West Highland White Terrier - description of the white terrier. West Highland White Terrier (photo) - a fearless hunter and a cheerful companion: description, character, care of the West Highland White Terrier in different poses

The West Highland Terrier is a snow-white miracle that will give its owners a sea of positive emotions. This is an animal with an almost human character, many owners of this breed call him a restless “battery”. We will try to understand the character of these beautiful animals, consider all the pros and cons of keeping them, getting along with small children, and so on. But first things first.

West Highland White Terrier: description of the breed

History of the breed

Absolutely all dog breeds, whose name contains the word “terrier”, are hunting burrowers, even if it is a snow-white West Highland charmer. These delicate snow-white creatures were bred in ancient times in Scotland. But today it is very difficult to name the exact place and date of breeding of this breed, and this is due to the fact that small, squat dog breeds have been used for burrow hunting for quite a long time. There is an opinion that this breed appeared as a result of crossing English short-legged bloodhounds and dogs of unknown breeds, which were used in villages to fight large rodents despite the diminutive size of the white terrier itself.

West Highland White Terrier means:

WEST- translated from English - west.
HIGHLAND- the largest region of Scotland in terms of area occupied.
WHITE- white.
TERRIER- translated from Latin “terra” - earth, i.e. burrowing dog.

Scotland is a mountainous country, very picturesque, but with a harsh climate. Its slopes became a refuge for thousands of foxes, who settled on the slopes in burrows not far from farmland. Soon animals began to disappear from the flocks of livestock and not every dog was able to catch up with the predator, much less climb into a hole after it and get it out of there. In addition to foxes, badgers, otters and many other living creatures lived happily in these parts, which were not averse to eating delicious lamb or even chicken, while remaining invulnerable.

Farmers, of course, had a wide variety of dogs, since Scotland borders Great Britain, which is home to many dog breeds. The Scots imported terriers from England, thus trying to obtain a universal breed for hunting, and their numbers actively increased. Over time, white puppies began to be born, which were named white terrier.

The first mention of the white terrier was recorded in the 12th-13th centuries. Of course, they were not purebred, and people called them digger dogs or Kerns.

There is another very interesting fact about these dogs: the King of England sent four snow-white digger dogs as a gift to the King of France, which over time gave rise to three breed lines with the names: Roseneath Terrier, Poltalloch Terrier and Pittenweem Terrier. Each of these breeds was named after the nurseries in which they were bred. Visually, these breeds are very similar, but in fact the only similarities are their country of origin and working qualities. The height, shape of the body and head, and the length of the coat are completely different.

The name of this breed is too long and awkward to communicate, so it was shortened to West (pronounced with an “e”). The Vestik is rarely used in hunting; over time, it has become in demand by many families simply as a decorative dog.

Character traits

Fortunately, in our world there are fewer and fewer hunting enthusiasts every year, and the white terrier has smoothly transitioned from a burrowing hunting dog to a home decorative dog, for which clothes are sewn, ponytails are tied, decorated with bows and even manicures are given. The West Highland is surprisingly agile and playful, but he always knows when to stop.

If you raise a terrier correctly, he will behave well both at home and in society, and on the street on a leash. True, you shouldn’t expect good behavior from white terrier puppies, because they have two obligatory activities in life - going crazy with fun and doing trifles. They are real explorers, so you can find them in the most unexpected places in your home.

If you decided to get a West Highland, you need to accept not only their advantages, but also the disadvantages of white.

Always in a great mood, ready to welcome guests, play, study, communicate with children almost around the clock;
In addition to their beautiful appearance, they have excellent agility, grace and inexhaustible energy;
They are brave, they will protect the house from uninvited guests in the form of rodents and other animals;
They unselfishly adore their owners;
Thanks to their endurance, they can accompany their owners for a long time during walks or even cycling marathons;
They are flexible and accommodating, which allows you to get another animal, a cat or a dog, but not a rat or a bird;
Quite naturally trained, they can easily walk in a large company with other dogs;
A mandatory character trait is the hyperactivity of the terrier; if the white suddenly gets bored, you should immediately sound the alarm;
Also, the white terrier is very persistent; if an ordinary dog that wants hugs and affection simply barks and wags its tail, then the white terrier will simply brazenly climb into your arms and kiss you, I mean, lick it. The same applies to any prohibitions; if he has taken a fancy to the owner’s pillow, sooner or later he will lie on it.

It should be remembered that instincts are much stronger than the authority of the owner, even if the white does not know why, he will chase the “game” - a cat, a dog, a bird. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common reasons for the early death of these little beauties. Do not neglect the leash, even if your pet is mature and trained.

Description of Vestika's mental abilities

Fortunately, fate did not deprive the white terrier of intelligence and intelligence; they are distinguished by great diligence and intelligence, and are easy to train. Much depends on the perseverance of the owner; white terrier training should be done from early childhood; it is best to combine daily walking with training.

Appearance and color features of the West Highland

The White Terrier has a strong compact build, a rounded head and a narrow blunt muzzle, a black nose, not too bulging black eyes, short and muscular front legs, a flat back, a straight tail with short hair, long hair without curls, exclusively white color, light loose gait. There are some discrepancies in appearance, but all of them are very undesirable.

Size and lifespan

The average life expectancy of terriers is 12-15 years, depending on the conditions and maintenance of the pet. You need to spend a lot of time with White, he loves to play and walk, and can do this around the clock. The more careful care a terrier receives, the longer he will delight you with his presence.

White Terrier health

The West Highland breed is considered healthy, despite its size. Most often, any illnesses arise in them due to oversight by the owner or due to old age.

Common white diseases:

skin diseases - occur as a result of improper care, incorrectly selected shampoo, etc.
atopic dermatitis - an allergic reaction to dust, flowering plants, and human skin secretions;
infectious eye diseases - conjunctivitis, due to the ingress of bacteria or oversight by the owner.

Many diseases can be avoided with proper nutrition (within limits) and care for Westies, but they do have genetically transmitted diseases, such as hip dysplasia. And also in too bright the sun can burn the tips of their ears.

