Papillon: Little Butterfly- Eared Creature that Champion Against the Bigger Breeds
May 18, 2009 by Marie Houston · Leave a Comment
One of the most adorable, distinct and supposedly oldest breed of toy dogs is the spaniel kind Papillon. Translated, its name means butterfly in French and true to its name, this dog appears with ears as beautiful and as similar to a butterfly and a temperament that’s as carefree as well. But not only does this dog wins the heart of many people but champions fields of agility, competitive obedience and tricks performance as well.
The Papillon possesses large and lusciously fringed ears that stand and sway like a butterfly on its head. Its body has a single coating of long and fine fur that often appears in varieties of colors but never in white alone for this is considered a disqualification by the kennel clubs. The Papillon’s coat should appear in white plus another color or a combination of a few such as: white and black, white and lemon, white and sable, black, brown and white, black, red and white and more.
With this dog being a toy dog, it is natural that you expect it to be high maintenance like its other breed mates. Surprisingly though, this creature is just the opposite of it meaning, you dont have to spend much in order to make this dog neat and clean. Aside from being naturally clean and odorless, the Papillions coat only requires daily brushing or combing and a once in a while bathing and dry shampooing.
The history of the Papillon goes back to nearly 700 years of recorded existence and was depicted in a plethora of 13th through 15th century Italian frescoes. During the Renaissance period, this breed was flourishing all over the Italian countryside and cities and proof to this is the discovered paintings of well-known artists such as Titian. This breed went from many developments and many breeders and thus had been called by many names such as Continental Toy Spaniel, Squirrel Spaniel, Epagneul nain Continental and the present day Papillon name or Butterfly Dog and Pap.
Being tiny and adorably fluffy, you will expect this breed to be cheerful but never hyper and intelligent but not so very. Sorry to disappoint you, however, but this tiny dog is naturally energetic and superbly intelligent that in fact, it possesses abilities and talents that you never deemed possible for a dog this size. As quoted by many Papillon owners, Papillons are “big dogs in little dog suits”.
The Papillon ranks 8th in Stanly Cohen’s The Intelligence of Dogs so it is not a surprise that the Papillion can outsmart those breed larger than itself. Crediting its high brain capacity, the Papillon is very easy to train in tricks performance, agility competitions and competitive obedience. Even at national and international circuits, this dog is a warrior and will often beat the larger breed Border Collie in some routines.
Despite the Papillon’s recognition and talent in the competitive world, however, its primal instinct as a companion and lap dog is still conspicuous through its unending affection, playfulness and protectiveness of its master. Outside the competition, this dog is often at a sedate state, always being patient, gentle and calm and at the same time kingly and elegant in posture. Moreover, aside from being a champion sports dog and a gentle human companion, the Papillon is also an outstanding watchdog, observing possible threats and guarding its master and possessions against unfriendly faces.
Truly, the Papillon is one amazing and surprising kind of breed for it definitely fit the adage, small but terrible. Judging from its colorful and vivid history, it is clear that this breed is quite a favorite of many royal and common families of the Renaissance period. Additionally, as further proof to its importance to many prominent people, it is believed that Marie Antoinette, leading to her death, carries in her bosom her beloved Papillon companion.
Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie): The Diminutive Herder of Shetland Island, Scotland
May 18, 2009 by Matthew Houston · 3 Comments
The Shetland Sheepdog or simply known as the Sheltie is one of the dog breeds around the world whose origin is not exactly defined. What’s certain, however, is the fact that the Sheltie is a supposed original resident of the rocky region of the Shetland Island in Scotland. Physically, this breed appears like a miniature Collie but in fact, the breeding was never intended to achieve this kind of result.
The Sheltie was said to be the result of various breeding between the Scottish Rough Collie, Pomeranian, Greenland Yakki (now extinct), and the King Charles Spaniel or is a direct descendant of one of these breeds. In Shetland Island, the Sheltie was believed to do herding tasks just like the other Collies. Contradictions supply, however, that the Sheltie was not used for herding but rather for chasing small creatures such as ducks and squirrels.
