Dog picture taken by BdwayDiva1.

Dog picture taken by laRuth.

7. The Bonnie Earl ‘O Moray By Ronnie Browne, of The Corries, performed on The West Highland Way. Taken from music DVD “Ronnie Browne – The West Highland Way In Four Seasons”. Available from ScotDisc.

How to Train a West Highland White Terrier – Learn how to train your West Highland White Terrier obedience and discover tips and techniques you can use in this video. You can also get more information on West Highland White Terrier training by getting the FREE Dog Training Blueprint at: www.amazingdogtrainingman.com Don’t forget to rate this video, leave comments and subscribe to my channel.

Dog picture taken by Mona sin restricción.

At around 1700s, the Isle of Skye and other highlands in Scotland were already producing lots of small terriers. Scottish breeds were separated into two: the Skye terriers and the Dandie Dinmont terriers.

The Dandie Dinmonts were categorized as a separate breed. The Skyes included the Scotties, the Cairns and the West highland white terriers or the Westies.

It was also noted that these terriers were the hybrids among the crossed Cairns, Scottish, and Dandies terriers. One could assume that the hybrid would really be loyal and its hunting instincts could not be belittled. In fact, many royalties in Scotland owned terriers that were very similar to the Westies of today.

Another remarkable story is about a Westie that stopped a mother from constantly yelling at her daughter. Every time the mother would yell at her teenage daughter, the Westie would attack the mother. The aggression of the dog got worse over the years that resulted in the mother’s complete inability to scold her teenager.

It turned out that the girl was actually rewarding the dog for his protection by calming and soothing him down after every “threat” from her mother. Many would perceive that the daughter was able to help her mother to change her ways when in fact she was helping herself by rewarding the dog for its behavior.

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Westies:

Category: Terrier Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard)

Coat: about two-inch coarse and wiry outer coat and soft, dense, and furry undercoat Color: white

Height: between 10 and 12 inches

Weight: between 13 and 22 pounds

Temperament:

Naturally,

• they like to bark and dig

• they are not as willful like most terriers

• they love companionship

When properly trained

• they can become fairly friendly towards strangers

• they develop close affinity with behaved children

• they love to chase cats but they do not hurt them

• they can become a very good watch dog • they can become very lively

Breeders should note of the following health issues:

• Chronic skin problems

• Perthe’s disease (hip problems)

• Jawbone calcification

• Cranio mandibular osteopathy (lion jaw)

• Patella luxation, a disorder in the kneecap

• Liver ailments

• Deafness

• Congenital heart disease

Care and Exercise:

• Their coat should be brushed regularly using a brush with stiff bristles.

• They should bathe only when necessary.

• Their whole coat should be stripped at least twice a year and trimmed every four months.

• The fur on the eyes and ears should be trimmed using blunt-nose mirrors.

• They will surely be more agile and healthy after regular sessions of play and/or walk.

Origin/History:

As noted, they share the same lineage with Cairns and Scotties (from Skye terriers), and even with the Dandies. This trio was developed in the Isle of Skye, which was one of the highlands in Scotland. It was noted that white whelps were chosen from the wiry-coated Cairns, Scotties, and Dandies to produce the variety that were known as Poltalloch terriers.

Following are some items in the history that show the Westies’ reputation of being owners’ favorite companion dogs.

Records in the history mentioned that around 1620, King James 1 of England requested some small white dogs from Argyleshire in Scotland. Colonel Malcolm, who was considered as the originator of Poltalloch terriers, that are very similar to the Westies of today, accidentally shot his terrier (a dark one). From then on he vowed to have only white terriers.

In the 19th century, terriers that were very similar to the Westies were known as Roseneath terriers in honor of Duke of Argyll’s interest and patronage of this breed. Roseneath was the name of his estate at Dumbartonshire.

In the first-ever dog show that were organized in the late 1800s, the Westies were called as White Scottish terriers. In 1904, they were classified under the name West Highland White terriers.

