White Highland Terrier is a small dog with the appearance of a soft toy. Nevertheless, it does not apply to those dogs with whom you can from time to time walk around the mall and brag to girlfriends. This dog is a wonderful hunter: agile, fearless and passionate, capable of making his own decisions.
From the history of the breed
Accurate information about when the White Terrier breed appeared did not survive. These animals were bred in Scotland, their ancestors are considered core and scotch terriers. The purpose of these animals is burrow hunting. These small hardworking doggies were used to hunt burrows and small rodents.
Despite its miniature size, terrier-white is an energetic, bold and dexterous animal. That is why they always carried out the tasks assigned to them. As an underground hunter, he must climb into a hole, drive the beast out of it, or defeat the battle and pull out the dead beast. In addition, the West White Terrier has always been appreciated by a man for his help in the extermination of domestic rodents.
Presumably snow-white terriers were bred at the end of the 19th century in the highlands of Scotland. Breeder Donald Malcolm decided to bring out the ideal badger, rabbit and fox hunter. It would seem that white is too impractical for a hunting dog. However, Malcolm came to a different conclusion after he accidentally shot and killed a pet, a red terrier, whom he mistook for a fox. Therefore, he deliberately began to select only white puppies for breeding.
External features
The West White Terrier, whose photo we posted in the article, has all the characteristic features of dogs of this species - small size, high-set ears and a never-docking tail. This miniature dog shows miracles of strength and activity in combination with a funny appearance and a peculiar character.
Rather short limbs, flatter than, for example, the scotch terrier, the ribs allow the white to squeeze between the stones easily, and the thick coat that covers the head and neck protects against bites from opponents.
Hunters have long noted that a white terrier among heather and dark rocks is much better visible than its red, sand or gray counterparts. That is why white dogs have received unconditional approval among hunters. To date, several Scottish aristocratic families are known in which they contain only such terriers.
Secret color
The white terrier dog is a representative of the rare case when the white color gene is dominant. Puppies of this breed are always born only white. From this, scientists conclude about its homozygous state. They believe that this is the result of a black gene mutation.
Height and weight
The standard of this breed allows a height at the withers from 20 cm (females) to 30 cm (males). The weight of animals should not exceed 9 kg, bitches can be slightly lighter - 7 kg.
Body type
Today, many small hunting dog breeds are common in the world. White Terrier among them takes a leading place. An animal with a compact body, a developed and strong loin becomes an indispensable helper when hunting a burrowing animal. The upper point of the croup and withers are located at the same level, the hips and shoulders are powerful.
Head
Not too far forward, densely covered with wool. It has a rounded shape, the cheekbones do not protrude beyond its contour. The skull narrows slightly from ear to eye. The length of the muzzle is slightly less than the distance from the nape to the eyes. Large superciliary arches form a clear, rather sharp transition from the forehead to the muzzle.
Strong jaws provide the correct bite - the lower teeth overlap the upper without a gap. The nose is quite large. But it blends seamlessly into the outline of the muzzle. Usually the nose is black.
The eyes are dark, set wide, medium size. There are massive eyebrows. Light eye color is considered a drawback.
The ears are small, pointed, set almost perfectly - neither wide nor close. They are covered with velvety, but thick fur. Undesirable tows.
The neck in relation to the head is quite long and muscular. It gradually expands to the base and smoothly passes into sloping shoulders.
Limbs
White has straight, short, muscular forelegs, covered with thick, stiff, short hair. The elbow joints are located as close to the chest as possible. This provides the forelimbs with easy movement while running.
The rounded forelegs are noticeably larger than the hind legs. They are strong, have fingers brought together with each other, which is covered with a stiff coat, like on the neck. The hind limbs are sinewy and short. They are much smaller in size, fingers on them are tightly brought together. Claws and fingertips are black.
Torso
White Terrier has a compact and beautiful body. It has a perfectly flat back, a wide and strong waist. The chest is quite deep, markedly curved ribs in the upper half. Because of this, it seems that the sides are flat.
Tail
Its length is not more than 15 centimeters. It is covered with stiff hair, but longer than on its paws. The tail is straight and raised.
Movements
Terrier-white is different from many small breeds by its surprisingly easy and free gait. The forelimbs easily move forward from the shoulders. The movements of the hind legs are strong, free, but they cannot be called sweeping. The lower parts of the limbs during movement go under the body.
Wool
The main coat is coarse hair. Its length is about 5 cm. The undercoat is well defined, soft, short and dense. Color is only white.
Character
West White Terrier is a curious, courageous, active and very energetic creature. These dogs require the constant attention of the owners. They get along well with both adults and children. If the child is friendly, the white terrier can take his game for a long time.
These dogs get along well with other pets, but keep in mind that white will never miss the opportunity to show their leadership. Therefore, from an early age, the puppy must learn that it is not necessary to hunt cats, rabbits and other animals in the house. Behavioral problems in these dogs are extremely rare, most often they appear in animals that are excessively spoiled in puppyhood. In this case, they may become too independent and stubborn.
The white terrier trusts its owner immensely. Despite its small size, it is always ready to protect it.
These are very peaceful and friendly companions, which are less and less used in hunting. They are great for beginner dog breeders who have no experience with animals.
Maintenance and care
As soon as a tiny white terrier appears in your house, you should immediately let him know who the owner is. If he learns the lesson well, there will be no problems in the future. These snow-white dogs are easy to learn, amenable to training. They can even perform some tricks. But the lack of attention can adversely affect their behavior. Bored, the puppy will find something to do, but most likely the owner will not like it.
Terrier-white, in connection with its activity, cannot be limited to a short walk. Walking with such a pet should be a long time, preferably with active games and physical activity.
Like most terriers, there is no molt in the whites. Therefore, you must trim the dog at least 3 times a year. This can be done independently, but it is better to entrust such work to professionals. Experts do not recommend using a clipper for this purpose, as it spoils the structure of the coat. Properly processed coat allows the dog not to get dirty due to the rigid and dense hair structure. To make your pet always look tidy and well-groomed, regularly comb it with a stiff brush.
Feeding
All dogs of light colors (especially white) are predisposed to food allergies. A properly composed diet of such animals is the key to their health.
First of all, try to exclude ready-made dry and canned food. True, hypoallergenic products for dogs are now being made, but still, the percentage of protein is quite high in them.
The basis of feed for whites should be rice porridge. When choosing meat, remember that diet foods like chicken or beef also cause allergies.
An experienced veterinarian will help you create a balanced menu for your pet. The novice owner should be well aware that the food from the master table is not suitable for the animal.
Like most small terriers, West Highlands mature by ten months. During this period, owners are often interested in how to feed an adult animal. From this age, dogs exclude whole milk from the diet, which can cause digestive upset.
Dogs who take part in exhibitions try not to give carrots and beets, as well as vitamins in which seaweed or carotene are contained, they cause yellowing of the coat.
An adult dog is fed twice a day. After trimming, your pet needs preparations that stimulate hair growth. Vestam, like all wire-haired dogs, is contraindicated in biotin, which causes the growth of soft hair and undercoat.
White Terrier: reviews
Today, these charming white doggies are more often used as good and affectionate companions. The owners are very happy with their four-legged friends - they are active, cheerful and able to cheer up, even when sad at heart.
Many owners believe that the big plus of these dogs is that they feel great both in a city apartment and outside the city, in the yard. There is an opinion that the white terrier inherited all the positive characteristics of the terriers and at the same time did not adopt the negative ones.