Presently, this dog is popular around the world as an outstanding family companion and children’s pet. This breed is very loyal, docile and highly trainable and it intensely wills to please the master. With a firm and confident training and treatment from the owner, the Sheltie will definitely become a superiorly fantastic household companion and reliable family pet.
If not often exposed to people in the beginning, this breed has the tendency to become aloof towards strangers when it grows up. It does well around people especially children and therefore should be socialized at a young age. The Sheltie is a superb watch dog as well, barking as a signal when there is an approaching human or car towards the house.
Although never really believed to be a herder then, the Sheltie of today has an eager herder instinct that most of the time comes out through its irrepressible desire to chase and herd other creatures. Because of this, it needs to be always kept busy and so activities such as running and chasing around within a wide spaced area is necessary. The Sheltie is not hyper active; just make sure to give it the right amount of activities in order to keep its physical and mental health in shape.
The normal height of the Sheltie is 13 to 16 inches while its normal weight is between 14 to 27 pounds. It has an outer coat and an inner coat wherein the outer coat is long, coarse and dense and acts as a water-guard. The inner coat is somewhat softer and serves as a comforter against hot or cold temperatures.
The general colors of the Sheltie are sable, tri-colour and blue merle. The sable is either golden or mahogany and the tri-colour is white, black and tan. The blue merle is composed of grey, white, black and tan.
In 1909, the first Sheltie was first registered in the English Kennel Club and in 1911; the first Sheltie was registered in the American Kennel Club. This breed, even if not intended to be a herder, has a natural affinity in herding smaller creatures which is often seen through its chasing smaller animals. What’s certain, however, that herder or not, the Sheltie is still recognized as an outstanding pet of families around the world.
Rhodesian Ridgeback: A Fierce Lion Hunter Yet A Gentle House Companion
May 18, 2009 by Cameron Houston · 1 Comment
Everyone knows that when a lion gets mad, it wrecks unimaginable and irreversible havoc that’s why only those skilled enough and experienced hunters can face and elude this creature’s wrath. Humans and animals are known to shiver in fear over the sight of a lion gone mad but not this one breed of dog. Instead of running for its dear life, it unabashedly challenges and faces the king of the jungle’s fury and succeeds at it most of the time: this is the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog.
This breed, in all its handsomeness and masculinity, is a native of South Africa where lions are a common sight. Originally, some native tribes of this country owned a ridgebacked breed of dog used as hunting aids and household companions. The Boer farmers, another tribe, realized the potential of this breed and so they bred it with the Khoikhoi dog, Mastiff and Deerhound to produce the modern day Rhodesian Ridgeback.
In 1877, a Reverend Helm brought two of these new breed to Bulawayo, Rhodesia- today’s Zimbabwe, and it was there that more people discovered this dog’s ferocity towards lions and excellent hunting skills. In 1922, the first standard of the Rhodesian Ridgeback was created and the breed was remarked as a game hunting breed. There had been a debated conundrum regarding this dog’s classification in terms of hunting as it is both excellent in hunting big games as the ferocious and large as a lion and hunting small games as tiny as a squirrel.
The breed’s name, Ridgeback, is a manifestation of its appearance because it certainly possesses a symmetrical ridge running along its back. The ridge is made prominent by its growth which is in the opposite direction of the dogs overall coat. This breed’s coat appears sleek and glossy colored in either light wheat or red wheat.
In hunting, the Ridgeback is ferocious and accurate but inside the home, it transforms in to a gentle, calm and biddable pet. It is playful and patient with children, kind and strongly protective of its owners. It is also an outstanding watchdog as it is intent, sharp and alert in observing unfriendly people or forces.
Additionally, this renowned hunter is naturally intelligent, cunning, and independent and these sometimes may lead to difficult training sessions. However, if you have a firm and patient disposition towards this dog, you will gain its trust and thus will never have to handle difficult trainings. This breed has a tendency, too, to be aloof towards strangers and will always be on its guard if it chances upon one.
It is also a suitable dog for apartment living so long as it is provided with an everyday lengthy and fast-paced walking or jogging. Inside the house they are relatively dormant but once outside they tend to be energetic and eager huge pets. Their exercise needs to be done in an open space such as large backyards or parks.