During the mid-1900s, breeders of the Cairns in Argyll, Scotland selected white puppies from the stock and interbreed some to obtain white Cairns. However, in 1917, the American Kennel Club ruled that Cairns could be listed if they have the Westies’ lineage. We can say the history repeats itself for this delightful terrier is now mostly a favorite companion dog of many households.

At around 1700s, the Isle of Skye and other highlands in Scotland were already producing lots of small terriers. Scottish breeds were separated into two: the Skye terriers and the Dandie Dinmont terriers.

The Dandie Dinmonts were categorized as a separate breed. The Skyes included the Scotties, the Cairns and the West highland white terriers or the Westies.

It was also noted that these terriers were the hybrids among the crossed Cairns, Scottish, and Dandies terriers. One could assume that the hybrid would really be loyal and its hunting instincts could not be belittled. In fact, many royalties in Scotland owned terriers that were very similar to the Westies of today.

Another remarkable story is about a Westie that stopped a mother from constantly yelling at her daughter. Every time the mother would yell at her teenage daughter, the Westie would attack the mother. The aggression of the dog got worse over the years that resulted in the mother’s complete inability to scold her teenager.

It turned out that the girl was actually rewarding the dog for his protection by calming and soothing him down after every “threat” from her mother. Many would perceive that the daughter was able to help her mother to change her ways when in fact she was helping herself by rewarding the dog for its behavior.

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Westies:

Category: Terrier
Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard)

Coat: about two-inch coarse and wiry outer coat and soft, dense, and furry undercoat
Color: white

Height: between 10 and 12 inches

Weight: between 13 and 22 pounds

Temperament:

Naturally,

• they like to bark and dig
• they are not as willful like most terriers
• they love companionship

When properly trained

• they can become fairly friendly towards strangers
• they develop close affinity with behaved children
• they love to chase cats but they do not hurt them
• they can become a very good watch dog
• they can become very lively

Breeders should note of the following health issues:

• Chronic skin problems
• Perthe’s disease (hip problems)
• Jawbone calcification
• Cranio mandibular osteopathy (lion jaw)
• Patella luxation, a disorder in the kneecap
• Liver ailments
• Deafness
• Congenital heart disease

Care and Exercise:

• Their coat should be brushed regularly using a brush with stiff bristles.
• They should bathe only when necessary.
• Their whole coat should be stripped at least twice a year and trimmed every four months.
• The fur on the eyes and ears should be trimmed using blunt-nose mirrors.
• They will surely be more agile and healthy after regular sessions of play and/or walk.

Origin/History:

As noted, they share the same lineage with Cairns and Scotties (from Skye terriers), and even with the Dandies. This trio was developed in the Isle of Skye, which was one of the highlands in Scotland. It was noted that white whelps were chosen from the wiry-coated Cairns, Scotties, and Dandies to produce the variety that were known as Poltalloch terriers.

Following are some items in the history that show the Westies’ reputation of being owners’ favorite companion dogs.

Records in the history mentioned that around 1620, King James 1 of England requested some small white dogs from Argyleshire in Scotland. Colonel Malcolm, who was considered as the originator of Poltalloch terriers, that are very similar to the Westies of today, accidentally shot his terrier (a dark one). From then on he vowed to have only white terriers.

In the 19th century, terriers that were very similar to the Westies were known as Roseneath terriers in honor of Duke of Argyll’s interest and patronage of this breed. Roseneath was the name of his estate at Dumbartonshire.

In the first-ever dog show that were organized in the late 1800s, the Westies were called as White Scottish terriers. In 1904, they were classified under the name West Highland White terriers.

During the mid-1900s, breeders of the Cairns in Argyll, Scotland selected white puppies from the stock and interbreed some to obtain white Cairns. However, in 1917, the American Kennel Club ruled that Cairns could be listed if they have the Westies’ lineage.

We can say the history repeats itself for this delightful terrier is now mostly a favorite companion dog of many households.

