The West Highland White Terrier or "Westie" as they are affectionately known, is a member of the small group of Scottish National Breeds that includes the Scottish Terrier and also the Cairn, from which the Westie originated. Until the early 19th century Terriers tended to be dark in colour and it was not uncommon for hunters to mistake a brown terrier for a fox and shoot it by mistake.

So the lightest coloured puppies of future litters were then kept in a bid to avoid these shooting accidents. These white terriers were then used to control vermin, including foxes and hares. They became known as the West Highland White Terrier in the first part of the 20th century.

Westies generally live to 15 years of age, however older dogs are not unusual.

BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

Westies possess the classic terrier temperament; they are active, alert, game and full of self-importance. It does need pampering, and this hardy breed enjoys scampering about in all weather types and will follow its owners just about anywhere. They are extremely faithful, but do have a stubborn streak and so early training is essential.

Barking is a natural behaviour for Terrier Breeds and the Westie is no exception.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

The Westie is not an aggressive dog, but being a terrier will always be prepared to "stand its ground". They were bred to hunt in packs and as such usually run happily with other dogs that show no aggression towards them. Westies also live happily with other pets especially when introduced as a puppy.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

This is a no wash-and-wear dog. Show dogs are trimmed by hand, plucking the coat with finger and thumb. Westies need to be trimmed at regular intervals (usually every three to four months) to remain presentable. Owners must keep up the combing and brushing, preferably daily. This brushing removes any dead hair and helps keep the coat clean.

Please take note:
Unlike most other breeds, Westies do not moult in the normal way - they do not shed hair and therefore some asthma sufferers are able to live with a Westie when they have been unable to tolerate other breeds.

As the Westie was bred to be an earth dog, it can be a great digger if not taught at an early age that they must not dig in your favourite flower bed.

IDEAL OWNERS

The Westie makes an ideal family pet as they are a great lover of human company. The Westie has a built-in sense of fun and adventure and enjoys exercise, whether it be a long country hike or a short trot around the block. They are extremely good with children and make an ideal companion for any individual.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the West Highland White Terrier is the dog for you and you realise that it needs strong discipline to keep it safe and happy, contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Pam Gerrey	Tawnyoak	NSW	Contact
Rhonda Bridges		NSW	Contact
Christine Moore	Dassin	QLD	Contact
Lyn Baile	Kiatasee	WA	Contact
Cathy Kuchel	Bobbinray	SA	Contact
Fiona Mackness	Aonais	SA	Contact
Lorraine Cloake	Dombrit	NSW	Contact
Jennifer Baxter	Whitehiland	NSW	Contact
Melissah Taffijn	Brescot	QLD	Contact
Gabriella Monangle	Whiteheather	NSW	Contact
Gabriella Monagle	Whiteheather	NSW	Contact
Connie Chan	Ailton	QLD	Contact
Jan and Jack Wallace	Moffattlad	NSW	Contact
Louise Suel	Waioni	QLD	Contact
Shirley/ Adam Daley	Shenmont	TAS	Contact
Tim and Tennille Hughes	Timmentee	QLD	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)