The breed standard describes the Westie’s expression as “piercing, inquisitive, pert.” In that bright and perky demeanor is a keen intelligence. But although a Westie might not be a great lap-sitter, he’s highly sociable and people-oriented and makes a friendly and admired companion in a variety of settings, and a deeply devoted pet.ĥ. The corollary to the need for exercise mentioned above is that since “lying around lazily” is not usually tops on a Westie’s agenda, they don’t tend to make the best lapdogs. Westies tend to get restless if they’re still for very long. ![]() And in the midst of keeping your Westie happy and busy, you might find a new hobby that you really enjoy as well.Ĥ. So it’s great all around when a Westie can be kept busy with a fun, active “job” to do, as in doing rally or agility, or even working out those hunting skills he was bred for-such as “going to ground” after (completely unharmed) rodents in earthdog or Barn Hunt events. If they’re bored or not getting enough exercise, all that pent-up need for action can be expressed in ways such as barking, digging, or other inventive but perhaps-not-desirable pursuits. Having been developed to hunt over rocky, difficult terrain for long hours, Westies are hard-wired for high energy and extended activity. Westies are very energetic and need plenty of exercise. If they had it their way, Westies would always be doing something or going somewhere. Don’t be surprised if your Westie wants to go after every squirrel he sees or pulls on the lead when he sees a strange cat (although he can learn to live happily with felines he’s raised with).ģ. Westies never forget their family history as expert hunters.Īlthough Westies of today may not be called upon to do much hunting, the breed’s instinct to go after prey is very deeply ingrained. The breed standard puts it perfectly, noting that Westies have “no small amount of self esteem.”Ģ. Who can resist these friendly, lively little dogs? The white-whiskered face with black nose and dark-brown eyes smiles back at everyone they meet. ![]() ![]() Those who’ve owned a Westie are well familiar with the breed’s quirks and personality traits-and below are five of the most defining ones.Ī Westie pops his head out of a burrow while competing in an earthdog event. But to their fans, there’s nothing better than this lively, handsome canine who's just bursting with big personality in a small package. The breed’s sterling qualities make for a charming companion-though in many ways they can be challenging to own. They are also very devoted to their people. True to their hunting background, Westies are feisty, energetic, and determined. He is closely related to several other terrier breeds from the region, including the Scottish Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Skye Terrier, and Dandie Dinmont Terrier. The West Highland White Terrier originated long ago in the Scottish Highlands, where the breed was prized as a tough, efficient hunter of vermin and small game in the rugged landscape.
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