West Highland White Terriers, like many breeds, need more sleep than humans in order to stay healthy. Over a period of twenty-four hours, these energetic little dogs require a minimum of thirteen hours of sleep in order to get sufficient rest. They will easily conform to the sleeping habits of their family, however, often getting most of their sleep at night when their humans are sleeping. In addition to this sleep, the West Highland White Terrier will take several naps during the day. New Westie owners can train their dogs to learn good sleeping habits, and armed with the proper information, can determine when your Westie is sleeping too much.

Where your Westie will sleep is an important part of training and housebreaking him. The place you choose for your Westie to sleep should be a safe haven for your pet, where he can retire after an energetic playing session or for the night. Crate training, highly recommended by fanciers of the Westie, will appeal to the dog’s natural den instinct. Some owners prefer to place the crate inside a pen, so that the Westie will have a place to play safely as well as an area to sleep peacefully. Others simply use the crate as a safe place for the dog to stay while he is alone or taking a nap.

It is very important not to use the crate as a form of punishment, since no pet will consider it a safe haven if he associates it with the place he has to go when he has done wrong. The crate itself should be large enough to be comfortable, but not stifling, and should have plenty of soft padding. When used properly, the crate will provide your Westie with a place he’ll go willingly to sleep, and it will also provide a way to transport him from one place to another safely and securely.

Some Westie owners prefer to have their West Highland White Terrier sleep with them in the bedroom. Although there is nothing wrong with this choice, it may be a good idea to give your pet his own bed on the floor near yours. This principle is the same as crating – giving your dog a safe place to go when he needs to take a nap or be alone for a while. Closing the bedroom door at night will keep your Westie from roaming throughout the house at night, and will teach him to sleep at night, rather than wander.

It is not unusual for West Highland White Terriers to tire easily after a vigorous round of play, so your pet will surely want to take a nap. Sleeping too much, however, can be a signal that something is wrong. Continuous sleeping, combined with general weakness or lack of appetite, can be symptoms of medical issues, such as autoimmune disorders or cancer. Reputable breeders do everything in their power to weed out those Westies that may pass on dangerous illnesses, so not every Westie will develop medical issues. However, if you suspect that your Westie is sleeping too much, and may have a medical problem, a visit to the veterinarian for a full check up should be in the near future.

Dog picture taken by Randy Son Of Robert.

Dog picture taken by Randy Son Of Robert.

With a friendly temperament, high energy disposition, and beautiful white coat, it is no surprise that the West Highland White Terrier has become the most popular terrier in the world. Their handsome good looks and excellent temperaments have allowed Westies to become famous actors on television and in films, and become models for various applications, characters in books and cartoon representations. For your enjoyment, below are some of the most famous West Highland White Terriers, America’s favorite Terrier.

The name of the charming Westie that appears on the label of Australia’s My Dog brand of dog food is Imelda.

A Westie with black ear tips played in a feature film based on the French cartoon character Axterix, as the pet dog of Axterix’s friend, Obelix. In the film, he was called Dogmatrix, or Idefix in the original French version.

The pet of the Souphanousinphone family on the animated series King of the Hill is played by a West Highland White Terrier named Doggy.

An acting dog, Happy, who had been abused by her first owner, found a part on the television show 7th Heaven. After being rescued from the animal shelter, it was necessary for Happy to make friends with adult actors before the filming began. She appeared on the show for eleven seasons,

The main character in a series of illustrated books created by Rosemary Wells and illustrated by Susan Jeffers is a West Highland White Terrier named McDuff.

Hamish Macbeth is a fictional police officer in a popular series of books written by M. C. Beaton. Macbeth is often accompanied by his Westie, Wee Jock. The series was later adapted into a popular television show for BBC that ran for three seasons.

The mascot and poster dog for the Cesar brand of dog food is Cesar in the United States. In Canada, a different Westie, Maggie, appears on the containers and commercials.

