Westie's

[miss_marley]

My Grandma had a Westie when I was growing up, and she was hands down one of the sweetest dogs I've ever met. Excellent with us grandchildren, all our families' dogs, strangers, etc.
She definitely had the terrier independence, one time at our cottage, she and my cousins' black lab took off on a little day trip to a neighbouring island by themselves! Friends of ours told us they had seen them crossing the bridge together! They came back home by themselves too.

The first picture's Lacey, and the second one is of the two of us, not great quality because they're both scanned.

[autumn star]

Originally Posted by miss_marley

My Grandma had a Westie when I was growing up, and she was hands down one of the sweetest dogs I've ever met. Excellent with us grandchildren, all our families' dogs, strangers, etc.
She definitely had the terrier independence, one time at our cottage, she and my cousins' black lab took off on a little day trip to a neighbouring island by themselves! Friends of ours told us they had seen them crossing the bridge together! They came back home by themselves too.

The first picture's Lacey, and the second one is of the two of us, not great quality because they're both scanned.

Great photo's.....thanks for sharing them!

[TammyJM]

Originally Posted by autumn star

Scruffy is adorable.
Thanks to everyone for the info! I don't think my parents know how much work a Westie will take. Although my mother had a wonderful upper hand on training back in the day. She had our Doberman so obedient it was scary at times. But that was some time ago.
Maybe something less work might be better for her - any suggestions?

I suggest a Shih Tzu. The most difficult thing about them is they have to be groomed. My parents keep theirs in a puppy cut and he looks sweet like this.

Tammy

[autumn star]

Originally Posted by TammyJM

I suggest a Shih Tzu. The most difficult thing about them is they have to be groomed. My parents keep theirs in a puppy cut and he looks sweet like this.

Tammy

I agree but my uncle has one and the dog stinks to high heaven, so mom is convinced that they are all like that!
She is also a bit turned off by the snoring they do since I had pugs in the past, it reminds her of them!
I love Shih Tzu's though, before we bought Blaze I was considering one but hubby wanted another yorkie!

[TammyJM]

Originally Posted by autumn star

I agree but my uncle has one and the dog stinks to high heaven, so mom is convinced that they are all like that!
She is also a bit turned off by the snoring they do since I had pugs in the past, it reminds her of them!
I love Shih Tzu's though, before we bought Blaze I was considering one but hubby wanted another yorkie!

Hmmmm, my parents's Shih Tzu doesn't smell bad, but he does snore. I also like Schaunzers and Bichons....I truly think that Bichons are the sweetest breed (shhh, don't tell my Yorkies).

Tammy

[kalina82]

this is just my opinion, westies are a lot more terrier like then yorkies. they are more high strung and prey driven. When westies are brought into the dog park i immediately pick morgan up because she's so much smaller then them. she's had a few westies go for her. one even pinned her down and tried to bite her, but i pulled him off in time. i just don't trust them.

On another note, they are very nice dogs with other breeds and are great family pets. I just wouldn't own one if i had a smaller dog in the house.

[alisonJ]

We adopted a westie last year named Breezy! She is 7 years old, and a WONDERFUL DOG!!! We love her so much!

I can't recommend Westies enough! Breezy is 15 lbs. As much as I love my first baby (my Yorkie, Edie), I will say this: in my experience Westies are much easier dogs than Yorkies.

Edie still has accidents in the house (she is 7 also). Breezy is a little lady who has never had an accident. She got the hang of the doggie door in about 5 seconds.

Like Edie, she is very loving and affectionate. But Edie is a one-person dog, while Breezy, the Westie, is a "love the one you're with" kind of gal...she especially loves men and will jump up on a stranger's lap and stare adoringly into his eyes.

Regarding shedding: she does shed a little, but not much at all. Nothing like a lab. After a long brushing session, I only get a little bit of hair in the brush.

Yes, she is twice Edie's size, but still very managable. I do all the bathing and grooming, and it is not difficult.

[autumn star]

Originally Posted by TammyJM

Hmmmm, my parents's Shih Tzu doesn't smell bad, but he does snore. I also like Schaunzers and Bichons....I truly think that Bichons are the sweetest breed (shhh, don't tell my Yorkies).

Tammy

Don't worry girl.........your secret is safe w/me!!!!

[Meggie]

I've bred & shown Cairns for over 30 years.
They are just like a Westie, but all the colours except white.

Here in the UK, Cairns & Westies were all one breed in the beginning, some coloured, some white, all Cairns. Then in the 1920s the Kennel Club allowed the white ones to be registered seperately as Westies.

Showing my Cairns, I meet lots of Westies at the terrier shows. Both have the same great little characters, full of life & fun.....it's always a case of "Look out world, here I come!"

Their coats are the same, it's just that the West Highlands are trimmed more than the Cairns.

[Little Bit]

Originally Posted by autumn star

Scruffy is adorable.
Thanks to everyone for the info! I don't think my parents know how much work a Westie will take. Although my mother had a wonderful upper hand on training back in the day. She had our Doberman so obedient it was scary at times. But that was some time ago.
Maybe something less work might be better for her - any suggestions?

Thank you!

Except for grooming my westie was no trouble. If they go to a groomer it wouldn't be too hard for them. It is just that I tried to do it all myself and really wanted to strip him for a proper coat. Now THAT is a lot of work. After a few years I ended up clipping him instead of stripping (much easier). He still looked cute. (Anyone want to buy a stripping knife???).

If they do decide get a westie be sure that they research and get one from a line that is not prone to allergies as allergies are quite common in white dogs. I ended up feeding my westie raw to alleviate some of his allergies. If they decide to get a westie I can probably point you in the direction of some good breeders with good lines. My westie was a rescue of sorts and probably came from a puppy mill.