The history of the breed, the appearance of the dog, character traits and health, care, training, interesting facts. Purchase and price of puppies. These little Scottish pets are great at finding rats in mazes. They are nimble and cute, but not at all couch pussies, as many believe. The animals are grumpy and will defend their position like little Napoleons. Their faces may seem cute to us, but for a living creature in a hole, this face is equal to a grin of terror.
Once they were culled and destroyed, considering their working qualities to be bad. But thanks to a deplorable coincidence of circumstances, one person, on the contrary, began to breed them. As the saying goes, there is a silver lining. At first they were used as working dogs, but gradually they infiltrated into homes and became pets. They are so cute, it is impossible not to love them.
It is impossible to forget a delightful white fur coat. For all their angelic appearance, these dogs can fend for themselves. They are very active and cheerful. All their life, pets will give you joy and positiveness. They have a special character - they hate or love with the same strength.
The history of the West Highland White Terrier
It was bred in Scotland in ancient times, originally as a hunting dog. But what is their true origin? Specifying exact places and dates is not easy. Squat dogs have been used for burrow hunting for a very long time. Most likely, the terrier appeared as a result of the crossing of English short-legged bloodhounds with canines of indeterminate breeds, which were used in villages to catch rats.
They have another ancestor - the Skye Terrier, which then had a short hairline. He has always been very beloved in Scotland. Queen Victoria was an avid fan of the breed. At the end of 1909, this variety was called the Shorthaired Skye Terrier. Such a dog turned out to be very suitable for a special task.
In Scotland, the border is marked by a pile of stones called "kern" in Greek, which provides excellent shelter for foxes and badgers. The animals hid in deep holes between stones, from where they were not easy to reach. Little terriers have shown themselves to be brave fighters. They drove the animals out of the shelter under the feet of the hunters who were waiting for them. Thus, at the beginning of the 20th century, the short-haired Skye Terrier turned into a Cairn Terrier, borrowing its name from the stones among which it hunted.
Sometimes these dogs gave birth to puppies with a white color. For a long time, such individuals were considered albinos and genetically ineffective. They were not only rejected, but also destroyed without further ado. The luck of the West Terrier is directly related to the pet of one famous hunter and dog lover - Colonel Edward Donald Malcoln.
His dog had a reddish color and accidentally, by a terrible mistake, mistaking him for the fox he was hunting, the colonel shot the pet. Upset by the fatal circumstance, the Englishman decides that the burrowing dogs should be light in color, in order to avoid the tragedy that cost his dog his life.
So at his kennel, the fate of the white puppies has changed radically. Now they not only were not destroyed, but on the contrary, they were kept alone and treated with special care. At first, these dogs were called "linti", that is, flax or half-dog-terriers, after the name of the colonel's estate.
They were then crossed with a Sealyham Terrier to reinforce the white color. In 1905, the breed was given the name West Highland White Terrier. Since 1924, only white color has been recognized for the species. They became the most "refined" dogs. And special exhibition preparation made it the only one in the world. His white head alone is enough to impress. The case was supplemented by a famous brand of whiskey by spreading the image of a white Scotsman all over the world.
Description of the external appearance of the West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier is robustly built, with a deep chest and long ribs. He has a straight, straight back and long, muscular limbs. An example of combining strength and agility in a well balanced body. Limit weight from 6 kg to 9, 5 kg. Height at the withers is about 28 cm.
- The head is all covered with hair. Located at right angles to the neck. It should not be extended forward like an extension of the neck. The skull is slightly convex, in the form of a slide. The distance from occiput to eyes is slightly longer than the length of the muzzle.
- Muzzle full, but not lightweight or poorly defined. Tapering gradually from the eyes to the nose. The stop is clearly pronounced. Have a good grip.
- Nose black-pigmented, wide enough with a uniform contour throughout the muzzle.
- Eyes set wide apart, of medium size, dark.
- Ears West Highland White Terrier is small, protruding, with sharp tips.
- Neck long enough for correct head placement. Muscular, expands harmoniously, flows naturally into the shoulders.
- Frame oblong, streamlined shape. Strong, muscular. The pelvic bones are wide.
