The Western Highland White Terrier, often called the "Westie", is a terrier breed. They feature a rough white coat with deep eyes and pointy ears. The breed is assumed to have first appeared in the 1800s. They were originally bred for hunting foxes, badgers and other pests. These days they are a common choice as a companion dog. Attributes such as their distinctive white coat and friendly nature are things they are recognizable by. Their earlier ancestors are the Scottish Terrier and Cairn Terrier and are known to have been developed in Scotland.

They are recognized as a small sized breed. The standard male guidelines are 11 inches high with a weight of 15-20 pounds, while the female measurements are 10 inches tall with a weight of 13-18 pounds. They're famous for their affectionate, happy and devoted manner. They are generally friendly with people they haven't met, and this means they are unsuitable as a protection dog. In comparison with all other dogs, they are proven to be fairly intelligent, and score equal 47th when being trained to comprehend new obedience commands.

They are suitable (mostly if the kids are older) as a family pet, as they are good with kids. They do live peacefully with other animals like other dogs they're raised with. Taking care of their coat is a time consuming chore. They demand fair brushing every few days, and proper grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. They can be suitable for staying in an apartment, but love having a small, well-fenced backyard that gives them space to run around.

They're largely long-lived, as with the majority of small sized breeds, and have an expected life of 12-14 years. They can be vulnerable to cataracts, patellar luxation and skin problems, but their primary health risk is globoid cell leukodystrophy. Things such as running around or fetching balls will give them enjoyment. To avoid hyperactivity or other bad habits, they require moderate walks each day because of their high degree of energy.

If you bring home the Western Highland White Terrier you should be able to give them early training to prevent Small Dog Syndrome. They're ideal for active owners or families with older children, but not the best option for households with animals other than dogs. Here are a few things you'll like about the Western Highland White Terrier:

1. One of the most attractive characteristics in regards to this particular dog is seen in that it is one of the most popular of all terriers for its cute appearance.
2. One of the other reasons why dog owners like them is they have a friendly nature that means they can be more accepting of guests.
3. One more thing which is great when it comes to them is they can also make a great family pet if your kids are older.