American author and recipient of the Caldecott Honor, David Shannon, wrote a children’s book titled “Good Boy, Fergus!” in which the title character is a Westie.

Agatha Gregson owned a West Highland White Terrier named Macintosh in the celebrated series Jeeves and Wooster, by P.D. Wodehouse.

“Greyfriars Bobby,” by Eleanor Atkinson, depicts an embellished true story of a Skye Terrier who spent the better part of his life sitting on his master’s grave, to whom he was deeply devoted. In a later film, produced in 2006, called “The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby,” the dog, Bobby, was portrayed by a West Highland White Terrier.

The Westie that appears in the American Girl series of books and dolls is named Coconut.

House, a currently produced television series, boasts a Westie named Hector, who lives with Wilson, one of the main characters of the show.

As you can see, Westies are famous world wide. If you are interested in purchasing a Westie for you household, make sure to do plenty of research and know exactly what type of dog you are getting. While Westies are well mannered and intelligent, there may be certain traits you might not like. It’s also important to do plenty of research into your breeder of choice. Make sure your breeder is ethical and properly screens their puppies.

This West Highland White Terrier from Brazil (trained by team Carlos Souza) demonstrates climbing on a tree, as if it were a pit bull, to hunt for small animals. www.girino.org

Dog picture taken by Yoshi Huang.

West Highland White Terriers are prized possessions for dog owners, particularly those of you that cherish that luxurious, long white coat. The plush, thick coats consist of a double coat – a cottony undercoat and an outer coat of hard straight, white hair. Although the white coat makes for a distinctive look, it can also become the bane of your existence – given that the Westies love to dive into holes or digging their own in the backyard. Unfortunately, since your West Highland White Terrier has sensitive skin, he can only be bathed sparsely, although sometimes bathing is needed more often. So why should Westies be bathed infrequently, exactly, and what should you do if he need more than the usual requirement?

Frequent bathing your West Highland White Terrier will deprive his sensitive skin of the natural oils that are produced to help keep the white coat healthy. If you bathe your Westie too often, you must take the natural oils into consideration, because the oil glands could eventually cease production. As a result, your pet’s skin could become flaky, itchy and quite uncomfortable. Due to this condition, many Westie clubs and associations recommend washing your Westie only three or four times a year. Although this is a good general rule, you should definitely wash him if he rolls in something particularly nasty.

Some owners, perhaps yourself, may prefer to have your West Highland White Terrier groomed by a professional groomer. To take full advantage of the freshly cut hair, many owners choose to bathe their pet every four to six weeks. Many owners choose to get a variety of cuts. It’s really up to the person. It’s your dog so why not have fun with his or her hair?

In a very few circumstances, it is necessary to bathe your West Highland White Terrier more often than every four weeks. Allergies and other skin disorders may require a medicated shampoo prescribed by the veterinarian. On the other hand, your West Highland White Terrier may produce an excess of natural oils and more frequent baths will help remove them. It’s important not to bathe too frequently. Many of these oils are good for the Westies coat and help prevent skin irritations. Each dog is different, so try to find a time frame that allows your pups skin to be balanced and healthy. Those dogs that spend a great deal of time outside may often find smelly things to roll around in. Of course, there are some owners who simply prefer for their dog to be bathed more often.

If you do decide that you either prefer to or need to bathe your West Highland White Terrier, it would be best to consult with your local veterinarian about the proper bathing products to help keep your pet’s skin in its best health. There are specially formulated products for Westies that should always take preference over any other formulas, unless recommended by your vet. There are also specialized conditioners and rinses to help keep your Westie’s skin healthy, which is just as important as keeping your dog clean. A clean, healthy Westie is a happy pet.

Dog picture taken by Randy Son Of Robert.

It was in the isle of Skye that the Scotts divided their breeds of canines into two categories the Skye terriers and the Dandie Dinmont terriers. The later category was declared an entirely separate breed of dog and the West Highland White Terrier found itself belonging to the Skyes.

