West Highland White Terrier Club of America

Are Westies good with children?

This is highly dependent on adult supervision and the age of the children. If the adult in charge has taught the children proper respect for the puppy's rights and care of the puppy, Westies and children can be a happy combination. Children, particularly 10 and older, can enjoy playing a good game of soccer or catch with a Westie. They are sturdy for their size.

No child should be the primary caretaker of any dog. This must be an adult's responsibility.

Westies are not recommended for the home where children from the entire neighborhood gather to play. This can lead to too much excitement for a Westie and may lead to unintentional consequences.

Do Westies bark?

They are not yappers, but they do like to bark to announce a visitor. Early training and adequate attention will lessen the chance of obnoxious barking.

What will buying a puppy cost?

The price of a companion quality Westie puppy varies significantly depending on where you buy your dog. Commercial and hobby breeders (puppy mills) charge less than a reputable preservationist breeder with championship stock. Westies have small litters (average is 2 to 5 puppies per litter). Stud fees, shipping, pre-breeding tests, veterinary expenses, occasional Caesarian sections, vaccina-tions, feeding, and other supplies are all costly. Money from the sale of puppies does not cover all of these expenses, let alone the time invested for good care and socialization. Young adults and rescued Westies cost considerably less and usually make wonderful pets.

How do I get on a breeder's list?

Each breeder handles prospective buyers in his/her own way. However, persistence pays off. Try visiting the local dog shows and read up on the breed. Knowledgeable and persistent buyers seem to find a puppy sooner.

Do Westies make a good lap dog?

Many do; however, some Westies are too independent to be held for long periods. While they like to be in close proximity, most find a corner of the room or a spot near a heater vent to be ideal. However, there are some exceptions and it has nothing to do with the sex of the dog.

Are Westies smart/intelligent?

Yes! They also get bored very easily.

Are Westies hyper?

No; but they are energetic. "Laid back" is not descriptive of the Westie.

Are Westies easy to train?

Westies enjoy pleasing their owners. They are not stubborn, but may express their independent nature on occasion by demanding "What's in it for me?". Patience encouragement, praise, and rewards such as treats or play may be required to train new behaviors.

Are Westies easy to housebreak?

Yes, they like to be clean. Puppies which have been kept clean during their formative period should be easy to housebreak. A crate and a pen are useful tools for housebreaking.

Do Westies dig?

Can I train him not to dig? Yes, they may dig; they were bred for going to ground so digging is natural for terriers. If a Westie has the instinct to dig and hunt, he is not easily discouraged.

Do Westies run or roam?

Yes. Westies are hunters and even the most well-trained and obedient Westie is not reliable when he spots a squirrel, bird or other varmint. A leash and a fence are your symbols of love. Neutering and spaying will reduce the desire to roam.

Do Westies like to swim, go on boats or hike?

Some do but they MUST be supervised. Swimming pools can be a death trap for any dog. They can not get out! Also, chlorine is very hard on the coat and skin.

They like to share in your activities. There are backpacks and life preservers especially for dogs. And don't forget a good quality collar and leash.

Are Westies obedient?

They can make good obedience dogs with proper training. Modern training methods are very effective with Westies. There are many excellent books and videos on training and your puppy's breeder should be able to refer you to local puppy training and obedience classes.

Do Westies make good gifts?

It is generally not a good idea to surprise someone with a living, breathing gift. A book with lots of pictures or a toy Westie make a wonderful presentation and can be beautifully gift wrapped!

What should I feed my Westie?

You will want to feed your dog a premium quality food found in pet stores. Your choice of food is very important for its total well-being. Select a premium quality food made with real meat including chicken, fish or lamb. The animal-based protein in these products provides superior digestibility, optimal nutrition and great taste.