Knowing the harsh conditions of Africa, we can easily understand why this dog can stand unforgiving situations at times. In fact, this dog can withstand flaring hot days and damp and cold nights. It can also go on for 24 hours and more without food and water.
The Vicious and Courageous Hunter of Lions, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed
May 17, 2009 by Cameron Houston · Leave a Comment
Everyone knows that when a lion gets mad, it wrecks unimaginable and irreversible havoc that’s why only those skilled enough and experienced hunters can face and elude this creature’s wrath. Humans and animals are known to shiver in fear over the sight of a lion gone mad but not this one breed of dog. Instead of running for its dear life, it unabashedly challenges and faces the king of the jungle’s fury and succeeds at it most of the time: this is the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog.
This breed, in all its handsomeness and masculinity, is a native of South Africa where lions are a common sight. Originally, some native tribes of this country owned a ridgebacked breed of dog used as hunting aids and household companions. The Boer farmers, another tribe, realized the potential of this breed and so they bred it with the Khoikhoi dog, Mastiff and Deerhound to produce the modern day Rhodesian Ridgeback.
A man named Reverend Helm introduced two of these new breed to Rhodesia, now called Zimbabwe, in 1887 and it is there that this breed gained additional popularity as an excellent lion hunter. The first standard for this breed was written in 1922 in Rhodesia stating that this breed is of the game hunting kind. This distinction brought about several debates as there are different classifications for big game hunting and small hunting and it turned out that the Rhodesian Ridgeback is excellent at both.
This breed is called Ridgeback because of the distinct symmetrical ridge formation along its back. This ridge is a hair growth growing towards the opposite direction of its natural coat growth. This breed’s coat looks sleek and glossy with colors of either red or light wheat.
In hunting, this dog is courageous and fearless but inside the home, it is placid, gentle and docile. It is naturally good to people, playful and patient with children and protective of its owner. It is wary of strangers although this can serve as an advantage when it comes to its watchdog duty because it tends to be vigilant and watchful.
Additionally, this renowned hunter is naturally intelligent, cunning, and independent and these sometimes may lead to difficult training sessions. However, if you have a firm and patient disposition towards this dog, you will gain its trust and thus will never have to handle difficult trainings. This breed has a tendency, too, to be aloof towards strangers and will always be on its guard if it chances upon one.
An apartment dwelling is fine with the Ridgeback as long as it gets its daily exercise of long brisk walking and jogging. Inside the house they are inactive but once outside, they pour out all their energies thats why you must bring them to a wide space outdoors to jaunt and run around in. Bring them to open- spaced yards or parks for example.
The Ridgeback has a natural instinct to survive harsh conditions because its ancestors are pliable to the unforgiving situations of Africa. The Ridgeback can withstand hot climates and damp and cold nights. It can also last up to more than 24 hours without water or food.
Information You Need to Know About The Lovable Toy Dog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
May 10, 2009 by Thomas Ricks · Leave a Comment
If you follow the hit series Sex and the City intently, then you wouldn’t fail to recognize the classy and diminutive dog breed that Charlotte York always tots around- the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Just like the characters of the show, this breed is also the epitome of fashion, class and glamour. This breed itself looks regal and classy with its long and wavy locks, and tiny frame of a body.
Also called Cav or Cavie, this creature is recognized as the world’s “ultimate lap dog” and the “love sponge of dogs”. This playful and cheerful breed joins the English toy dogs group and is distinct from the spaniel despite the association of its name to spaniel. It strives on human or animal companionship and so it shouldn’t be left out alone by itself for a very long time.
The Cavie is known to be friendly with little children and welcoming to other creatures, and for being not disconcerted by the noise and chaos of the city. Because of these traits, this pet is cited as a perfect companion to the urban dwellers. Despite its playfulness as well, the Cavie is actually a well-behaved dog and so it gives an effect of calmness and relaxation to its master.
Like its other spaniel relatives, the Cavie looks aristocratic yet charming and kind. Its ears, adorable with dense soft fluffs, hang pendulously and long. It also has that peculiar snout and expressive large round eyes.
The coat of the Cavie feels fairly smooth and appears dense with a moderate length of mildly wavy hair. It comes in a variety of colors but the top four recognized shades are Blenheim, Tricolor, Black and Tan, and Ruby. As a puppy, its body is not as hairy but as it grows in to adulthood; its hair grows in length mostly covering the ears, chest, legs and tail areas.