- Tail length from 12, 5 to 15 cm. Covered with coarse wool, without dewlap. The shape is as straight as possible, carries on cheerfully, but not too fervently, not thrown over his back. It is strong enough to pull a dog out of a narrow burrow.
- Front limbs - straight and muscular, straight. Densely covered with coarse hair. Perfectly vertical when viewed from different angles. The shoulders are well sloped and well indented, with wide shoulder blades well attached to the ribcage. The elbows are close to the body. This makes it easier to move the forelegs parallel to the body. Hindquarters - Rightly angled metatarsus, flexible, positioned under the body so as to be close to each other at rest and in motion.
- Paws in a ball, in the form of a cat. The fingers are tightly closed. The pads are firm, the nails are black and strong.
- Coat medium length, with a coarse guard hair and a thick undercoat that warms well in cold, damp weather.
- Color - pure white.
Character traits of the West Highland White Terrier
Today, this dog is more common as a house pet, and not as a hunting dog. If asked to describe this breed in one word, then they would be most suitable - dynamic. These small terriers are actually amazingly agile and playful. Fortunately, the "raging rags" understand when to play pranks and when to behave. Properly brought up adult dogs, behave decently at home, and walk flawlessly on a leash for a walk.
Of course, this behavior cannot be expected from puppies, who have two tasks in life: to do trifles and to be foolish like devils. Naturally, the instinctive impulses of puppies are opposed by the environment in which they live and, of course, the behavior of the owner. A small West Highland White Terrier must receive the correct upbringing, learn to live in society, know this world and its inhabitants.
Thus, his character will be shaped so that he can control his terrier instinct - a brave explorer. His hunting nature requires an early acquaintance with everything that comes his way, persistent overcoming of any jungle, even the most impassable. But being fearless does not mean being rude and non-aggressive. A thoroughbred, well-trained dog has a wonderful character - playful and friendly to people and animals.
They quickly learn to behave properly. But they need to explain this framework. The pets are small on the outside, but large on the inside. In other words, they have no temperament. If we add a big mind to this, then we get a dog that can understand what, how and when we can use it for our own purposes, and vice versa, what should be observed and respected.
Refusal to eat is a classic example. Some pets notice that when they turn their nose away from food, they are offered a range of delicacies, among which you can choose according to your own mood. Over time, these dogs become very finicky.
It is imperative to be able to handle with affection and firmness such temperamental dogs. In this case, your four-legged friends will become obedient and well-mannered. But if the owner of the terrier is weak in character and allows too much, then the opposite result is guaranteed. The pet will not obey its commands, turning into a little despot and will arrange constant skirmishes with its owner, from which it will emerge victorious. And here, to correct the behavior of the "lead", several weeks of training with a dog handler will not do.
West Highland White Terriers are distinguished by their great diligence and quick wit. They easily master not only simple but also complex exercises. If you don't want a sports champion, that's okay, they will do you a lot of good as simple life companions. These dogs become more balanced in adulthood.
You will be surprised with what attention they will follow all aspects of your life, sometimes showing themselves more courageous than us. If someone in the family is unwell, the dog will be the first to notice. And you will need to sit with the children, the dog will play the role of a nanny with great patience, calmly enduring a variety of harassment and not only from two-legged puppies.
But there is also a downside to the coin. If he was accidentally offended, then he will not leave it like that. One has only to be late in serving the bowl of food and no apologies will be accepted. You will see those offended eyes and offended face. Unfortunately, the look that they consider to be terribly stern and angry looks funny and gentle in our eyes.
They are often described as being violent when fighting other canines. True, the character of terriers is hot, they flare up instantly, but if the pet is well-mannered, it can get along with anyone. On the basis of many years of experience of keeping several "Vestikas" in the house, positive results can be traced. The most important thing is that the person remains the key figure for all pets.
If the dogs obey the owner, then his mere presence is enough for everything to go well. This rule also applies when dogs and cats live together, which is difficult to imagine from ordinary life experience. Of course, I wanted the West Terrier to show such indifference to unfamiliar "Murkas", but one cannot demand the impossible from life and from the dog.
