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Breed Description: The West Highland White Terrier is an elegant looking dog breed with a compact, sturdy body, small enough and with short enough legs to go where its quarry would take it. Its tail must be long enough to enable its master to pull it from holes. This dog breed is very affectionate and loves human and animal companionship.
Group: Terrier Group
Purpose of Breed: Hunting rats
Country of Origin: Scotland
Average Size: Ranges from 10-11 inches and 15-22 pounds.
Color(s): White.
Coat Type: A double coat-wiry and flat on the outside and soft on the inside.
Grooming: This breed is an average shedder with a coat that should be brushed daily to stay in top condition. Special grooming is necessary if the dog is to be shown. Standard care is required for eyes, ears, pads and nails.
Exercise Needs: West Highland White Terriers require a moderate amount of exercise, but adapt well to apartment living if given daily opportunities to romp and play. They are hunters by nature and should be turned out in a safely enclosed area or exercised on a lead.
Temperament: The West Highland White Terrier is an active and assertive breed that is best suited to living with adults and older children. This breed can be very independent and strong-willed. It is alert and courageous and makes a wonderful watchdog. They make good obedience dogs with proper training and will get along with most other companion animals if introduced properly.
Common Ailments: Susceptible to patellar luxation, skin problems, hernias and liver disease.
Life Expectancy: Averages 12-14 years
Trivia: There is a legend that says West Highland White Terriers were developed to be seen easily in the field after a hunter mistakenly took his red colored terrier for a fox and shot it.
More Information: West Highland White Terrier Club of America
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