Care for the West Highland White Terrier, description

White Terrier lives well in an apartment, but he feels best in private property, where the entire yard belongs to him alone, and he can rush everywhere and dig the ground.

Features of training

If a white appears in your home, and you have no experience in training dogs, then you will have a hard time, since this breed has its own stubborn character. But the West Highland is very intellectually developed, so you just have to be smart, and he will obey you unquestioningly. Train a West Highland it is necessary from early childhood, then there will be no problems.

It is, of course, recommended to choose a pet in a nursery, but you can also buy one from an advertisement, the main thing is to know how to choose the right white handsome one. At a young age they look like a cute toy that is very expensive. But when you see this handsome guy, you will understand that this is a normal price. Before you buy a white miracle, you need to carefully examine the puppy to ensure clean ears, a moist nose, and a soft tummy. . Also, you need to carefully read the documents, must have all vaccinations for a given age.

Dog and children

West Highland Terriers are very friendly and active animals, but they do not like to be cuddled or nervous. Therefore, you should not have such a baby if you still have a very small child, since the white may even bite the baby. Another important point: the dog should feel safe, that is, the child should not pose a threat to the white in the form of constant dragging it , sudden movements and so on, otherwise they simply will not become friends. This breed is not evil, but everything depends on the owner’s upbringing.

The West Highland White Terrier is a breed that wins the hearts of small dog lovers from the first meeting. This cheerful, inquisitive, intelligent dog is sure to become a devoted family friend and the life of any company.

The exact time frame for breeding the West Highland White Terrier cannot be given. The first mentions of the breed date back to the Middle Ages. The first owner of the West Highlands was Earl Donald Malcolm, who lived in Argyllshire, a county located in Scotland.

The breed was bred by him to hunt burrowing animals. White wool would seem to be impractical for these purposes. But the count achieved this color on purpose, after he accidentally shot his red dog, confusing him with a fox. A white dog is visible far in the forest, so accidental injury to a breed with this color is excluded.

It is impossible to name the exact ancestors of the West Highlands. It is assumed that the blood of white terriers and Scotch terriers flows in him - hunters of burrow animals.

The new breed was first presented to the public in 1907 at an exhibition in London. After this, the West Highland White Terrier received an official name, and breed standards were approved. Currently, the breed is popular in Europe and the USA. The dog has lost its original purpose and now many families around the world have it as an irreplaceable pet.

Breed standards, appearance and description with photographs of the West Highland White Terrier

The appearance of the West Highland White Terrier resembles a plush toy. This is a compact dog with a fairly muscular body. Height at withers is from 26 to 29 centimeters. Weight from 6 to 10 kilograms.

West Highland White Terrier in the photo

The breed has the following standards:

The body is strong, muscular, with a wide loin. The shoulders and croup are broad and strong.
The limbs are short, strong and muscular. The paws are small, collected in a ball, with black claws and pads.
The tail is 15-17 centimeters long.
The head is round in shape and large in size. The neck is short. The muzzle is blunt, with massive brow ridges. The jaws are massive, with a straight bite.
The ears are small, triangular, erect.
The eyes are slightly convex, medium in size, dark.
The coat is medium length, with a thick undercoat, straight.
The color is white, sometimes with a slight cream tint.

Character of the breed

The West Highland White Terrier is a brave and playful dog.

The character and behavior of the West Highland White Terrier clearly demonstrates its original hunting purpose. The energy of this little hunter is in full swing. He is an avid digger and chaser of small animals.

However, the urban lifestyle and selection in recent years have led to the appearance of apathetic specimens among the representatives of the breed, those who like to lie on the sofa and leisurely stroll next to the owner.

The West Highland White Terrier is a brave and playful dog. His character is gentle and soft. The Westie loves to be in the company of people, will happily travel with the owner, and behaves calmly in public places. Even a large crowd of people will not scare him. On the contrary, the more attention, the better he feels.

It is not recommended to leave a West Highland Terrier with small children. Since he does not tolerate rough treatment, and if he moves carelessly, he will immediately fight back. The West Highland White Terrier does not get along well with other animals. No matter how much you accustom him to a cat or a hamster, the hunting instinct will take over.

Impatience is one of the main traits of this breed. The dog will not calmly wait until the owner gets ready for a walk or slowly fills the bowl with food. The dog will bark, spin around, jump and fuss. The dog needs an active walk. With games and long runs.

How to raise a West Highland White Terrier

The process of training a breed with the right approach is not difficult. Westies are dogs with fairly developed intelligence and quickly remember commands. At the same time, they are quite stubborn, so their upbringing requires patience and perseverance. Sometimes it is difficult for a beginner to deal with a stubborn little guy. Training this breed requires clear and consistent actions.

West Highland White Terrier is a dog with well-developed intelligence.

Westies can master various tricks. Therefore, you can prepare real circus acts with them. When teaching a dog to any command, you should not shout or punish it. Success can only be achieved if the pet is interested or captivated by something.

Features of keeping and caring for the breed

The breed requires care and careful grooming from a very early age. Westies need active walks, then they will develop the right physique. The breed is most often kept in apartments, but country houses with large plots are preferable for them. There the dog has a place to run and dig in the ground.

The main problem is caring for the dog's coat. The dog should be thoroughly brushed twice a week. You should especially carefully comb the hair in the armpits and on the stomach, as it quickly mats there and forms tangles.

The West Highland White Terrier is quite demanding in terms of grooming.

Once every 30-40 days, it is recommended to wash the dog with a special shampoo for long-haired breeds. Shampoo must be selected carefully, since Westie skin is prone to allergies and dermatitis. True, the passion for digging holes can harm lovers of flower beds and lawns.

The dog also needs regular brushing of its teeth, wiping its ears, and trimming its nails. When brushing, you need to be careful not to hurt your dog. Westies need firm, but at the same time gentle treatment. The pet needs to be accustomed to the procedures gradually; you cannot hit them or shout at them.

