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About:
West Highland White Terrier Highlights
The West Highland White Terrier, endearingly known as the Westie, is a delightful small dog breed originating from Scotland. These charming dogs typically stand 10-11 inches tall and weigh between 13-20 pounds. Belonging to the Terrier group, they have a lifespan of approximately 12-16 years. Their most striking feature is the fluffy, pure white coat, making them stand out. Known for their playful, intelligent, and loyal nature, Westies make ideal companions for families, including children and adults alike.
Westies enjoy daily activities, thriving on around 30 minutes of exercise like walking or playtime. Training them is often an enjoyable and rewarding experience, although they can exhibit a playful stubbornness at times. Their friendly and adaptable nature makes them well-suited to a variety of living environments, including the vibrant city life in Singapore.
West Highland White Terrier Puppy History
The history of the Westie is as captivating as the breed itself. Sharing ancestry with other Scottish terriers such as the Dandie Dinmont and Cairn Terriers, their lineage dates back to the 17th century. A pivotal moment in their history occurred when Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch, following a hunting mishap, decided to exclusively breed white terriers to prevent future confusion, thus giving rise to the Westie’s distinct white coat. Officially recognised in 1906, these dogs initially served as hunters but have evolved into beloved family pets, cherished for their vibrant and affectionate demeanour.
West Highland White Terrier Personality
Westies are a bundle of joy, mixing confidence, smarts, and a happy-go-lucky attitude. They love to play and explore, bringing a smile to everyone’s face. Friendly and outgoing, they fit into families beautifully. They adapt well to different homes and lifestyles. While they’re usually friendly with other pets, they might show a bit of the typical terrier attitude towards dogs of the same gender. This attitude refers to their strong-willed and spirited nature, often demonstrating a level of independence and assertiveness.Early socialising helps them get along well with both pets and children.
West Highland White Terrier Size
Westies may be small, but they’re sturdy and well-built. The males usually stand at about 11 inches tall and weigh between 15 to 22 pounds, with females being slightly lighter. They’re compact with a strong build, which makes them quite agile and energetic. Their size and lively personality make them a great addition to any home, big or small.
How to Care for Highland White Terrier Puppies: Grooming & Basic Needs
Owning a West Highland White Terrier is a delightful experience filled with energy and fun. These little dogs need regular grooming to stay healthy and happy. Their coat is unique with two layers: a soft one underneath and a longer top layer. Brushing them a couple of times a week will keep their fur smooth and clean. When it comes to baths, only give them one when really needed to protect their skin’s natural oils.
Their eyes and ears need a bit of attention too. Check and clean them every week to avoid any infections. Don’t forget their nails! Regular trimming will prevent discomfort and keep their paws in good shape.
Highland White Terrier Common Health Conditions / Training / Nutrition
West Highland White Terriers, known for their spunky and affectionate nature, generally enjoy good health, but they do have specific health concerns to be aware of. They may face issues with jaw bone growth, leading to discomfort while eating, or hip problems that could cause limping or muscle loss in their legs. Eye health is important too, as cataracts can affect their vision. Issues like rapid breathing or breathlessness might indicate a lung condition, and their kneecaps might occasionally slip out of place, causing an unusual gait. Regular check-ups with your vet can help manage these conditions.
Training your Westie should be a fun and positive experience. These intelligent dogs respond well to consistent training and enjoy learning new things. They can be a bit headstrong, so patience is key. Westies are known to be alert barkers, which can be controlled with proper training. Crate training is also recommended, providing them with a safe and comfortable space.
Diet is crucial for Westies. They should eat a balanced diet suitable for their size and activity level, which is usually around half to one and a half cups of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. Watch their diet to avoid obesity and pay attention to dental care, as small breeds often have dental issues. Regular brushing and dental check-ups are essential. With the right care, training, and nutrition, your Westie will be a joyful and healthy companion, living up to its lifespan of 12-16 years.
Our Personal Journey with West Highland White Terriers
At Pretty Pets Kennel, our experience with West Highland White Terriers, fondly known as Westies, has been a journey filled with delight and learning. From the moment these little bundles of joy arrive, we’re captivated by their playful spirit and fluffy white coats. Our journey with each Westie is unique, as we witness their transformation from curious puppies to intelligent and loyal companions. We fondly recall moments of teaching them new tricks, marvelling at their quick learning, and enjoying their playful antics. Their adaptability has made them perfect for various homes, fitting seamlessly into the bustling city life of Singapore. Our hands-on experience with Westies has not only deepened our understanding of the breed but also strengthened our commitment to providing the best care for these adorable pets.
Our Comprehensive Approach to West Highland White Terrier Care and Assessment
At Pretty Pets Kennel, we pride ourselves on a thorough and compassionate approach to caring for West Highland White Terriers. From the outset, our puppies undergo comprehensive health screenings to ensure they are free from common breed-specific health issues. We pay close attention to their development, focusing on proper nutrition and a balanced diet to support their growth. Socialisation is a key aspect of our care regimen, as we introduce them to various stimuli to develop well-rounded personalities.
Our training philosophy is centred on positive reinforcement, catering to the Westies’ intelligent and sometimes stubborn nature. We ensure each puppy learns basic obedience and social manners, making them well-prepared for their future homes. Our commitment extends beyond physical health to encompass emotional well-being, ensuring every West Highland White Terrier that leaves our kennel is healthy, happy, and ready to bring joy to their new families.
Why Trust Pretty Pets Kennel For Puppy Adoption
Discover the joy of welcoming a well-raised furry companion into your home with Pretty Pets Kennel. As an AVS Licensed Breeder recognised by NParks Singapore, and with all our puppies certified by AVS, IKC, or UKKC, we stand at the forefront of responsible and ethical breeding since our inception in 2014. Our journey isn’t just about breeding; it’s about fostering a community deeply rooted in love and care for pets.
Our commitment at Pretty Pets Kennel goes beyond just providing puppies; we ensure that each one is a beacon of health and happiness. We achieve this through a meticulous focus on their nutrition, embracing healthy foods and premium kibbles to nurture their growth and overall well-being optimally.
Choosing a puppy from Pretty Pets Kennel means you’re not just selecting a pet; you’re embracing a lifelong companion that has been raised with love, care, and professional expertise. Our dedication to ethical breeding practices guarantees that your new furry family member will be a joyful addition to your home, ready to create lasting memories with you.