West Highland Dogs

West Highland dogs are also known as West Highland Terriers or Westy's for short. They are part of the terrier dog classification and are generally white in coat color.

Westies date back to the middle of the nineteenth century. They hail from Scotland and are bred off of the Cairn Terrier. Their white coats made them easier to see and they were used to help control the population of rats, foxes and other vermin. The Westy terrier is now mostly a companion dog for families and is oftern shown in many dog shows.

The West Highland Terriers have very compact, sturdy body frame and are a very durable breed of terrier. The males usually grow to be 10-12 inches high and will weigh around 15-22 pounds full grown. The females will usually grow to 9-11 inches in height and weigh in the neighborhood of 13-16 pounds. The coat of a Westie is two inches in length, uncurled and all white in color. The undercoat is dense in nature. Unlike most terriers, the Westy tail is usually un-cropped and 5-6 inches in length. This adds a great deal to the look and the personality of the breed. They have a deep chest and a very staunch, muscular look to them along with a slightly convex skull. The breed has a set of dark, round and deep-set eyes with a deep penetrating gaze to them. Their ears are small and pointed and stand erect, giving them a very alert look.

The temperament of a Westy dog is a good one. They are easy to train and are usually very friendly toward strangers and children. They are very self-assured and lively and always want to know what is going on around them. They generally get along well with other dogs and are not ones to start a fight. They have a strong will and love to play for hours on end. They do well outside and love to run, bark and dig. They should be walked regularly to help them burn off some daily energy. They are very loyal to their owner, but will not smother like a lap dog. They know when to be close, but also like their own space at times. They are very alert and will make a great watch dog for the house, as they are always the first to know what is going on. They also travel well because of their small size. They can function as both an inside or outside dog, but should mostly be considered an inside dog that is allowed to play outside and exercise. They do well in both city or country surroundings and adept well to any living condition.

The coat of a West Highland Terrier is fairly easy to groom and they shed very little. They do not need to be brushed every day, but do enjoy a good stiff bristle brush on occasion. They can go long periods of time between bathing without smelling dirty. Grooming your Westie only needs to be done about 4 times a year to keep them looking fresh and kept.

Like most of the terrier breeds, the Westie breed is fairly healthy. Some of the health conditions they are prone to include: chronic skin problems, hip problems, hernias, liver disease, and jawbone calcification. The life expectancy can be 15 or more years for this hearty dog. They do very well on a consistent dry dog food diet and love to chew rawhide bones and an occasional dog treat.

If you are looking for a sturdy, smaller dog that is very compassionate and loyal, then the West Highland dog is a perfect fit. They are very smart and love to be trained and please their owner. They would make a great addition to any family.