In the apartment, the dog should have its own corner with a bed and toys. As a sleeping place, you can choose a 60X70 bed. West needs toys in the form of balls, ropes, and rubber squeaks.

Haircut and trimming

Westies need professional haircuts and trimming in dog salons. The hair on the dog's face grows especially actively, so it needs to be cut and trimmed once every 3-4 months. The hair around the eyes and ears is especially carefully removed. The hair on the body is cut every 4-5 months. The hair on the entire body is shortened evenly.

Grooming is carried out in dog salons.

A special machine with various attachments is used for cutting. When cutting your own hair, you must follow the following rules:

Do not use clippers on people.
Do not use thinning attachments, as they can easily damage your pet's skin.
Do not put too much pressure on the clipper while cutting.
Particular care is taken when cutting on the belly, around the tail, and on the belly.
When cutting, you need to move in the direction of hair growth.
The length of the hair should be approximately five centimeters.
The blades of the clipper can overheat during grooming and burn the dog’s skin, so they need to be checked periodically

Important. The hair on a dog's face is cut only with scissors; clippers cannot be used.

During the trimming procedure, dead or guard hairs are removed from the dog's body. The signal for the procedure is active hair loss. When plucking, you need to make a movement in the direction of hair growth, and not against it.

What to feed your dog

Remember that dry food should not contain chicken or wheat.

West Highlands have a small stomach, but they need quite a lot of nutrients and energy. Therefore, the breed’s diet must be thoughtful and balanced. Natural food or a selection of dry food with rice, turkey, lamb and fish are suitable. Suitable brands: Happy Dog, .

Attention. Food for Westies should not contain chicken or wheat, as these products are allergens for the breed.

The natural Vesta menu should consist of lean meat, boiled boneless fish, fermented milk products, and cottage cheese. Meat and fish are mixed with porridge and vegetables cooked in water. The amount of fat in the diet should not exceed 16%. Portions should not be large, otherwise the dog will quickly gain excess weight.

West Highland clothing

Dog fashion includes a whole arsenal of models for dogs of various breeds. A Westie outfit decorates the dog and protects its fur from dirt and its body from the cold. Westies are dressed in light overalls in the fall and spring. In fur vests, sweaters and jackets in winter. For western girls, manufacturers offer skirts and dresses; for girls, stylish shirts and trousers. Recently, a robe has appeared in the range of manufacturers. In which you can dress your pets after bathing. Both boys and girls will benefit from lightweight tracksuits.

Important. Clothes for a West must be tried on. It should not restrict the dog's movement, but at the same time it should not dangle. Pants for a dog need to be chosen of a suitable length so that the dog does not get tangled in them when walking.

Health of the breed, what diseases it is predisposed to and life expectancy

The West Highland White Terrier lives on average 12-15 years.

Dogs of this breed are quite sickly.

The breed's health is not very good, so it must be treated with care. The following diseases are most typical for the breed:

Dermatitis.
Atopy.
Allergic reactions.
Diseases of the hip joints.
Cataract.
Conjunctivitis.
Osteopathy.
Deafness.
Cardiomyopathy.
Meningoencephalitis.

How to choose a puppy, where to buy and kennels

When buying a West Highland puppy, you need to pay special attention to its character and health. The puppy should be active, but not too annoying. A sad and lethargic puppy is not the best choice. The baby should have clear eyes, clean ears, thick, shiny fur without bald spots.

Photo. West Highland White Terrier puppies

West Highland White Terrier puppy in the photo

The price is affected by the age of the puppy. Small puppies are cheaper than 5-6 month old ones. You need to purchase a dog from specialized nurseries.

You can buy a puppy in nurseries in the following cities:

Moscow: http://westik.ru/, http://mechta-nataly.ru/
St. Petersburg: http://www.gorodsobak.com/pitomnik-741.html,http://www.askona-star.spb.ru/
Novosibirsk: http://west-chelsea.ru/, https://foranelsis.wordpress.com/
Minsk: http://merry-charm.narod.ru/
Yekaterinburg: http://www.westnest.ru/, http://www.westirix.com/

Prices for puppies range from $200 to $1,000.

How to name a dog, popular nicknames

The most popular West Highland nicknames are:

For boys: Abo, Abur, Aston, Barry, Bob, Best, Willie, Windy, Guy, Gray, Grem, Dani, Jaco, Zarri, Candy, Krosh, Loy, Larry, Nur. Nemo, Oji, Oras, Punch, Push, Rumbik, Stem, Tim, Ursik, Frank, Frel, Chessie, ChukkiAndy, Eron, Yuji, Yushan, Yarosh, Janson, Iago.
For girls: Ada, Asta, Aya, Bina, Busya, Bonya, Vesta, Gabi, Jackie, Jeri, Ketty, Carrie, Leda, Miki, Nolly, Oda, Oksa, Peggy, Ricky, snow, Snezhka, Sandy, Tora, Terry , Fanny, Friza, Frezi, Holly, Tserry, Cezi, Shammi, Shimmy, Etna, Eteri, Esta, Yuda, Yusi, Yaza.

When choosing a nickname for a West Highland White Terrier, you need to take it seriously.

Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

Before purchasing a West Highland White Terrier puppy, you need to carefully weigh all the pros and cons of the breed.

The advantages of representatives of the breed are:

Compactness.
Cheerful disposition.
High intelligence.

The breed also has disadvantages:

Difficult and expensive grooming.
Tendency to skin diseases.
Frequent allergic reactions to food.
Stubbornness in character.

Before you read the reviews, also watch the video material on the West Highland White Terrier breed, we wish you a pleasant viewing.

The West Highland White Terrier is a fairly ancient breed, so there is not as much reliable information about its origin and development as we would like. The few written sources from the Middle Ages claim that the ancestors of today's West Highlands successfully hunted small animals back in the 12th century. At the same time, modern researchers are sure: the true history of this variety of terriers began at least several centuries earlier.

