If you are looking for a fun, small, curious and very smart dog, then West Highland White Terrier is what you need. To date, this breed of pet is very popular. Still - a cute face, a funny and playful character is unlikely to leave anyone indifferent. Many do not even mean that in fact this dog is a great underground hunter.
Where did the West Highland White Terrier come from?
Unfortunately, no one can name with certainty the exact historical period of the appearance of this breed. It is only known that the first serious mention of it dates back to the Middle Ages. This breed was bred in Scotland, the most likely ancestor of the white terrier is the scotch terrier.
Initially, these were working hunting dogs, the prey of which were small rodents and burrows. With its miniature size, the West Highland White Terrier is distinguished not only by its energy and courage, but also by its strength and endurance. The hunt went like this: the dog had to detect the animal’s hole and drive him out of there. In some cases, white terriers removed dead prey from the shelters, which they got in a difficult battle underground. In the household, these cute creatures helped their owners get rid of rodents.
From afar, the noticeable white color of the terrier was not invented at all by chance. There are no wild animals with such hair in nature, thanks to this the hunter is unlikely to confuse him, say, with a fox or badger.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the white terrier received the official and unchanged name and standard of the breed to this day. Only now in the modern world it is rarely used as an assistant in hunting. Over time, West became a sought-after and indispensable friend of many families around the world.
General description of the dog
West Highland White Terrier is a one of a kind white terrier. He has a very attractive, even somewhat puppet-like appearance, behind the softness and tenderness of which are very hardworking, intelligent, quick-witted and decisive animals. If your pet is West, then you must be an active person, otherwise he will just be bored. These are restless, very playful, intelligent and easily trained dogs that will require your attention constantly.
White terriers feel great at home, they are obedient and friendly. They constantly accompany and guard their owners and become true true friends for them.
Size and life span
These are very small and compact animals, the sizes of which are different between males and females. The white terrier bitch can reach a weight of 7 kg and grow at the withers of 28 cm, cables are larger - growth at the withers - 30 cm, weight - 10 kg. They have a disproportionate body (the head seems to be the same as the rest of the body), which makes them even more unusual.
The average lifespan of terriers is from 12 to 15 years, but only with proper keeping of the animal and constant care for it. With West, you need to spend a lot of time. These dogs are very fond of walking and playing and should receive it daily. Shades of coat color range from white to wheat.
Detailed physique
West Highland White Terrier has the following appearance:
- A compact but strong physique with a wide lumbar region, powerful hips and a shoulder body.
- Round head with intense hairline. Narrowed blunt muzzle, massive superciliary arches.
- Strong jaws with the right bite.
- Black nose.
- Eyes are not too convex, dark color, medium size. The gaze of the West is clever and piercing. Light-colored eyes are allowed, but this is not very good.
- Small triangular ears protruding with a light wool cover at the tips. Cutting the hair on the ears of terriers is undesirable.
- Slightly elongated wide neck, sloping shoulders.
- Short and muscular forelegs with a dense coat of wool. The front paws are larger than the hind legs, have a rounded shape, the fingers are brought together tightly.
- Compact body, flat back.
- The hind legs, also short, have developed muscles. Small paws with black nails and pads.
- 15 cm straight tail with short hair. Tail docking is strictly prohibited.
- The coat is not very long with a thick undercoat; there should be no curls.
- The color is exclusively white.
- The gait is free, easy and straightforward.
There are some discrepancies in appearance, but they are all undesirable.
Character
The West Highland White Terrier dog is quite calm, but at the same time mischievous and playful with its owner. With all their intelligence, a set of good manners and endurance, the pets are ready to fight for loved ones and protect them from all kinds of misfortunes, entering into serious fights with animals of even large sizes. Terriers fight to the bitter end.
Small, but very brave, they lend themselves perfectly to training, they learn everything very easily and quickly. They require a lot of attention and education, rarely stubborn.
Energetic and active, have a good "sensory". Foresee the danger and do not leave the arrival of guests unnoticed. They love to be the center of attention, they are sociable, although their master is prone to be jealous of other pets. They love children, treat them carefully and carefully. They can’t stand it when they are ignored, they don’t tolerate rude attitude towards themselves.
What diseases is West Highland White Terrier prone to
To say that Vesta is a painful dog is difficult. However, like any other breed, they have some predispositions to diseases such as:
- allergies and dermatitis;
- pulmonary fibrosis;
- atopy;
- problems with the femur (often necrosis or joint dysplasia);
- eye diseases (including cataract and conjunctivitis);
- cardiomyopathy, osteopathy;
- deafness.
In some cases, congenital meningoencephalitis, a disease that is especially prone to white dogs, can occur.
Proper maintenance and care
Care for such a beautiful pet must be carefully from a very young age. A West Highland White Terrier puppy must be combed twice a week, and every year it must undergo a haircut or trim procedure.
The fur grows quite actively on the face, therefore it must be plucked out (near the eyes and ears). To maintain hygiene, it is good to rid the genitals of excess hair.
This dog needs to be bathed regularly (at least 1 time per month, depending on weather conditions) due to the fact that the coat quickly gets dirty and dirty. And, of course, training! This is an integral moment of growing up an animal, and the owner must unconditionally occupy a higher position, he is in charge, and the dog must understand this from a very young age.
Activities of the National Club of Breed (NKP)
Such an organization began its existence in the Russian Federation in 1999. Then the NKP included 2 varieties of dogs: core-terriers and West-terriers. And already in 2004 a separate monobreed club appeared.
The NKP West Highland White Terrier organizes annual events for animals and their owners, dog shows are held in various cities of Russia. Owners of only real West Highlands can get to them, pets must be suitable for the West Highland White Terrier breed, have all sorts of documentary evidence of this and a good pedigree.
NKP also sells puppies of white terriers. Many articles posted on the official website and seminars conducted by the club help the owners of these beautiful creatures answer a lot of questions that arise.
Dog reviews
There are a huge number of fans around the world. This dog is devoted to entire forums and blogs. Some of the owners tell their stories from life, someone puts pictures of their pets. People say about the vests that these are ideal dogs that you cannot help but love.
West Highland White Terrier dogs, photos of which we bring to your attention, are truly a real find for many families. Choosing such a pet, you will never regret it!
And what a wonderful West Highland White Terrier touches! Photos of little puppies are especially lovely. They are beautiful, fluffy, tender, perky ...
If you decide to buy a vest for yourself, first find out everything that is possible about it, and then decide, having weighed everything beforehand. Love your pet, take care of it and take care! Such friends are the closest and real!