Extracts from Miss S.Clelands popular book : Pet Owners Guide to the West Highland White Terrier ISBN 1-86054-015-5 Ringpress Books

                               THE WESTIE CHARACTER

When you consider buying a dog , your first decision must be what size and temperament you want.  There are many pictures of pretty, white, small dogs looking like Westies which are depicted in advertisements, in books and on television, but these do not convey the character of the breed       The Westie is foremost a terrier, bred to chase and hunt, to work underground out of sight and hearing of its owner, and therefore, dependent on its own brain and ingenuity . This produces a dog with an independent spirit, and inquisitive nature and an active body .                             Some people think that terriers are yappy and snappy. This is not true of a well-brought up Westie. Although they can be very determined, they do like to please their owners, and so much depends on early training forming a good relationship with your dog. The owner must be prepared to take on the role of “boss” and as soon as a Westie realises who is ‘top of the pack’ , he will happily do as told-though not the speed and docility of a gundog !                                            Westie do get on well with children, but I would always be wary of selling a puppy to a family with very small children- unless the parents are experienced dog owners. Puppies and small children are both very demanding and it is difficult to give both the attention they require. A Westie puppy, aged 8 to 10 weeks , ready to go to his new home, is very small and vulnerable and could easily be hurt if mishandled- or worse still- dropped. So think carefully before choosing a Westie Puppy if you have small children to care for.          

                            PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Physically , Westies are active and need plenty of exercise. As small dogs, with comparatively short legs,they need the opportunity to run and play. Their intelligent minds mean that they cannot be left          alone for long periods of time. Indeed no dog should be left on its own for hours.                            

Links to web sites with information on health issues

http://www.westieclubamerica.com/health/concerns.html

http://www.southernwesthighlandwhiteterrierclub.co.uk/Health/health.html

Grapes and Raisins are poisonous Click here to down load an Arcobrat reader file with more info

Link to FAQ page of Canadian WHWT Club

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