Heidi immortalised. our Westie family member. who is almost as human as the rest of us (West Highland White Terrier)

Member Name: pania22

Product:	West Highland White Terrier
Date:	27/08/09 (141 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: affectionate, fun, cheeky, wonderful to own

Disadvantages: obstinate, and they eat frogs...

As I sit here at my computer at my mums, Down by my feet lies a little white ball of now, rather aged, white fluff. My little ghostly shadow who sticks permanently by my side all the time I am visiting. If I speak honestly this little white ball of fluff is a main reason for me to visit here too. The lamp is on and the soft lighting, along with the way she is laying is reminiscent of an a-typical christmas card. You know the sort, dog curled up in front of blazing fire, stocking hanging expectantly at the side and my heart melts just looking at her.
This little white ball of fluff is Heidi, my mothers much loved "leaving a job you've been at for 17 years" present that myself, my sister and my dad presented to mum as a much tinier little white thing over 9 years ago now. Heidi was born about 20 years before she really was. My mother has always loved this white fluffy breed, more commonly by the name of "West Highland White" to the rest of the world. My mother often stated to anyone who asked, or even if you didn't to that matter that one day she would have a little girl westie, and that her name would be Heidi.

So let me introduce you to this wonderful breed. The West Highland White, or "westie" as it is affectionately known is a member of the terrier family. The breed originated in the Argylle region of Scotland some time in the 19th century although a specific time is not known. There is a gorgeous quaint story that goes with the colour of the breed, that being that Colonel Malcolm of Argylle's red terrier was out playing in a field one day. The luckless canine was mistaken for a fox and shot by a gameskeeper. Heartbroken, the order was given that every member of the breed must be white in colour so that the same mistake did not happen again. No detail is given on whether any further red members were culled or simply denied a leg over (sorry) but this colour was rapidly eradicated from the breed.
Bred originally as rabbit and rat catching animals, this instinct, although curled up at my feet is still deeply ingrained to my little fluffball. Any soon to be owners reading this need to be aware that, train as you might, try as you might, you will not get this trait out of your dog. And trust me they will run. Squirrels, foxes, rabbits, cats, even frogs will be fair target for this hunting breed, give an inch and they will be off for a mile or more across the park determined that "I will catch that bloody squirrel I will I will I will!!!!". Although with good training this trait can be curbed and diverted to more meaningful pursuits.
I have had contact with many westies and they always appear to be peaceful little characters that march about your house with an expression of eternal joviality. Their deep brown button eyes imparting an inherant air of mischief that always makes you wonder if the washing machine did indeed swallow the sock or if it was stolen while your back was turned. They are a breed that loves the company of humans and are amazingly affectionate. although mother also sites them as being very obsinate when things aren't going their way. As can I apparently, although i don't believe that for a second! ;o)
All terrier breeds have a reputation for being hard to train. Not so.. let me tell you that a terrier army marches off its stomach, heidi will sell her soul for a piece of cheese, hamish (down the road) would give you his last farthing for a lump of liver.. "sorry, do that for a toy?!? don't blimmin think so!" is the only translation i could put behind the look I was given when I decided Heidi would be a "toy orientated" dog. This in itself makes them very easy to train. Keep it short and sweet, tailor it to the dog you are working with, find their motivator and the results will very quickly appear. Training also provides the westie, who is rather active and exercise loving, to tire themselves mentally, meaning less walkies required for the hapless humans. Generally though, our cheeky fellas would thank you for 2 walks per day of a good couple of miles.

Grooming wise the Westie has 2 coats, a coarser longer "outer coat" and a warmer, waterproof tightly packed "under coat" shedding roughly twice a year the Westie is a breed that isnt going to rapidly turn your dark carpets white, or your best work trousers hairy. They do however grow their outer coat rapidly which can lead to a look of the littlest hobo if they are not groomed regularly. The Westie is supposed to sport a facial hair do that looks makes their face look like a chrysanthemum, and the tail a carrot. Honestly, its true. with short tidy back hair and a "skirt" that traces just off the ground. In practicality unless you are planning to show, it is easier to keep the "skirt" just a couple of inches long. else removing the mud from a wriggling fur ball becomes stressful for the dog and, well, rather damp actually for the handler!! the average dog (sorry heidi, using you as an example but your not average by any means!) requires clipping 4 times a year, with the cost varying between £12-£20. It is always adviseable to find a groomer that can do this by hand and not rely on electric clippers as the result tends to be much smoother and more even.

Budget wise heidi's family arent that expensive to keep. Heidi is fed on Ceasar dog food, admittedly not my food of choice but she seems to do fine on it, and has a carton of that and some biccys per day. in total about £3.20 per day to feed. Booster vaccinations per year are essential and should be budgeted at around £50 (depends on practice) per annum and insurance is a must also, around £15 per month depending on company/age/location/previous health issues etc.

I have 2 nieces, one of 5 and one of 2. I have to mention that when they were younger and fast moving heidi did take exception to their presence and expressed this vocally. keeping them out of touching distance soon allowed heidi to calm down and she is now fine with them. This is not indicative of the breed in anyway shape or form but illustrates the requirement to introduce any dog to children slowly and calmly and to allow the dog and the child to get used to each other. Aside from this I would have no hesitation introducing a westie into a family environment.

Our lovely little white bundle has certainly got slower with the advancement of years, she walks less far, sleeps more and enjoys cuddles more than she ever did. This in no small part is thanks to the dreaded hip dysplacia she was born with. yes big dog lovers it can blight our dinky friends too, so when buying a pup please please ensure to check for a history of this. It isnt routine to hip score smaller breeds although I really do wish that hip scoring for ANY canine that was going to be bred from be made mandatory. aside from this westies are relatively problem free, aside from being slightly prone to contact dermatitis due to their wee stature!

So as Heidi sits here beside me, and I look at her with a massive amount of affection, I do not rue the day at all that she entered our lives. Mums dedication to own a member of this lovely breed for some many years was well founded in its loyalty. You would not regret asking a member of the WHW to join your clan.

*NB as I ended this review, the massive amount of affection I was looking at her with turned into a cough and splutter due to the smelliest canine fart possible. Do I add this to their bad points??? and as I call her a volley of names I realise that she is old, and I love her. so I'll forgive her.... this time.

Summary: DO NOT buy from puppy farms, ALWAYS ask to see the parents. If they arent there, go elsewhere!!!