The homeland of the West Highland White Terrier is considered to be western Scotland with its rocky ridges and minimalist mountain landscapes (West Highland from English - western highlands). It was here that the small but tenacious shaggy creatures revealed their hunting potential, pulling otters out of rock crevices and digging up badger holes. What is interesting: at first, West Highland White Terriers had a wider palette of colors, ranging from fawn to brindle varieties. But in those ancient times, individuals with white fur were not valued, as they were considered too sickly, so owners tried to get rid of all white puppies in the litter.

The breed owes its current appearance to two eminent Scots who lived at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries - Colonel Edward Malcolm and the 8th Duke of Argyll, George Campbell. Both gentlemen approached the issue of breeding animals innovatively, starting to select and in every possible way promote white-haired Westies. Well, since in those days the name West Highland White Terrier had not yet been assigned to the breed, the colonel’s charges were called Poltalloch Terriers (after the name of the estate in which they were bred), and the Duke of Argyll’s pets were called Rosenet Terriers.

The first club for fans of the West Highland White Terrier breed opened in Scotland in 1904, and its founder was a descendant of that same George Campbell. Quite soon, or more precisely, three years later, the first nursery, specializing in breeding snow-white Westies, began its activities. However, it was possible to put an end to the formation of the unique exterior of the breed only in 1924, after breeders were officially prohibited from exhibiting at exhibitions dogs whose pedigree included other representatives of the terrier group (Scottish terrier, Cairn terrier).

Video: West Highland White Terrier

Appearance of the West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier is a snow-white, compact shaggy dog with an inquisitive look, vaguely reminiscent of a Bichon Frize. Thanks to their sweet appearance and more than modest dimensions (the height of an adult dog is up to 28 cm, weight is up to 10 kg), West Highlands are quite suitable for the role of apartment dwellers. At the same time, they are not particularly fragile, like most representatives of decorative breeds, which means the owner does not have to control every step and jump of the pet.

Head

The skull of the West Highland White Terrier is wide, slightly convex, with a pronounced stop and prominent brow ridges.

Jaws and bite

Despite the fact that the West Highland White Terrier is an almost miniature dog, its jaws are powerful. As for the bite, representatives of this breed have a full, scissor-type bite.

Eyes

The wide and fairly deep-set eyes of the West Highland White Terrier have an almond shape and a dark iris color. The dog's gaze is intelligent and insightful.

Nose

The Westie has a large, black nose, which almost does not protrude beyond the muzzle.

Ears

The West Highland White Terrier's small, pointed ears are not set too wide and are carried straight. The outer side of the ear is covered with velvety fur, which is never cut.

Neck

Dogs have a moderately long and well-muscled neck, which gradually thickens towards the body.

Frame

The body of representatives of this breed is compact, with a straight back, strong lumbar region and wide croup.

Limbs

The front legs of the West Highland White Terrier are short, well muscled and without curvature or turning outward. In some cases, the animal's paws may be slightly turned out. Experts explain this feature by the fact that during the hunt, the ancestors of today's dogs tore up the ground, throwing it to the sides, which caused the slight spread of the limbs. The hind legs of the West Highland are short but sinewy, with a fleshy and broad upper part. Dogs' paws are round, with plump pads and tightly knit toes, with the front paws being noticeably larger than the hind paws.

Tail

The Westie has a straight tail up to 15 cm long, which it carries almost vertically.

Wool

The West Highland White Terrier's coat consists of a dense furry undercoat and coarse outer coat, the length of which can reach 5 cm.

Color

The West Highland White Terrier is one of those few breeds, modern representatives of which exist in one single color - white. An important point: the color of the wool is extremely unstable and very dependent on external factors, so among animals there are often individuals whose “fur coats” have a yellowish tint.

Defects and disqualifying defects

Any more or less noticeable deviations from the standard can affect the exhibition assessment of show-class West Highland White Terriers. These are usually wavy or curly fur, large ears, a short or, conversely, excessively long neck, and atypical position of the limbs. As a rule, a dog may not be allowed to participate in competitions for two reasons: for displaying causeless aggression or cowardice, as well as for obvious defects in behavior and physical development.

Photos of West Highland White Terriers

Personality of the West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terriers are white and fluffy on the outside only. Inside, these charming “Scots” are far from being such good boys as they seem at first glance; moreover, they are quite stubborn and do not really like to obey the chain of command. At the same time, compared to their more aggressive and temperamental relatives in the terrier group, West Highland White Terriers seem, if not quite quiet, then quite manageable pets. However, this is not an innate advantage, but rather the result of the work of breeding specialists, who for a long time “extinguished” the hunting instincts of the breed and stimulated its companion qualities.

All West Highland White Terriers do not like to be ignored, and these snow-white babies do not cope well with loneliness. So before you bring a young messenger into your home, think about whether you are ready to sacrifice silence and your own peace for the sake of a four-legged nimble. West Highland White Terriers have a partnership-like relationship with children: they enjoy playing together, while both parties taking part in the process feel equal. It’s another matter if the dog has to deal with kids who, due to their thoughtlessness, can annoy it with intrusiveness or cause pain. In this case, the news will definitely fight back (guess in what way).

The West Highland White Terrier can easily delegate guard duties. Most representatives of this breed have acute hearing and are able to warn the owner about the appearance of a stranger with a ringing bark. At the same time, they do not experience any particular hostility towards strangers, which means they will not frighten your guests with sudden attacks and dissatisfied grumbling.

Despite all the efforts of breeders, the specialists in burrow hunting in West Highland White Terriers have not completely died out, so from time to time the dogs will be drawn to feats. In particular, on walks, Westies will selflessly dig trenches in search of an imaginary gopher, and when they see a garbage rat or some other small animal, they will immediately rush into battle. Treat this pet behavior with slight irony: after all, every breed has its own harmless cockroaches.

