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If
you are considering adding a West Highland White
Terrier to your family, you will be getting a dog
with history dating back to Scotland in the
mid-1800s, where a breeder of the Cairn Terrier saw
that he had some white pups in a litter. Selective
breeding of these white puppies meant that in the
rural areas of that country, the white Cairn became
the West Highland White Terrier.
The West Highland White Terrier is a very popular
breed because of its personality and its smaller
size. It remains active throughout its 15 years of
life and does well with well-behaved children. With
proper care and a bit of training to help it fit
into your lifestyle, the West Highland White can be
a wonderful family companion.
Of
course, one of the key things to consider when
buying any dog, especially purebred is working with
a breeder you feel comfortable with, knowing you
will get honest, straightforward answers to your
questions. Remember that all puppies are cute and
adorable, so you do need to use some caution in
making your choice. Visit as many reputable breeders
as you can. If you are uncertain about where to
begin, you can always contact the American Kennel
Club or a West Highland White Terrier club for help
in getting a list of quality, licensed breeders from
which to choose.
One of the real benefits of buying from a
top-quality, recommended breeder is that you will
get a properly raised puppy that has started its
life by learning to socialize with others. This can
save a great deal of effort later in the dog’s life,
as you train and care for it. In fact, top breeders
are very careful to socialize and play with puppies
during the first weeks of their life, as well as
making sure the puppy begins with a good diet.
There is also a strong club network devoted to West
Highland White Terriers that focuses on proper care
of Westies and making sure that the dogs find good
homes. In addition, the many older dogs at rescue
and rehabilitation sites need a good home and
currently do not have one. The reasons vary but this
alternative to getting the West Highland White
Terrier is one you may want to consider for your
family.
Some of the things you should look for, and expect
as the dog grows older, are a sturdy appearance and
a healthy looking coat. The Westie should have small
pointed ears that stand erect, giving the dog an
alert appearance. The West Highland White Terrier is
generally a compact, sturdy dog, though it is a
smaller dog. Experts say it is best to choose a dog
with a well-balanced look and an energetic gait.
There are a few health concerns unique to Westies
and some similar terriers, including allergies of
the skin caused by grass, pollen and other
irritants. West Highland White Terriers and other
small breeds may also develop Perthes disease, a
condition of the hip joint. Working with a good
breeder may eliminate many of these genetic health
conditions.
As you talk with various breeders, ask about
guarantees for your new dog. It may be hard to
imagine something serious happening to your new pet,
but it is best to prepare for the chance that your
puppy may become seriously ill or die soon after you
bring it home. If this happens, make sure the
breeder has put a replacement or money-back clause
in writing. It is important to ask a lot of
questions to clear up any doubts and questions you
may have. It is always better to have too much
information than not enough when you add a Westie to
your family.
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