Our little Scots live well with other canine species as long as they are calm breeds and not as hot as terriers. The canine community is oblivious to size and physical strength. The law of the strong is more a human rule than a canine rule. Animals respect age, experience and intelligence. Maybe we should take an example from them?
West Highland White Terrier Breed Health
These dogs can live up to 15 years. But they have genetically transmitted diseases. For example, hip dysplasia. Like all white-colored animals of the West Highlands, they are prone to allergies. Therefore, their food should be within the limits of what is permitted. If the sun is too bright, the tips of their ears may burn.
West Highland White Terrier Care Tips
- Wool they have two layers and it is far from easy to keep it in the appropriate state. So before you get yourself such a snow-white shaggy, you need to remember about such a nuance. They do not shed on their own, so their artificial shedding is trimming. The show form of the pet provides for the manipulation once a week or two, the home form - once every two months. This is done using a special tool - a trimmer. The hair on the head and lower body is trimmed with scissors. They bathe them as they become dirty.
- Ears the West Terrier is best trimmed too. So the ear canal will be better ventilated, which will protect against many unpleasant ear diseases.
- Eyes wipe rarely, with moistened cotton pads, towards the inner corner.
- Teeth Terrier needs to be taught to clean from puppyhood. This is done with toothpastes and animal brushes. Since the news loves to gnaw something, you can buy them special toys or bones pressed from the veins, which will also create good prevention from tartar and periodontal disease.
- Claws active "Scots" almost always grind themselves. Only in urgent cases do they require shearing.
- Feeding is the health of your pet. What you feed your dog is how it looks and feels. Prepared West Terrier foods should be low in protein and free of chicken. Unfortunately, like many light-colored canines, they are prone to allergies. If you do not follow the rules of feeding, then there may be problems with the skin. Natural food provides for a day: two hundred grams of meat and a little porridge. Dry food from 170 to 200 grams.
- Walking they adore. You can walk with them all day. It is easy to keep "Vestikov" in an apartment, but remember that this is not a couch dog. In the off-season, so that the pet does not get so dirty, it must be dressed in protective overalls.
West Highland White Terrier training
When a West Highland White Terrier appears in your home and you have no experience with dogs, training them will not be easy. If nature endowed them with a meager mind, these dogs would be doomed. Hunting enthusiasm, courage and stubbornness inherent in them would quickly ruin the "news". But fortunately, these "Scots" have a good intellect. Their stubbornness has nothing to do with slow-wittedness, and fearlessness goes hand in hand with good wit.
However, a lot depends on the owner. The education and upbringing of the West Highland White Terrier should be given attention from an early age, alternating the general course of training with active developmental games. The mental development of the dog directly depends on physical activity. That is why walks with training elements need to be organized every day.
Interesting facts about the West Highland White Terrier
Having a streamlined body, the West Terrier has the ability to squeeze into very narrow holes, but some individuals still manage to get stuck in them. Often they are buried deep underground and the only salvation for the dog is to bark loudly, thereby indicating its location. Then people, knowing where the pet is, can dig it up.
Therefore, with the help of selection, the tail of the Scottish Terriers was strengthened. He has very strong bone and muscle structure. The spine at the base of the tail is almost the same size as the dorsal. If the "lead" is stuck in a hole, then it is usually pulled out by a strong tail without any harm.
Purchase and price of West Highland White Terrier puppies
This breed is widespread and in demand. This is certainly not good because the fashion requires a lot of puppies, which for dog breeders means a decrease in their quality. It takes serious attitude, competence and conscientiousness to produce beautiful, quality dogs. These are the qualities that are lacking in those who produce dogs for sale. This is how ugly hollow, and even biting individuals appear. But they cannot be considered real "messages", they only outwardly resemble a rare breed.
The fact is that dogs have won recognition for their sociable, playful nature, and not only for their undoubted beauty. It is an effective anti-stress agent. It is this property that has led to the production of a large number of dogs that do not relieve stress, but induce it. For an inexperienced person, it is difficult to distinguish a rootless puppy from a real thoroughbred. In order not to miscalculate, it is better to go to good, reputable breeders. The approximate cost of a puppy can range from $ 500 to $ 1000.
More about the West Highland White Terrier breed in this video:
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