K_The_Man

BREED FACTS:
Breed: West Highland White Terrier
AKC Group: Terrier
Height At Shoulder: Males (11 inches); Females (10 inches)
Weight: 18-20 pounds
Coat: Coarse double layer coat; only acceptable color is white
History: Derived from Cairn terriers. White Cairns were killed as puppies for many years, until their value in the field was noted (a white dog is easier to spot). Breed development is given to the Poltalloch family of Scotland. First shown at Crufts in 1907. First AKC recognition in 1908.
Information published by the American Kennel Club.

LIVING WITH WESTIES
My family bought K.C. in 1992 after the death of our last dog, a mutt. We needed a terrier and a small one at that, due to my asthma and the size of our home. We looked at Scotties and Westies before obtaining a Scotty. He was a nice dog, but snapped at my sister and bit me, so we returned him to the breeder. We got K.C. about a month later, in September. He was very small, even for a westie, but he has grown to be an irreplaceable part of our lives. He's now 8 years old, and the best behaved boy anyone could want living with them. We have never had any serious behavior problems with him. He doesn't shed too much (he does still shed some, don't let anyone tell you that "terriers don't shed") and he is happy to run around in our small yard to get his excercise. The one disadvantage to Westies, as a breed, would have to be their propensity for skin problems. We have been battling skin infections and allergies for the past year, on and off. We're thinking that maybe he is allergic to the guinea pig, since this all started about when we got her.
Owning terriers can be a bit of a challenge. They are.. stubborn. I wouldn't reccomend them for the person that wants a dog that is always obedient to your commands. If you want that, get a Lab or a Golden! The Highland Terriers were bred to chase small vermin down into holes and kill it. Think about it- they were bred to work on their own, underground, independent of their master. They have a mind of their own! They know what they want, and if that happens to coincide with what YOU want, it's all good. If not, you're in trouble. This is not to say they are bad dogs- just that they aren't for everyone! For more information on Westies, see my links below!