A West highland White Terrier is commonly called a ‘Westie’ in Scotland and the following are the facts of this breed of canine that has won the hearts of many who have owned them.:

The ‘Westie’ belongs to a species of dog called ‘terriers’. They enjoy living indoors or in a fenced yard. The Westie has a coat of hair that grows up to 2 inches and has a very coarse or wiry texture. They also have a very thick and furry undercoat which is usually white in color.

The Westie grows to about a foot in height and weighs approximately 13 to 22 pounds.

So far as their temperament is concerned they

• bark and dig up mud
• they are not very obedient like other terriers (they seem to have a mind of their own)
• Companionship in important to the Westie

Proper training and handling will make the Westie

• friendly towards friends and strangers
• understand and treat children properly
• chase cats but never hurt them
• become a very smart and good guard dog
• become lively

People who breed the Westie should note health problems:

• Westies are prone to severe skin problems
• A common problem known as ‘Perthe’s disease’ relating to the hip
• Jawbone diseases
• Lion Jaw syndrome known as ‘Cranio mandibular osteopathy’
• A common disorder of the kneecap
• Common liver diseases
• Sudden deafness
• Heart disease

Care and Exercise of a Westie:

• Brush off the loose bristles regularly suing a stiff brush.
• Do not bathe the Westie frequently. Once month will do fine.
• Strip the Westie of its coat once a year and trim it quarterly.
• Keep the fur over the eyes trimmed at all times.
• Frequent walks will kept the Westie more agile and healthy.

History of the Westie:

The Westie was bred as far back as the 1600 on the isle of Skye and belongs to a group of canines known as the ‘Terrier’. The white coated wired haired type of terriers were chosen to cross breed and produce a variety of terrier known as the Poltalloch terriers. Since teen there has been no looking back for the famous Westie, which has had proud owners such as King James the 1st of England in 1620.

Westies were known as the White Scottish Terriers initially and were renamed in 1904 as the West Highland White Terrier. The American Kenner Club has also ruled in 1904 that the other breeds of the Skyes breed of terrier may be included in their club if the terrier had the Westie lineage. Nevertheless even without any formal recognition the Westie had already carved a niche for itself in the hearts and minds of Royal and common folk alike.

The West Highland White Terrier is a hardy, happy little terrier that love the companionship of people. They are very good looking and make good watch dogs. They can get along with other pets, especially if socialized when young. They have been known to chase cats as a sport. They are generally very good with children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male is 10 to 12 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 15 to 22 pounds. The female ranges from 9 to 11 inches to the withers and 13 to 16 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the West Highland White Terrier is no exception. Be on the look out for skin allergies, progressive neurological disorders and tear duct problems. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. They have a double coat. The inner coat is soft and fluffy. The outer coat is white, straight and hard hair. This is a breed that needs to be professionally groomed regularly. She should also be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The West Highland White Terrier can live around 15 or more years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The West Highland White Terrier comes from Scotland where they were raised to hunt vermin. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1908.

Some Registries:

* West Highland White Terrier Club of America

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 2 to 5 West Highland White Terrier puppies

Category: Terrier

Terms To Describe: Alert, friendly, reliable, happy, balanced, hardy, self-esteem, strength, affectionate

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Makes a good watch dog.

Sheds almost no hair.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Makes a poor guard dog.

They may dig.

They may bark plenty.

*Other Names Known By: Toseneath Terrier, Poltalloch Terrier

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

About 12 weeks old in this clip, very playful … my son is always giggling when she’s around.

Westie – West Highland White Terrier- 12 weeks old -how to Potty Train Your Puppy- smart cute funny puppy tricks – clicker training – Rose Marie – ring bell for puppy potty training – beg – roll over – sit – down – shut door – crate – turn – speak – rollover – house training – Sad – shake paw – mini dachshund

Lacey-female puppy vs Leo-male adult