Westie Terriers - Fascinating Facts
Keywords: Westies, westie, west highland white terrier, terriers, dogs, pets
West Highland White Terriers ( Westies) began their history as the undesirable white offspring of the dark-colored Cairn Terrier. With the dog’s popularity today, it is hard to believe that the early Westies were usually drowned or shot.
One breeder, though, Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch, is credited with recognizing the potential of the white coat. The legend is that it made the dog more visible as it ran through brush, and prevented it from being mistaken for prey during foxhunts. He bred them for their white coats, and for many years they were known as Poltalloch Terriers.
The Westies, as they commonly called today, the Cairn, Scottish, Skye, and Dandie Dinmont, Westhighland Terriers are closely related breeds that arose in the rugged terrain of Scotland. They were bred to chase down small prey such as otters, foxes, badgers, and vermin.
The Terrier’s features and temperament both were honed until it became a feisty little dog that would determinedly run its quarry to ground.
It has a small, compact body, with short legs, which allowed it to run and squirm through underbrush where its usual prey dwelled. The Westie’s double coat has coarse outer hairs to shed dirt and debris, and a thick, soft undercoat.
Like many hunting dogs, they are considered intelligent. They also are prone to pursue any creature that runs from it. Barking announced to the hunter that it was on the chase. Westie dogs were trained and bred to become more aggressive the harder the prey tried to escape.
The origin of the word ‘terrier’ is in the Latin word ‘terra’ - earth. It was given to them, and all terrier breeds, because once their prey is run to ground, they will dig it out. Westies today still possess the tendency to be diggers.
The modern white westhighland terrier dog is a hardy, tenacious breed that is also loyal and friendly. They still retain the traits of their ancestors: a love of the chase, a moderate tendency to bark, a habit of digging, and they are prone to become a bit aggressive during very rough play.
They are a little obstinate, and need firm, consistent discipline. However, they are also easy to care for, and natural guard dogs. Those taking a Westie as a pet will find themselves with a loyal, loving companion for the life of the dog.
Terrier puppies, like all very young dogs, should be trained in short sessions of five minutes or less. Make the training session play for both you and your terrier. Generously reward your dog with praise. They are also known to react well to food training.
Your Westie will become confused if you lash out at its misbehavior, particularly if you continue to be angry after the behavior has stopped. Your little terrier wants to please you, and by consistently rewarding the behavior you wish to promote, you will encourage it to become part of the dog’s personality.
Like the Scottish Terrier, and other terrier breeds, Westies are barkers. Barking is a dog’s natural way to communicate a variety of feelings from happiness, to anxiety, to boredom. The terrier breeds, though, are quicker to bark than other dogs.
The most natural reaction by dog owners is to yell at your terrier to stop barking. This is exactly the WRONG thing to do. Your dog hears the loud voice as a sort of human bark, and it only reinforces the behavior. The key is to remain calm, verbally and physically, and diffuse the terrier’s excited emotional state. Say ‘no bark’ in a calm but firm tone. Never forget to reward the dog when the barking stops.
West Highland Terriers are clever, active dogs, and they will sometimes bark out of boredom. Be sure to provide your dog with walks and appropriate play to stimulate their minds and bodies. You can divert their attention with a chew toy that can be stuffed with a food treat.
It’s not that hard to see then that the West Highland White Terrier definitely qualifies as one of man’s best friends.
I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.
(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)
Jeff Cuckson is Author of “Mad About Westies!!”
Find out more about on how you can have the
Healthiest and Happiest Westie You’ve Always Dreamed Of by going NOW to: www.madaboutwesties.com
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Westies - Training A West Highland Terrier To Bark Less (1)
Certainly do not respond by shouting or scolding. If you do, the Westie will only know that its barking has been productive by making you shout (bark) as well.
Hypoallergenic Dogs - Are You Allergic To Your Westie? (2)
American Hairless Terrier Basenji Border Terrier Cairn Terrier Chinese Crested (hairless) Havanese Kerry Blue Terrier Maltese Miniature Schnauzer Portuguese Water Dog Shih-Tzu Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Spanish Water Dog Standard Poodle Standard Schnauzer Tibetan Terrier Toy Poodle West Highland White Terrier Wirehaired Fox Terrier Yorkshire Terrier Please remember that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic and also that allergic sufferers react differently to each separate breed of dog.