Education and training

A West Highland White Terrier will never follow the commands of someone it doesn’t respect and considers obviously stupider than itself, so the first thing you should start training a dog with is asserting your own authority. In addition, the pet will have to be constantly stimulated, since this is not a breed that will work on sheer enthusiasm. If your charge has successfully completed the command, appease him with a tasty treat, and then give him a play break - West Highland White Terriers love to rage aimlessly and fool around no less than they love to hunt. By the way, about games: from the very first days, let your pet understand that practicing hunting skills on the owner and other family members is strictly prohibited. If your angry West Highland White Terrier still tries to taste your hand or foot, gently redirect his attention to the toy.

Important: while training and practicing commands, try to remain alone with your pet. The presence of strangers only slows down the training process, since it is more difficult for a dog to concentrate if two people are communicating with it at the same time.

You should accustom your West Highland White Terrier puppy to a collar and leash before going on its first walk. To do this, buy a one and a half to two meter strap and an unfastening collar with a lock, which will not need to be put over the head, thereby frightening the animal. Once your Westie is 10 months old, you can train with him on the playground. It is better to enroll difficult-to-train and particularly stubborn individuals in some kennel club, where an individual training program will be selected for them, and their behavior will also be adjusted.

If you don’t want your time together with your West Highland White Terrier to turn into a “who will win” confrontation, pay special attention to teaching your pet basic norms of behavior. In particular, do not let the Westie lie on your bed and do not let him look with hungry eyes at the family members gathered at the table. And there are no exceptions to the rules or concessions: despite the external weakness and fragility, the West Highlands are simply masterful at twisting the rope out of the owner.

Hunting with a West Highland White Terrier

As noted earlier, it is not customary to go after foxes and badgers with today's West Highland White Terriers. Moreover, at competitions and exhibitions, representatives of this breed have long been evaluated exclusively by external parameters and almost never by working qualities. On the other hand, no one has the right to prohibit the owner of a West Highland White Terrier from going wild with his ward. So if you are eager to try out your pet in action, sign up for any kennel club that has a training hole, and practice your pupil’s hunting talents as much as you want. As practice shows, people are extremely reckless in their work, but at the same time they do not lose their minds. In addition, they very quickly learn the habits of a wild animal and can change tactics at lightning speed if the situation requires it.

Every year, West Highland White Terriers are increasingly turning into indoor-sofa pets, and the reason for this is the desire of the owners to keep the soiled “fur coats” of their charges relatively clean. However, by nature, Westies are not such sissies and are quite capable of spending time outside, even if the weather leaves much to be desired. Bright, cute clothes and blankets, which West Highland White Terriers are often dressed in, are by no means a forced measure, but rather the owner’s desire to emphasize the uniqueness of his pet. In reality, West Highland White Terriers do not suffer much from the cold even in the winter months, provided, of course, that you do not keep the dog outside all day.

Trimming and cleaning the coat of the West Highland White Terrier

A pleasant bonus for fans of sterile cleanliness: West Highland White Terriers do not shed and have virtually no odor. Of course, the coat of animals is regularly renewed, but dead hairs from their “coats” do not fall out, but simply fall off. Accordingly, in order to maintain the pet’s image, it will have to be trimmed once every couple of months or, if it is a show dog, every 30 days. Grooming is prohibited for these charming shaggy dogs, as it changes the structure of the coat, softening it and causing the hair to curl into a curl. As a result, the West Highland White Terrier loses its original appearance and becomes like a hybrid of a lapdog and a Bichon Frize. However, if you are not ambitious and do not plan to go to exhibitions, you can try to cut your ward’s hair. Your self-esteem will not suffer from this at all.

Before trimming, the West Highland White Terrier is thoroughly combed, after which the throat area and the area at the elbows are treated as briefly as possible with a stripping knife. The line from the withers to the croup, as well as the ridge of the neck, is also pinched with a knife, maintaining a total length of fur of 4-5 cm and smoothing out the transitions. As an example: an exemplary West Highland White Terrier should have short hair on the sides and a so-called skirt - lush, adorning hair on the chest. The hair on the forehead, crown and cheekbones is plucked by hand (placking technique), giving the head the shape of a chrysanthemum. The hair on the legs is usually not shortened.

If you want to preserve the unique snow-white color of the West Highland White Terrier, be prepared to spend an extra hour and a half on your pet’s “fur coat.” The fact is that the fur of representatives of this breed often turns yellow when dog saliva or food gets on it, so to neutralize the unwanted undertone it is necessary to use a cleaning composition of crushed chalk and boric acid. The mixture is rubbed into slightly moistened wool, after which its chalky particles are combed out with a regular hair brush.

Hygiene

Once a month, West Highland White Terriers are bathed using diluted pet shampoo (conventional products are not suitable). Not the most useless purchase is a whitening shampoo, which allows you to preserve the exquisite shade of the Westie's coat. Just don’t test it on a puppy, otherwise you risk seriously damaging the baby’s hair structure. Otherwise, representatives of this breed are suitable for any detergent compositions designed specifically for wire-haired dogs.

Once every 5-6 days, the West Highland White Terrier should be combed with a sparse comb with metal teeth, which will not tear the undercoat, but will only gently remove dead hair and debris. But this is only if the pet’s coat is tough and healthy. Individuals with soft fur will have to be combed more often, otherwise you will get tangles. In addition, do not forget to wipe your dog’s face with a napkin after eating so that food debris does not get stuck in the fur and cause a change in its color.

Once a week, you need to pay attention to your ears: pluck out long hair that interferes with the free circulation of air inside the ear funnel, and remove dirt accumulated in the ear shell. It is best to examine the West Highland White Terrier's eyes every day. If brown streaks are found on the fur under the lower eyelids, the dog most likely has an allergy, so grab your pet and run to a veterinarian for a consultation. Westies have their teeth brushed a couple of times a week. In addition, it is useful to introduce various solid foods into the dog’s diet, particles of which act as abrasives and partially remove plaque. The paws of the West Highland White Terrier also need care, so after each walk they should be washed thoroughly, and in winter, when the roads are sprinkled with reagents, they should also be lubricated with vegetable oil.

