What kind of dog is a West Highland white terrier?

The West Highland White Terrier shares a history with that of the Dandie Dinmont, Skye, Scottish, and Cairn Terriers; they are all considered branches of the same breed. The West Highland White Terrier originated in Scotland and was used for hunting fox, badger, and otter and for killing vermin such as rats.

How big does a Westie Terrier get?

How big does a Westie Terrier get?
The West Highland White Terrier temperament has a more mature disposition than you might expect from such a tiny dog. And with adult Westies coming in at between 9 and 12 inches tall, rest assured that he is a tiny dog indeed! The West Highland White Terrier, (a.k.a. the "Westie"), is a Scottish breed of terrier.

What causes tremors in a West Highland Terrier?

White Shaker Dog Syndrome This is a poorly understood neuromuscular disease that causes tremors in small dogs such as the West Highland White Terrier. It develops suddenly around 2 years of age and can lead to seizures and difficulty walking in some dogs.

What kind of dog is a Westie?

What kind of dog is a Westie?
The West Highland White Terrier, commonly called a Westie, is a small, spirited, white dog originally bred in Scotland. Being purebreds, Westies face their share of health concerns that require special care and vigilance.
West Highland White Terrier Breed History. Since they are all branches from the same breed, the West Highland White Terrier is considered to share the same history as other similar breeds, such as the Scottish, Skye, Dandie Dinmont and Cairn Terriers. This breed is from Scotland, where they were used to kill rats and other vermin.

What kind of training does a West Highland Terrier need?

The West Highland Terrier is highly prey-driven and can be rewarded with a game of fetch or tug of war. Be sure to always have a few tennis balls during your training session as well as a bag full of kibble. These dogs are incredibly inquisitive, so you will want to establish limits quickly and concretely.

What kind of health problems does a West Highland Terrier have?

What kind of health problems does a West Highland Terrier have?
If not taken care of properly, your West Highland Terrier can fall victim to a variety of ailments. This dog breed can have abdominal hernias, craniomandibular osteopathy, and skin disorders. In particular, they can develop globoid cell leukodystrophy, which causes tremors, muscle weakness, and sometimes trouble walking.