Westy dog breeds stand approximately 25 centimetres tall, have dark, piercing eyes, a compact body and a carrot-shaped tail that wags with delight. Underneath the fluffy exterior, however, is a true Terrier of work, daring and courage. Bred to hunt rats and other underground rodents, Westys are surprisingly strong and hardy. The all-white double coat is harsh to the touch, not soft and fluffy.
Alert and active, Westys exhibit the Terrier traits of being courageous and self-reliant: they do not require cuddling, they will chase anything that moves and their independence can make training a challenge. But, thanks to their faithfulness and keen intelligence, Westys will train nicely with time and patience.
The best way to describe this little breed of dog is simply to say that he is so full of self-confidence that he knows he is the best there is. Always looking for a good time, he will make you laugh as he entertains himself. Friendly and happy, with a lively nature, he is especially funny and yet tender when he tilts his head to one side and looks at you curiously.
The Westy is not aggressive or temperamental, and does not need to challenge or demand. He is not stubborn, but interested in what is in it for him. Convince him that what you want is not what is best for him, and he will jump on board with your plan.
The Westy’s working instinct is now often channelled into agility and obedience competitions rather than getting rid of rodents. He also works as a therapy dog, and some Westys have even joined search and rescue teams.
History of the Westy dog
The short-legged Terriers of Scotland, such as Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont and of course the Westy. They all undoubtedly descend from the same roots, and were once valued for their hunting abilities in small game.
Originally, their coats came in a multitude of colours, including black, red and cream. Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch, Scotland, is generally credited with breeding the true white dogs. The story goes that, in 1860, one of his russet dogs was mistaken for a fox and shot. Malcolm decided, on the spot, to breed only white dogs that could be easily identified in the field.
Westy nutrition
Westy dog breeds should do well on a high quality dog food, either commercially manufactured or prepared at home with veterinary supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult or senior). Some Westy dogs are prone to being overweight, so keep an eye on your dog’s calorie intake and weight level.
Treats can be an important training aid, but giving too many can lead to obesity. Learn about which foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
The personality and temperament of the Westy breed
The Westy is full of life, grit and devotion. It also possesses a stubborn streak, although it does not generally seek out paddles, nor is it surprising if it shies away from them. Westys are generally easy to train, but only when they feel like it. With proper and consistent guidance, it is possible to teach Westy dog breeds not to bark or dig excessively, something the breed is prone to do when bored.
It is a somewhat arrogant dog but loves people, although it is not a lap dog. He is a bit restless and likes to be on the move, so be prepared to live with an independent thinker who can be noisy and destructive if his natural Terrier instincts are not channeled effectively through training and exercise.
If general health permits, keep him busy with dog sports (agility, ball flight, obedience and concentration) and test his natural Terrier ability in field trials.
Westys are too short to climb on kitchen counters, but they are not so limited as to jump on chairs to reach a table laden with food. Westy dog breeds are sexually mature at approximately 6 to 12 months, so start training your puppy early. Even at 8 weeks of age, a Westy is capable of absorbing everything you teach him. If possible, enrol him in the puppy kindergarten class at 12 weeks of age for socialisation.
Keep in mind, however, that many puppy training classes require certain vaccinations and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and public places until puppy vaccinations (including rabies, distemper and parvo virus) have been completed. In lieu of formal training, you can begin house-training your puppy and socialising with family and friends until puppy vaccinations are completed.
Health of the Westy dog breed
Westys are prone to a number of health problems although they are generally healthy. Not all Westys will have any or all of these diseases, but it is important to be aware of them if you are considering this breed. If you are buying a puppy, look for a good breeder who will show you the health clearances of your puppy’s parents. Health clearances show that a dog has been tested and cleared of a particular condition. Common health conditions in Westys include:
– Cranio Mandibular Osteopathy: This condition affects the bones of the skull while a puppy is growing, causing them to enlarge irregularly. Symptoms usually appear between four and eight months of age. The cause is unknown but is thought to be hereditary. Often, the puppy’s jaw and glands become swollen, and he will be unable to open his mouth. He will drool, have a fluctuating fever that recurs every two weeks and, in some cases, his chewing muscles may atrophy. There is no treatment, but anti-inflammatories and painkillers help the dog to cope with what is a painful condition.
– Hip disintegration disease: When your Westy has this condition, the blood supply to the head of the femur (the large rear leg bone) decreases and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. The first symptoms are lameness and skin muscle atrophy, usually occurring when puppies are between four and six months of age. Surgery can correct the condition, usually resulting in a pain-free puppy.
– Cataracts: This common eye condition manifests itself in poor vision. The dog’s eye(s) will have a cloudy appearance. Cataracts usually occur in old age and can sometimes be surgically removed to improve vision. Westy’s are often affected by juvenile cataracts.
– Pulmonary fibrosis: This disease scars the supporting tissue of the air sacs and connective tissue of the lungs. This causes the lungs to lose their elasticity, preventing oxygen from passing normally into the blood. Symptoms vary from dog to dog (many dogs show nothing for years), but can include loss of stamina, rapid breathing, ‘crackles’ in the lungs, dry cough, shortness of breath. Pulmonary fibrosis can also lead to heart failure and other diseases. There is no cure and the prognosis is always poor, so prevention is essential.
– Dislocation of the patella: This is a common problem in small dogs. Dislocation means dislocation of an anatomical part (such as a bone in a joint). Patellar luxation is when the knee joint slips in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition.
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