpopular breed. As a rule, puppies are sold with documents. The exception is cases where the breeder did not want to register a “defective” baby.
2. You need to be prepared that the seller will ask a lot of questions and determine whether a particular family is a good fit for the dog.
3. It is worth buying a dog with pigment included in the breed standard. A weak indicator may indicate a further decrease in immunity, as well as the occurrence of problems with the nervous system.
4. If, at first glance, the puppy's mother behaves hysterically or cowardly, you should refuse the purchase. This behavior is often passed down through families. Inadequacy interferes with the educational process.

Before the arrival of a new family member, you need to prepare the house. Bottlenecks and cracks must be closed. You should also hide wires and shoes.

After consulting with a veterinarian, you can begin preventive vaccinations.

How to choose and cost of a puppy

1. Kids can cost from 20 to 60 thousand rubles, depending on the class. The most expensive are females and puppies from high-class parents with many titles.

Individual indicators of exterior, character and future prospects are all taken into account in the price of the animal. If the puppy is planned to be used for breeding, the cost may also increase.

When choosing, pay attention:

• Harmonious physique;
• Behavior and character;
• Success of past litters;
• Cleanliness of skin, mucous membranes, wool;
• The exterior of the parents and their character;
• Future prospects.

Puppy cost

The average cost of a message is 300-1000 dollars. USA. The price of puppies depends on the nursery and location. For example, the most expensive dogs are sold in well-known establishments in the capital. It is unlikely that you will find a purebred breed on the regular market sold in rubles.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

Ask a Question

White Terriers are bred by Schnauzers or Terriers.

Interesting facts about the breed

Puppies do not have the same quantity and quality of fur as adults. The coat is fully formed by the third year of life. The condition directly depends on proper combing and care.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

Ask a Question

We must not forget that this breed is a type of nosy dog. A pet will always dig in the ground. If you have your own garden, he will dig it up completely.

Reviews

Sergey: “We bought a news story three years ago for home use. A very funny and friendly dog. Prefers meat and dry food. Always accompanies us. Although this is not a watchdog, it barks loudly.”

Anastasia: “Our Laima is already 5 years old. Repeatedly participated in competitions. We started training at the age of two months. Of course, it was hard, I couldn’t concentrate, so I had to turn to a specialist. Now we are reaping the fruits of our hard work.”

Alexandra: “Oscar has been living in our family for 7 years. We have never regretted buying this funny, loyal dog. Despite the large amount of wool, no one had allergies. The only inconvenience is the risk of tick bites. The parasite was removed several times, the main thing was to detect it in time.”

Photo and video review

To clearly familiarize yourself with the breed, you need to weigh the pros and cons. It is also worth watching photos and videos on caring for the breed.

Character and training

If you are interested in the West Highland White Terrier's personality as a desirable pet, it is worth understanding the pros and cons of the breed. Don’t be alarmed, there are few disadvantages; for some owners, the disadvantages will even seem like advantages. The generally accepted characteristics of the breed are more than positive, but when writing the standard, the expert most often omits generally accepted concepts.

A typical West Highland White Terrier has the following qualities:

• Good mood around the clock, readiness to play, learn, participate in social life, meet guests, communicate with children and other animals.

• In addition to their charming appearance, dogs are characterized by agility, accuracy, grace and inexhaustible energy. The pet will become your constant companion and will gladly take part in any sports competition.

• Endurance will allow the four-legged dog to accompany you during long walks, bike rides and travel.

• Courage and selflessness will encourage the dog to protect the house from rodents and other “uninvited guests.”

• Tolerance will allow you to walk in a large company of four-legged animals and their owners. Not many terriers are as easy-going as Westies. The tractability of a four-legged animal allows you to get another dog or cat, but not a rat, bird or ferret.

• Hyperactivity is a mandatory trait of the breed; if a pet sits still and is bored, there is clearly something wrong with it. To let off steam, the dog needs long walks and serious (in moderation) exercise. Without realizing its hunting potential, the dog will turn into a destroyer.

• Active persistence - if the dog wants to hug, he will bark, wag his tail, make faces, and Westie will simply climb into your arms, and just dare to refuse him. The same laws apply to any prohibited actions - destroying things (if the broom is an enemy, he will be defeated, sooner or later) or resting on the master's pillow.

Remember that all hunting dogs tend to chase game, even if the four-legged dog does not know why, the ward will chase the “victim” - a cat, a bird, a vole, a hare. Instincts are much stronger than the authority of the owner and common sense. Unfortunately, the instinct of pursuit clouds even basic survival skills, so death under cars is the most common reason for the early death of hunting and hound dogs. Don't neglect the leash and don't be overconfident. Even if your pet has passed the general training course with honors, you should not let him off the leash unless absolutely necessary.