Learn about the 7 Key West Highland White Terrier Temperament Traits. Plus potential health issues and typical Behaviors an owner must know. READ MORE HERE. But hey, we love their confidence! Fans of the breed affectionately call these dogs Westies for short. And while these are fairly popular purebred dogs, you may still find them in shelters and rescues.
General characteristics/temperament: The West Highland White Terrier is alert, gay, courageous, self-reliant, intelligent, friendly, and devoted. They love people and make affectionate family pets. When looking for a puppy to purchase it is highly recommended to contact the Breed Clubs' Puppy Co-ordinators, where they have contact details of reputable breeders with good quality puppies. A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential.
Temperament: The West Highland White Terrier must be alert, gay, courageous, self-reliant, and friendly. Faults: Excess timidity or excess pugnacity. Size: West Highland White Terrier dogs should measure 11 inches (28 cm) at the withers, bitches 1 inch (3 cm) less. The West Highland White Terrier, Westie, owes its heritage to the Scottish terriers bred hundreds of years ago to hunt in the harsh Scottish highland terrain of Argyllshire. The name Terrier is derived from the Latin terra which means earth. Terriers are earth dogs, they were selectively bred to go underground to chase and hunt vermin.
Recognised by the Kennel Club in , the West Highland White remains one of the most popular breeds in the Terrier group. Small, active, game, hardy, possessed of no small amount of self-esteem with a varminty appearance. Alert, gay, courageous, self-reliant but friendly. Club, K., About the breed. The Westie can be described as a big dog in a little dogs body who thinks highly of itself. You will always find the breed in the thick of things, but very friendly dog.