The Cavie is inherently loving, unabashed and sociable that it would befriend every kind of animal without any second thoughts. This is positive in a way that you know your Cavie will do just fine even if its surrounded with new faces. However, it can be negative in terms of unawareness because some larger animals tend to be ferocious and even fatal to creatures as small as the Cavie.
This creature has a funny way of welcoming new friends, too, as it usually licks the hand of the new comer first before being deeply acquainted with them. It also has an impulsive trait of chasing whatever it deemed as small game in its surroundings such as butterflies, birds, squirrel or cats. In this case, it is a must to watch over them intently when you are going for a walk for this dog is oblivious of the speeding cars around it and might just jump out on the street in its chase of the mesmerizing butterfly.
Exercise for a Cavie only requires daily walks and short strolls once in a while. They are not as active as other breeds and so they don’t really have to release huge amounts of energy. Cleaning and grooming also only requires once in a while bathing or dry shampooing and occasional coat brushing especially of its ears and feet area.
The Fluffy and Famous Pomeranian
May 9, 2009 by Rachel Houston · Leave a Comment
Who wouldn’t recognize this fluffy and adorable little breed when all its magnificence is shown in countless movies and TV repeatedly? This celebrity breed is the Pomeranian and it is on the American Kennel Club’s top 15 most famous breeds of America for 10 consecutive years. Today, the Pomeranian or Pom Pom is being adopted as a companion dog but it is also competitive in terms of agility, competitive obedience and ticks performance.
Evidence of this breed’s ancestors was found in Egypt as shown in various Egyptian paintings, sculptures and pottery inside the tomb of prominent people. Overtime, this breed was brought to the region of the now non-existent Pomerania, a place now occupied by Germany and Poland dividedly. It is in this place that the then 20 pounds Pomeranian-like breed was further refined to possess a luscious coat and a disposition befitting a city life.
Today, this breed weighs 3 to 7 pounds and the credit goes to the English people who developed the Pomeranian breed to be much smaller and colorful. When it became tiny and recognizable as a toy dog, it gained popularity all over Europe through the ardent fascination of Queen Charlotte and Princess Victoria. Famous personalities are said to have an affinity to the breed and such people are Marie Antoinette, Mozart and Emile Zola to name a few.
The Pomeranian is labeled as a toy dog and it belongs to the Spitz type. In many European countries, this dog is called Zwergspitz, a German word meaning dwarf spitz or toy German spitz. The name Pomeranian came from the root word Pomorze or Pomern, a Slavic language meaning “along the sea”.
Describing the look of this tiny breed, many attest that it looks like a fox, a baby doll, or a pansy-faced creature. This may be attributed to the fact that the Pomeranian owns a bright, almond-shaped, and intelligent- looking stare. It also possesses a dense, long and soft hair that is often seen in colors white, black, brown, orange, sable, wolf, or white with colored markings.
The original Pomeranian used to weigh 20 to 30 pounds but through the Mendelean breeding technique, breeders were able to decrease its size to 3 to 7 pounds. This breed may also live up to 12 or 19 years given that it is kept healthy. To achieve its prime health, it is important to give this little dog a dose of daily walks in order to keep it fit and sane.
The Pomeranian is a natural entertainer, sociable, energetic and loyal type of dog. It excels in competitive obedience and tricks performance even in circus acts. Furthermore, the Pom Pom is an independent type of dog therefore you dont have to constantly lavish it with attention and time as it will keep itself busy on its own.
To keep its appearance at its best, frequent brushing and combing, regular dental check up and daily ear and nose cleaning are needed. On the downside, the Pomeranian is an excessive shedder therefore allergic individuals are not suited to own this breed. This dog also strives well in a small apartment dwelling because it doesn’t really need a wide space to exercise.
The Things That Make the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel an Adorably Elegant and Affable Creature
May 6, 2009 by Thomas Ricks · Leave a Comment
If you follow the hit series Sex and the City intently, then you wouldn’t fail to recognize the classy and diminutive dog breed that Charlotte York always tots around- the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Just like the characters of the show, this breed is also the epitome of fashion, class and glamour. This breed itself looks regal and classy with its long and wavy locks, and tiny frame of a body.
