How to Care for West Highland Terriers

The origin of the West Highland Terrier is the high country of Scotland. Bred to hunt fox, rats and vermin, this hardy, energetic terrier is highly intelligent and active. Its adaptability to small spaces like apartments as well as to large open areas makes this breed a good companion for almost anyone. As with any breed the West Highland Terrier has some special needs but most are easily handled.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Brush a West Highland Terrier about three times a week with a straight bristled brush. Frequent bathing is unnecessary because West Highland Terriers' outer coats are wiry, not oily and don't hold odors easily. For the pet Westie, a general trim with do, but if you are showing your Westie you will need to have him trimmed, plucked and stripped for each show since the Westie show dog has a specific cut and length for his coat.

2. Trim often around your dog's eyes and ears with blunt-tipped scissors. Her whole body should be trimmed every 4 to 6 months. Clean eye-matter with a warm, wet cloth.

3. Wash a West Highland Terrier with a mild shampoo made especially for dogs with sensitive skin. Many Westies are prone to dry skin or skin allergies. Bathe as needed; rarely does a Westie need more than one bath per month.

4. Walk a Westie. Take a West Highland Terrier for several walks a day if you live in an apartment or do not have a fenced yard. He will look forward to romping around the neighborhood and using up some of his energy.

5. Careful around the kids. West Highland Terriers are not known to snap or bite, nor are they as fragile as some of the other small breeds, but care still needs to be taken around youngsters. Small dogs are easily mistreated by little ones who don't know better.

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on 2/26/2009 Join in on the West Highland Terrier group I just started. I never get tired of Westie talk and photos!