Walk

If your West Highland White Terrier does not hunt (and he most likely does not hunt), he will have to compensate for the lack of adrenaline and positive emotions with walks and training. Westies must be taken outside at least twice, or preferably three times a day, and this should not be a 15-minute run around the playground. The first walks begin at 3 months of age, after the puppy has undergone routine vaccination and spent a week in quarantine. By the way, up to 6 months, babies are taken outside (they are taken out, not taken out) 5-6 times a day, which is due to the need to develop in them the ability to relieve themselves outside the home.

Westies love to rummage in the ground and are capable of destroying a well-groomed flowerbed or green lawn in a matter of minutes, so if you don’t want to constantly argue with landscape designers and utility workers, it’s better not to let your pet off a leash within the city. When walking with a West Highland White Terrier in nature, it is also better not to lose vigilance. Firstly, because dogs intoxicated by unfamiliar smells and sounds instantly become difficult to control. And secondly, because the Westies have a real passion for carrion, in which they prefer to wallow thoroughly before responding to the owner’s command.

Feeding

The diet of the West Highland is not much different from the menu of its other terrier brothers. In particular, half of the dog’s meal should consist of lean meat, which is supplemented with vegetables (broccoli, pumpkin, turnips), cereal porridge (rice, buckwheat), fermented milk products and fruits. However, since most dogs are prone to food allergies, menu planning should be approached with the utmost caution and preferably with the involvement of a veterinarian.

Once and for all, eliminate chicken and wheat from your West Highland White Terrier's diet. The same rule applies to industrial feed. If you find wheat flour and “chicken” in the store-bought “drying”, return this product to the shelf and never look at it again. As for vitamin supplements, you can periodically add crushed greens (nettle, dandelion, parsley), brewer's yeast and salmon oil to the food of West Highland White Terriers. Once a week it will be useful to treat your fluffy with a quail egg, and during the season you can pamper him with half an apricot, a piece of pear or a ripe plum. By the way, despite the fact that sweets are strictly prohibited for West Highland White Terriers, dogs are simply crazy about them. So when you're ready to enjoy some ice cream or candy, don't forget to hide well from the four-legged beggar.

Please note: the West Highland White Terrier's coat may change color and acquire a yellowish tint if the dog's diet includes foods containing artificial or natural dyes. For pets this is not critical, but for show class animals such changes can seriously spoil their exhibition career.

Health and Diseases of West Highland White Terriers

West Highland White Terriers live an average of 13-15 years and are less prone to hereditary diseases than their terrier counterparts.

Diseases that may occur in West Highland White Terriers:

cranial osteopathy;
atopic dermatitis;
epidermal dysplasia;
ichthyosis;
congenital deafness;
hip dysplasia;
diabetes mellitus;
von Willebrand disease;
cardiovascular diseases;
meningoencephalitis of white dogs;
Perthes disease;
Shaker syndrome;
hyperuricosuria.

How to choose a puppy

Choose reliable, proven nurseries registered by the RKF. Usually all matings in them are planned.
Give preference to breeders or nurseries who are ready to provide their clients with advisory support throughout the entire period of the puppy’s growing up. Unscrupulous “breeders” whose main goal is to make a profit from the sale of animals, as a rule, do not make such concessions.
If possible, look at several litters. Offspring from different parents can differ significantly in both external and behavioral indicators.
The gender of the West Highland White Terrier has virtually no effect on its temperament type and intellectual abilities, although it is believed that males of this breed learn faster than females.
Assess the level of hygiene and living conditions of the puppies in the kennel. It’s great if the kids don’t sit in dirty cages, but move freely around the territory allotted to them.
Touch the belly of the puppy you like. If additional swelling is felt in the navel area or there is bulging of the peritoneum, there is a possibility that the baby will be diagnosed with a hernia in the future.
Responsible breeders test West Highland White Terriers for the presence of genetic diseases, so before purchasing, do not be lazy to read the results of the test, so that later you will not be surprised why your baby has health problems.

Photos of West Highland White Terrier puppies

How much does a West Highland White Terrier cost?

The average price tag for a promising West Highland White Terrier puppy, whose pedigree includes international champions, is 30,000 - 45,000 rubles. A pet with minor exterior defects can be purchased for 15,000 - 20,000 rubles.

A snow-white handsome man, a cheerful friend with a sharp mind - all this is about the West Highland White Terrier. A dog that will conquer and will definitely become the soul of every company and a devoted family friend.

The West Highland White Terrier is a small white dog with a strong build and a harmonious combination of strength and agility.

Height at withers: 23-30 cm
Weight: 6-9 kg

Color: exclusively white - spots of a different color are considered a deviation from the standard.

The dog holds its head in a proudly raised position.
The muzzle is not snub-nosed. The large nose is black and does not protrude.
The eyes are dark brown. The look from under heavy eyebrows is serious and intelligent.
The ears are pointed, erect, covered with short hair.
The tail is straight, not docked, and covered with rough hair.
The coat consists of two layers: the outside is hard, straight hair, each hair is 5 cm long. The undercoat is soft, short, and fits tightly to the body.

History and characteristics of the breed

The birthplace of the breed is Scotland. The Westie's ancestors were terriers of the 19th century, which over time divided into several branches: Scotch terriers, Skye terriers, West Highland white terriers and others. For some time, Scottish terriers were considered representatives of the same breed - dog breeders called them Scottish terriers and crossed them with each other.

The first description of small white dogs appeared in the 13th century - then the French king received six white digging dogs as a gift from the King of England.

The breeding of West Highlands as a separate breed began at the beginning of the 19th century - several Scots families got down to business. It is interesting that then each line of white terriers bore the name of the family in which it was bred - this is how the Pollatochs, Rosenites, Pitteniums and white Scotch Terriers appeared.

A significant contribution to the formation of the breed was made by Edward Donald Malcolm - he and his sons bred white terriers - Half Tullochs - for a century.

The reason for Malcolm's breeding of white dogs was a sad incident that happened to his favorite while hunting - a red terrier was mistaken for a fox and shot. Before this, Malcolm had already hunted with light-colored dogs, and after the tragedy he began to breed exclusively white dogs.