This breed, also called as Cav or Cavie, is noted as the world’s “ultimate lap dog” and the “love sponge of dogs”. It belongs to the diminutive group of dogs called the toy group and is said to be one of the most favored toy dogs in Europe. This breed lives for companionship of either human or animals and so it is not advisable to leave them alone for a very long time.
The Cavie is known to be friendly with little children and welcoming to other creatures, and for being not disconcerted by the noise and chaos of the city. Because of these traits, this pet is cited as a perfect companion to the urban dwellers. Despite its playfulness as well, the Cavie is actually a well-behaved dog and so it gives an effect of calmness and relaxation to its master.
Like the Cocker Spaniel, this breed looks snottily hairy but looks elegantly sweet and affable. It has ears that are long and drooping and which are densely covered with medium-length hair. Its face, looking endearing and regal, possesses a distinct kind of nose and large, round eyes.
The texture of its coat is fairly smooth and always appears medium in length, and fairly wavy but never curly. The coat comes in colors of Blenheim, Tricolor, Black and Tan, and Ruby which are the widely accepted colors. As a young dog, the Cavie does not really possess a hairy body but reaching adulthood, the hair grows tremendously all over particularly on its ears, chest, legs and tail.
The Cavie are also well-loved for being affectionate, courageous and outgoing; and its sincere desire to befriend and be at peace with everybody. On the lighter side, this could be good since you will know that the Cavie will less likely start a fight among a group of other dogs. On the other hand, this disposition makes him vulnerable to the attacks of larger and more ferocious dog breeds.
This creature has a funny way of welcoming new friends, too, as it usually licks the hand of the new comer first before being deeply acquainted with them. It also has an impulsive trait of chasing whatever it deemed as small game in its surroundings such as butterflies, birds, squirrel or cats. In this case, it is a must to watch over them intently when you are going for a walk for this dog is oblivious of the speeding cars around it and might just jump out on the street in its chase of the mesmerizing butterfly.
Caring for the Cavie is quite simple and easy since it is not an energetic and vigorous dog. Just to keep it healthy and sane, daily walks will suffice. Grooming its hair only requires bathing or dry shampooing only when necessary and combing of coat especially in the ears and feet.
The Ultimate Lap Dog of Europe, The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
May 4, 2009 by Thomas Ricks · Leave a Comment
If you were an avid follower of the hit tv series Sex and the City, you wouldn’t fail to catch a glimpse of this classy breed which Charlotte York fashionably keeps as a pet- the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This TV star of a dog looks undeniably elegant, classy and regal with its medium length wavy locks and petite size. Additionally, not only does it appear on television today but centuries ago, this same breed was depicted in paintings and tapestries of royals and nobles such as King Charles II.
Also called Cav or Cavie, this creature is recognized as the world’s “ultimate lap dog” and the “love sponge of dogs”. This playful and cheerful breed joins the English toy dogs group and is distinct from the spaniel despite the association of its name to spaniel. It strives on human or animal companionship and so it shouldn’t be left out alone by itself for a very long time.
The Cavie is distinct for being friendly and playful with children and other animals and for being unfazed by the hustle and bustle of a busy urban life. In this regard, it makes a perfect companion for those who dwell in tiny apartments or small-spaced houses in a busy city. This dog is not hyper-active and obnoxious and in fact, gives the opposite result to its owner as it gives relaxation, calmness and happiness.
This breed looks elegant and aristocratic presumably because of its medium-length haired body and smooth textured coat. It has ears that are distinct for being densely haired, pendulous and long. Its face, aristocratic and classy, has a differently shaped snout and inquisitive large, round eyes.
The texture of its coat is fairly smooth and always appears medium in length, and fairly wavy but never curly. The coat comes in colors of Blenheim, Tricolor, Black and Tan, and Ruby which are the widely accepted colors. As a young dog, the Cavie does not really possess a hairy body but reaching adulthood, the hair grows tremendously all over particularly on its ears, chest, legs and tail.