West Highland Terriers - A Wonderful Breed Apart (3)
Keywords: westie, westies, pets, dogs, west highland terrier, terriers West Highland Terriers or Westies ( as they are more beeter known) are furry coated dogs, with dots for coal black eyes and button noses.
Westie Puppy - Tips For Success In Housetraining (4)
First you need to accept the fact that accidents will happen. Westie puppies under three or four months of age have very little bladder control, and do not realize they have to urinate until they are doing it.
Westie Puppies - Fragile And Needful Of Protection (5)
Here are useful facts. When and how should you teach your puppy to socialize? The ideal time, would be when the puppy is between eight and 16 weeks of age, they're rapidly maturing during this period.
Google Big Daddy Will Keep Website Owner's On Their Toes (6)
Once the changes have been completed, it's important to find out why the new websites in position one two and three on page one have been selected by Google's spiders.
Google's "Big Daddy" Creates Havoc And Confusion For Website Owners (7)
14) How can I contact google to thank them for my new search engine ranking? 15) Can I count on the recent changes to my site to be permenent for the next few months?
The Triple Crown - Horse Racing's Ultimate Challenge (8)
The Triple Crown stands as the ultimate test of greatness, and that's why on the first Saturday in May each year, America's thoughts turn to horse racing and the hope of just one more Triple Crown winner.
Tips For Starting A Small Business (9)
Look for books that have received positive reviews from independent reviewers and find ones by industry experts that have a solid reputation. When using Internet sources to find information on starting a small business, make sure you verify the information you receive.
Pattern Recognition And Why You Need To Learn It To Be Successful In Forex Trading (10)
The study of pattern recognition and research answers can often result in different training methods for traders. Most traders gradually improve their trading results though research, data collection, and learning to use better and more comprehensive tools.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Westie Dogs - Footcare Health Tips (1)
The pads are swollen. This means yeast and bacteria already be developing in the crevices between the pads and around the nails. Visit your vet so he or she can recommend medication to reduce the swelling and alleviate the itching.
Westie Pups - Tips For Success In Housetraining (2)
Establish a routine for your westie pups of regular eating, play, and potty times throughout the day. There are other signs of when they need to be taken to their potty place - the pups will become restless, sniffing and circling around as they instinctually try to find a place that has been used before.
West Highland Terrier Grooming (3)
No definitely not today. However, when he or she has dug up part of your newly planted scrubs, you would like to strangle it. Here are some success tips on how to groom your westie.
Westie Dogs And Children (4)
Each child presents different behaviors that may create some of the issues. It is up to you to adapt it to the new environment and cope with it. Jeff Cuckson is Author of "Mad About Westies!" package which includes 3 exclusive bonuses .Find out more about on how you can have the Healthiest and Happiest Westie You've Always Dreamed Of by going NOW to: www.madaboutwesties.com
Westie Puppies - Why Are They Sought After By Many Dog Lovers? (5)
A surprising fact about this breed is, given that it was originally bred to traipse the steep and rugged mountain sides, Westies are well adjusted to today's living conditions. As long as they are walked several times a day, they are good apartment dwellers.
Get Rid Of Bad Credit (6)
Before you decide on a company, do a background check, get all your questions answered and follow the above tips to protect yourself as you work to achieve your financial goals.
Tips On Fly Fishing (7)
At the beginning, practice is enhanced if there is instruction and coaching from a veteran fly fisherman. Still, it takes a lot of time to learn and acquire skillful use of the fly rod.
Choosing The Right Residual Income Home Business (8)
Larry Bregman is a webmaster and an online entrepreneur with easy to start internet businesses that can generate extra income and in time make you financially independent. To get your own great money making home business website with free set up go to www.topprofit.net
2007 Is A Great Year For Cheap Cruises (9)
If you suffer from claustrophobia, make sure you avoid an inside cabin. Read all the conditions specified on the offer, you might need to buy some airline tickets as well, in order to get to the departure line of the cruise, and that could cost more than the discount.
Accounting And Quasar Software (10)
Because, the capabilities of the accounting system of an entity should be geared towards providing better flow of operations and reporting mechanisms for control purposes. The basic functions of accounting like bookkeeping are addressed well by Quasar.