Westie Breed

Westies make great pets. So are you interested in owning a Westie or West Highland White Terrier as they are called? Then continue reading about the breed right here.

The breed typically weighs around 17 to 22 pounds and averages about 11 inches in height. Although they are small dogs, when you get to know them you will find that a Westie thinks that it is a big dog and exhibits traits of machismo and kingly attitudes.  The West Highland White Terrier is definitely inquisitive and confident! That makes the breed so desirable.

With a big ego in a small package, don’t be fooled by their small size, Westies are very hardy dogs and are not delicate or prone to disease. They are very robust dogs.

High Energy in a Small Dog

The Westie exhibits a high level of energy and must burn off their energy requiring several walks and exercise a day. It’s not uncommon for the Westie to jog alongside its owner up to 15 km.

In addition to exercise, the Westie is very alert and loves attention from its owner and family. Because of their inquisitive nature, your pet will follow you wherever you go and watch what you’re doing. They love to be involved with whatever you are doing. But you also need to provide your dog with love and attention.

Westies are very sociable animals requiring lots of human contact. When considering a Westie as a pet, you need to consider the total time you will have to devote to the latest family member. That means exercise and walk time as well as playing and giving affection to your Westie. So once you’ve made the big decision and decide to bring home a new member of the family, planning the trip for your Westie home and the day to day needs will be important. Who will take the dog out? At what times? Feeding your Westie and looking after your pet’s grooming needs. What do you do when you can’t bring your pet on vacation?

Before You Buy a Westie

Before you buy you should be prepared for the cost to buy as well as to maintain your pet throughout the year. Always buy your Westie from a reputable breeder. The cost nowadays can run  you anywhere from $600-$1200. Other costs include food to veterinary costs when your dog is sick and health maintenance costs such as heartworm, rabies shots, and other preventative health measures to keep your pet in good health. If you do get a Westie you should know that they have sensitive skin and can develop skin problems if they are washed too often.

Other considerations you will need to consider is whether you can have a pet if you are leasing an apartment. Your dog will require grooming every 10 to 12 weeks by a groomer which typically costs approximately $50 – $60 per cut. Are there other members of your family who do not like dogs or to are allergic to your pet? Given all of these factors you can determine whether a Westie is the right type of pet for you.

Puppy or Full Grown Dog

Now that you’ve considered getting a Westie your thoughts might turn to whether you should get a full grown Westie that has been fully toilet trained or get a puppy. If you decide on a puppy you will have to toilet train and leash train your puppy. Training your puppy will take lots of patience, understanding and love.Consider taking your puppy to dog training school. Typically after 4 – 5 months is early enough to enroll your Westie puppy in dog training school.

If after all of the careful considerations you still are enthusiastic about getting a Westie, you will definitely have a bundle of joy to bring home, that will always unconditionally love you. I know, I have a Westie and have grown up with several Westies throughout my life.

You can find Westie puppies for sale right here.