Breed Profile

DESCRIPTION

This breed is an elegant looking with a beautiful, shiny white coat and bright, button eyes. The ears are small, pointed and erect, giving the animal an alert ready-for-anything appearance. It has a deep chest and muscular limbs. The tail is carried jauntily, is about 5-6 inches (12½cm -15cm) long. This small terrier is a great companion for children of all ages. He learns quickly, easy to train. Westies are one of the most popular breeds of dogs today.

TEMPERAMENT

Despite its small size, they make a very good watchdog. They are very active, assertive and fun-loving dogs. This breed is a very independent and stubborn. Westies can be timid around strangers and dislikes roughhousing. They sometimes pick fights with other dogs and may chase a cat for fun, but usually will not hurt it. These little dogs are easy to travel with. Westies just love companionship.

GROOMING

Westie’s coat is about two inches long, white in color, hard, with plenty of soft undercoat. The dog should be neatly presented, the longer coat on the back and sides, trimmed to blend into the shorter neck and shoulder coat. Considerable hair is left around the head to act as a frame for the face to yield a typical Westie expression.

HEALTH

Prone to chronic hernias, liver disease Legg-Perthes disease (hip problems), jawbone calcification and skin problems.

EXERCISE

These little dogs, need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard.

TRAINING

The Westie likes to dig and bark. If a Westie is allowed to become the pack leader, they may snap when irritated and be combative with other dogs. A lack of leadership on the owners part can cause many behavior problems, such as biting, guarding food and furniture. A Westie who has an owner who knows how to display firm, confident, consistent, leadership will not experience these behavioral problems. These problems can be corrected once the owner becomes the dogs true pack leader. Do not allow the Westie to develop Small Dog Syndrome.

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