The West Highland White Terrier: Lively, Affectionate, and Charming Companion
Features and Facts
Appearance
The West Highland White Terrier is a compact dog with a sturdy, muscular build. They have a double coat with a hard, straight outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat. Their expressive faces feature round eyes, a black nose, and erect ears that contribute to their charming appearance.
Personality
Westies are known for their lively, playful, and curious nature. They are often confident and have a big personality in a small package. Westies are intelligent and independent, but also affectionate and loyal to their family. They thrive with ample mental and physical stimulation and love to be involved in activities with their owners.
Grooming
Although the Westie's coat is short, the breed requires regular grooming to keep the coat in good condition. This includes regular brushing to remove loose hair and stimulate the skin, as well as periodic trimming to keep the coat tidy. Westies also need regular grooming of nails, teeth, and ears.
Health
Overall, West Highland White Terriers are healthy dogs, but they may be prone to certain health issues, including allergies, skin problems, patellar luxation, and hereditary conditions such as liver disease and white blood cell deficiency. It's important to have regular veterinary check-ups and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to keep your Westie healthy.
Life Expectancy
West Highland White Terriers usually have an average life expectancy of 12 to 16 years, although some may live longer with good care and health management.