Pet parents also have the option of forgoing the show-dog look and keeping their Westie’s coat trimmed short. Alternatively, you can take your Westie for a spa day every four to six weeks for grooming, which will result in a softer, curlier coat. Grooming a Westie to have this traditional look involves hand stripping once a month, which removes the dead topcoat to make room for new growth, and retains the Westie’s hard, coarse coat. That quintessential Westie look, for example-the one you see at dog shows with fluffy fur around the legs and shorter on the back and tail with fluffy facial hair-will take more time and energy to maintain. While they tend to shed less than other breeds, their overall grooming needs can tip toward the higher end of the scale. Just like your mom decided to give you a bowl cut when you were five, you get to decide what kind of hairstyle your Westie will have. Rather, once your visitor has settled in, your Westie will want to become their new best friend and show off their antics for a new audience. Westies won’t hesitate to sound the bark alarm (again and again) at a passing leaf or when visitors come to the door, but that rarely translates into aggression. These behaviors can be tempered through training, but it does take time and commitment. Westies also have a strong prey drive that could send them chasing after smaller pets. If you’re bringing an older Westie into a multi-pet home, it’s best to consult with a certified dog trainer with experience of West Highland White Terrier types to help with the transition. The West Highland White Terrier puppy can learn to adjust, especially if socialized from puppyhood. Like all terriers bred to hunt vermin, they have a feisty, independent streak and could get nippy if someone invades their space too often.Ĭare should be taken when introducing Westies to other pets. Don’t expect a Westie to be your lapdog, though. They are good dogs for families with older kids, but can do well with younger children if they’re trained and socialized properly at a young age. You may find them chasing other animals, digging in your yard or barking a lot. But if they don’t get the exercise they need, those antics can become… less entertaining. These dogs love to play games like chase and fetch and show off all the tricks they know. Outgoing and loyal, the Westie dog loves to be the center of attention and will keep you entertained with their energetic antics. Not only are they a friendly, cheerful pet, Westies are confident, smart and tenacious. Minus the ability to bake an amazing cupcake, West Highland White Terriers (Westies) are just like that in canine form. They’re like that popular girl in high school who was student council president, captain of the field hockey team, took all honors classes, remembered everyone’s birthday and made a mean red velvet cupcake. Westies are active dogs who pack a lot of life and love into that small frame.
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