Another breeder was the Duke of Argyll, his line was called “Rosenit”. Roseneath dogs were considered Skye Terriers.

It is also worth mentioning Dr. Flaxman, whose breeding line was called “Pittenium”. One of his dogs in each litter produced white puppies, which became the basis for breeding. Ten years later, Flaxam managed to get pure white dogs.

Individuals of the three lines differed from each other in the structure of the head and body, but in one thing they were similar - their fur was snow-white. White terriers first appeared at a dog show in the 19th century, where they gained fans.

West Highlands were also valued for their working qualities: they were used for hunting burrow animals- fox, badger, otter. To drive such “game” out of the ground, the dog must be compact, nimble, and courageous. The remarkable intelligence of the Westies also came in handy here - underground the dog relied only on its own ingenuity. Westies worked in a flock, barking, driving the prey to the surface of the earth and notifying the hunters about it. And the white color of the coat helped people not to confuse dogs with wild animals.

Character and temperament

The Westie is a typical representative of the terrier group. His instincts constantly “speak” to him - he loves to bark, dig in the ground and does this with perfect tenacity. The West Highland is full of energy, which it will happily spend with its owner.

Positives:

funny;
self-confident;
smart;
brave;
friendly.

Negative features:

loves to bark;
narcissistic;
stubborn;
impatient.

Who should start

Previously, Westies were used to hunt burrowing animals, today they have turned into companion dogs. This is an intellectual who loves outdoor games and will happily stick his curious nose into the business of the owner.

A Westie is suitable as a friend for a child over 10 years old; the dog does not stand on ceremony with younger children and does not tolerate disrespectful treatment. You should not leave a small child alone.

The West Highland is unlikely to get along with other pets - no matter how much you cajole the dog, his instincts will speak.

The West Highland is a “perpetual motion machine”; walks should be active, especially if the dog lives in a small city apartment. In the winter season, their paws get cold, so it’s better to wear clothes in cold weather. suits And boots.

Trimming and cutting

Caring for fur is not that easy. Westies do not shed, so trimming is carried out once every three months, and in the intervals between procedures, the coat is combed 1-2 times a week. Vegetation on the face daily comb with a comb.

To prevent the coat from losing its appearance and becoming soft, the dog should not be washed frequently and should not be shaved. Dogs with this type of coat are only suitable for hand trimming.

Feeding

Feeding your West Highland should be thoughtful and balanced. An incorrect diet provokes metabolic disorders. The ideal type of food is natural or dry food based on rice, turkey, lamb, and fish. Chicken meat, wheat cause allergies.

Meals include: lean meat, dairy products, boiled fish 1-2 times a week, quail egg yolks, cereals, vegetables and fruits. West Highlands that regularly participate in dog shows should be given some vegetables - carrots, beets - with caution (risk of yellowing of the coat). It is important to add vitamins to your food.

Dog training

Westies are smart dogs that learn quickly. But they have a stubborn character, so sometimes training is beyond the power of a beginner.

Training should begin from the first day after the puppy arrives. The “pillars” of success in training a Westie are patience, clarity, consistency of actions, positive reinforcement.

He needs physical and mental exercise to avoid getting bored. A suitable option for realizing dog energy is engaging in outdoor sports: agility, flyball. For those who like to learn tricks, circus training is suitable.

Health and life expectancy

West Highland lives on average 12-15 years. But they are prone to various diseases, so careful care is required:

cataract;
allergic reactions;
diabetes mellitus;
deafness;
meningoencephalitis;
dermatitis and other skin diseases.

The reason for the risk of disease is the white color of the dog's coat. With timely consultation with a veterinarian and proper treatment, these diseases can be avoided.

How much does it cost and where can I buy it?

West Highland White Terriers have become a popular breed, making it easy to buy a puppy. In Russia there is a national breed club where you can find information about reliable breeders and upcoming exhibitions.

Puppy price: from 25 thousand rubles.

Breed photo

A selection of photos of West Highland White Terriers.

Video

The West Highland White Terrier is a small toy dog, an extremely popular dog in the world, thanks to its funny exterior, cheerful disposition and small size. The breed was called differently:

Poltalloch Terrier;
Roseneath Terrier.

Historical background

The "Highland White Terrier" (sometimes translated as the breed's name) comes from the hilly regions of western Scotland. The Westies' closest relatives are the Cairn and Scotch Terriers. Once upon a time, the English King James I admired the dogs so much that he bought several terrier dogs, and in addition ordered half a dozen amazing dogs to be sent to the French king as a present.

A serious contribution to the development of the breed was made by Colonel Edward Malcolm, who gave the dogs their modern name. After its first show in London, the West Highland White Terrier became everyone's favorite, as you would expect from a sociable, adaptable and confident pet.

Initially, the breed was bred as a hunting breed for small game, combining:

small sizes,
dexterity and agility.

This allowed the dogs to crawl into small and deep holes, pulling out prey from there! Used for hunting foxes and badgers and other small animals. The dogs are popular for a reason; they are highly efficient, despite their size. But the actual time period for the birth of the breed has not been established.

The initial display of the breed took place at the London exhibition in 1907, specially organized. After the exhibition, the popularity of West Highland White Terriers began to grow incredibly in European and Western countries. The dog soon became everyone's favorite. Now the West Highland White Terrier is considered famous in every corner of Europe and the USA. The dog was briefly called “westie”.

General description of the breed

“The embodiment of terrierism” is how English cynologists characterize the character of West Highland White Terriers. The little body contains a boundless amount of Scottish assertiveness, loyalty and determination. The parameters of the West Highland White Terrier are quite clearly defined, and it is easy to assess the quality of the dog. Dogs periodically exhibit defects that do not meet the parameters and can become disqualifying defects.

If you compare the torso and head, the body seems small. This is a structural feature that gives the animal a funny appearance. Its compact size allows the white terrier to easily live in an apartment. The dog's body needs exercise. In particular, regular, active walking is required.

