Why should someone get a westie?

Answer 1

Westies can be wonderful dogs, but they, like other terriers, are very active and demanding. They need exercise, and lots of it. They need socialization, and lots of it, with people and other dogs, and with children especially. They are very intelligent, and if they are not stimulated by their environment and by activities, they will become destructive. They are a hunting dog, and have a heightened prey drive. They may not get over their strong desires to chase small animals, even with good training and a lot of love from their owners. Westies "talk" a lot, which sounds similar to growling, but really is not aggression at all. I would recommend a book called The West Highland White Terrier by Jill Arnel. She presents the breed very well, with a bit of humor added in. I read the book before I got my Westie boy nearly three years ago.

Answer 2

I'm a big fan of all terriers, my own grandparents breed three types. these dogs are a very energetic dog among small dogs, BUT, never buy from pet stores, they can have serious hidden health problems because they are usually bought from puppy Mills calling themselves "breeders" really the bitches (breeders term for females) and dogs (males) are abused and females are bred until they die, make sure you find a breeder who breeds responsibly (because real breeders only use dogs in the healthiest shape for breeding, and are bred only about 2-4 times depending on the dog.) and this person is below is exactly right, they were bred as hunters (i think vermin? :/) and they think for themselves, and you have to be careful with them around small children they get excitable very easily.

I would like to add that I have owned terriers for over 50 years and they are wonderful dogs. I now have a Scotty. The thing with a terrier is that you have to realize they aren't like other dogs and require a special hand. They are smart and very stubborn so you need to spend a lot of time with them to train them and teach them. Young pups can be snippy and if this shows don't play things like tug of war because this promotes the behavior in the dog. They are protective loveable dogs and will give you years of wonderful friendship.

Answer 3

It depends on many different factors, for example, where you live, what type of house you have etc. but on the whole they make very good pets and are adorable :)