Cute Westie Buddies

Source: Paulette Johnson

Look at how cute these two are!  If you are looking at getting a second dog, check here for some good links.

If you are looking at your first Westie, Grooming is always a worry for first time owners.  Westies have a straight, shorthaired double coat that is easy to groom and sheds little to no hair. Brush them regularly with a stiff bristle brush which should keep the coat clean. Bathing is needed only when necessary. Trim around the ears and eyes with blunt-nosed scissors. The full coat should be trimmed about every four months and stripped twice annually.

Adorable Westie

Source: Paulette Johnson

Isn't this westie so cute!  The white coat and the black nose and eyes are very appealing!

To start your search for a West Highland Terrier, check out the website of the West Highland White Terrier Club of America and choose a breeder who agrees to abide by the club’s code of ethics, which specifies that members not to place puppies prior to 12 weeks of age, prohibits the sale of puppies through pet stores, and calls for the breeder to obtain recommended health clearances before breeding.

Playful Westie

I had the privilege to dog-sit an amazing Westie named Addey over the holidays this year.  Addey is a 12 year old female who has all kinds of spunk and vigor! She was a real treat to walk, play with, and snuggle up next to!  As you can see below, she's very cute and loved hanging with us!

A couple of things that we learned while taking care of Addey:

1) We had to take most of our walks in wet weather  which meant that Addey got dirty! When you care for a Westie in a wet climate, be sure to have plenty of old towels to wipe off your little friend.  

2) Addey has a small stomach, so she could only handle a small portion of food at a time. We decided to feed her 4 times a day, which she loved. 

Westie Recognition

West Highland Terriers are recognized by the following: CKC1, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC2, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CET, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA in the Terrier Group.

ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
AKC = American Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.
CET = Club Español de Terriers (Spanish Terrier Club)
CKC1 = Canadian Kennel Club
CKC2 = Continental Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel Club