The West Highland White Terrier breed has quite a lot of energy reserves, do not forget to play with the dog and even exercise. Restlessness and cheerfulness are considered noticeable features of the presented breed. White terriers are special lovers of attention and constantly demand attention.

Standard

Country – Scotland, UK;
Group – 3 (small terriers);
Height – 23-30 cm;
Weight – 6-10 kg;
Life expectancy – 12-15 years;
Body – compact, wide loin, deep chest;
The tail is relatively short, straight and plump, docking is strictly prohibited;
Head – the hairstyle makes it seem larger;
The coat is a double coat with hard outer hair and a soft, delicate, close-lying undercoat of medium length;
Color – exclusively white;
The bite is a regular scissor bite. Other is considered a disqualifying defect;
The ears are small, erect, not covered with hair;
Eyes - black, light colors are extremely undesirable;
Paws and joints - correct posture, strong hocks, black pads on the paws.

Pet character

With a gentle, soft and loyal disposition, the dog is not considered a sycophant at all. He is characterized by self-esteem, this quality inspires respect and love.
The dog has a sparkling and playful character.
The courage and courage of the little hero earned respect from the stronger half of humanity.
Excellent behavior in the family:

little rat catcher,
companion dog,
family favorite.

West Highland White Terriers are truly sociable and have a sparkling mind. Dogs simply adore human company (meaning the company of their owners); they often accompany people on trips and travels. More often, the White Terrier is adopted into families with older children. It is not recommended to leave a dog with younger children due to the animal’s impatience when handled roughly.

Disadvantages of the breed

Let us list the negative characteristics of the breed. For example, let us note the jealousy of these dogs towards other domestic animals (mainly dogs).

Like most terriers, they love to bark, preferably louder, run everywhere and dig in the ground. Take care of your lawn or garden; dogs wean themselves from this habit with great difficulty and extremely rarely. The habit is dictated by the instinct of the hunter and the desire to demonstrate:

own perseverance;
independence.

Features of maintenance and care

A very positive quality of the West Highland White Terrier is its ease of maintenance. It's not difficult to lead. The dog is healthy, which affects its longevity. Westies have a predisposition to allergies!

The dog is unusually optimistic and cheerful, walks bring joy. Westies love to travel and will be happy to accompany you on trips by car or plane. Dogs of this size are allowed in the cabin.

The dog is active and will be happy to allow itself to be trained on the agility area. If the owner is not a fan of an active lifestyle and likes to lie on the sofa, or the weather is slushy and rainy outside, the West Highland White Terrier will be happy to stay at home and lie on the sofa, in addition to putting on a funny circus performance.

If we talk about proper care of the West Highland White Terrier, the procedure turns out to be complex:

It is recommended to comb it twice a week and cut it twice a year (trimming procedure). If the dog is trimmed in a timely manner, difficulties with the coat can be avoided. It is permissible to carry out trimming yourself.
The West Highland White Terrier should be bathed as rarely as possible. Every Westie owner knows: the more often you bathe your dog, the faster it gets dirty. Bathing is not good for the coat structure. Once a month it is recommended to bathe the dog using special shampoos.
Do not forget to constantly pluck the hair located near the ears and eyes. The wool is removed from below due to hygienic needs.

Trimming is determined by the personal preferences of the owner and the need to participate in exhibitions. Plucking makes the coat coarse; cutting, on the contrary, makes the coat softer. After the haircut is completed, there is a noticeable difference in appearance before and after the procedure. As practice shows, most owners turn to trimming because of the ease, comfort and speed of the process.

What to feed a terrier

Special attention is paid to feeding the West Highland White Terrier dog. As you know, health-related difficulties occur due to improper or poor-quality feeding. Try not to violate the principles of the procedure and monitor the dog’s diet.

Feeding begins after a walk. The dog tends to digest food efficiently while at rest.

They talk about different indicators of feeding rates. Usually found out by experimental methods. It is necessary that the dog eats the food with great appetite, licks itself and easily moves away from the bowl. This especially applies to feeding puppies. When a puppy does not leave his own bowl, the situation indicates that the portion provided is insufficient.

If the dog or puppy is not full, they will spin around the bowl. Accordingly, it is recommended to increase the portion within reasonable limits.

After birth, White Terrier puppies are fed their mother's milk for the first couple of weeks. Eating occurs up to twelve times a day. The main sign of a puppy being full is healthy sleep. If the puppy remains hungry, he will begin to show anxiety, crawl and whine.

The puppies are first fed cottage cheese. To prevent rickets from occurring, special cottage cheese with a high calcium content is introduced into the diet. The cottage cheese served must be warm. You are supposed to pour it into a small saucer and very carefully poke the puppy’s muzzle into it. A couple of times is enough for the puppy to learn to eat cottage cheese.

Starting from the third week, the puppy is fed meat, giving it in equal portions after mother's milk.
After four weeks, feeding becomes combined, when meat, porridge, and cottage cheese are combined.

When West Highland White Terrier puppies are individually fed, be sure to monitor their development to prevent possible illnesses. Feeding can be controlled based on weight gain of up to 20 grams. When ready to feed, puppies should be fed the breeder's food. As you age, remain careful, food allergies will cause great trouble and suffering for the dog and difficulties for the owner.

If the dog is fed correctly, a beautiful physique will be formed. You cannot overfeed White Terriers, they will get fat! The main thing is to monitor the correct balance of useful elements consumed.

Training and education

Training the West Highland White Terrier is an issue that requires consideration. Don't forget about the need for regular exercise for your pet. You must walk your dog more often and engage in active games.

West Highland White Terriers are multi-show winning dogs. When purchasing a puppy, you should teach your pet to show up in a standing position from early childhood. The dog must be able to walk on a leash and be calm when examined. A dog should look beautiful at shows and in everyday life.

High-quality training and proper upbringing will be required. However, the process of training dogs is not too difficult if done correctly.

The dog is distinguished by its special intelligence, good manners, peacefulness and calmness. At the same time, white terriers are ready to defend their owners at any time, even if the enemy is clearly superior in size.