The Cavie are also well-loved for being affectionate, courageous and outgoing; and its sincere desire to befriend and be at peace with everybody. On the lighter side, this could be good since you will know that the Cavie will less likely start a fight among a group of other dogs. On the other hand, this disposition makes him vulnerable to the attacks of larger and more ferocious dog breeds.
To welcome new friends, the Cavie unusually licks these peoples hands first before familiarity and friendship can be founded. Being hunters originally, this dog has hunting instincts that prompts it to chase, leap upon and capture smaller creatures such as butterflies, birds and squirrels. For this reason, it is imperative that you put them on leash when you are out for a stroll because it tends to run anywhere unabashedly including busy streets.
Caring for the Cavie is quite simple and easy since it is not an energetic and vigorous dog. Just to keep it healthy and sane, daily walks will suffice. Grooming its hair only requires bathing or dry shampooing only when necessary and combing of coat especially in the ears and feet.
English Bulldog: Ugly Outside but Beautiful Inside
April 30, 2009 by Jack Lawrence · 2 Comments
The ugliest for some and the most beautiful for others; opinion may vary but the fact still remains, the English Bulldog is one of the most well-received and well-loved pets around the world. This creature, despite of its short size, looks massive with its thick-set and low to the ground body. Despite its violent and bloody ancestry line, it is friendly, calm and gentle.
The breed may look odd for some people because it possesses short legs, a low hanging body and a wrinkly face. It has a coat that is short and smooth and which comes in shades of red brindle, solid white, solid red, fawn or fallow and piebald. Watching it walk, it manifests that rolling or sidewise motion most probably because of its loosely-jointed legs.
The English Bulldog’s ancestry traces back to the bull baiting days of 15th century England. During those times, bull baiting – a violent and barbaric killing game between a dog and a bull- was a favorite sport of royals and commoners. The dogs used for these games are the cross-breeds of the Mastiff breed, an enormous and brutal war dog, meaning these bull dogs too are unrelentingly vicious and fatal.
As bull baiting became illegal in England, these fighting dogs were transported to America and Germany and they helped with the inception of the Boxer breed. Meanwhile, the dogs that were left in England were bred with the pug dog and the result became the modern day English Bulldog. The cross-breed of the bulldog and pug dog was not violent at all and in fact, was only limited to dog shows if it ever was to join competitions.
This breed is docile but can be quite determined at times and extremely loyal to its human family. It is equable with other animals and is affectionate and excellent with kids, however, it is not an entirely energetic kind of dog. Truth is, the English Bulldog loves to laze around and just stay indoors.
When it is still a puppy, the English Bulldog is overflowing with energy but as it grows up, it becomes calm and lazy. Unlike other breeds that require a vigorous amount of exercise, the English Bulldog would rather stay indoors and play a little bit and sleep. Additionally, this dog also reacts to heat easily and so leaving them to deal with a hot temperature will likely damage them.
The English Bulldog is also prone to snoring and drooling and it looks funny when it does these all the time. Keeping them clean and tidy is also easy as you will only need a rough cloth for once in a while wiping. Do not let this dog over eat for it will completely forget about exercising.
It would also help him to have his fold and wrinkles powdered during hot weathers. Although the English Bulldog looks wrinkly and ugly, its attitude is far from it. It may come from the vicious and fatal dogs bloodline but it is completely different today for it is only sweet, gentle and affectionate to everyone.
West Highland White Terrier: A Magnificent Breed Saved From Cruelty
April 30, 2009 by Jack Richardson · 1 Comment
Filled with spunk and a mighty determination- this is what the tiny West Highland White terrier is popularly known for and more. With a compact little body and a wonderfully luminous white fur, this dog is an undeniable charmer and a surprisingly energetic and agile little gamer. Also widely known as “Westie”, this little fluffy creature has a wide following and is still counting.
A lot of dog owners favor the West Highland White terrier today but going back in time, it is but a pity and a shock to know that they weren’t so favored as they are today. In Scotland, where this breed first appeared, they were merely treated as invaluable, least productive and scruffy dogs of peasant and poor workers. These cruel and unjust assessments then widely prompted the people of that time to abandon, allow perishing, and ultimately killing these poor terriers.
Thanks to the influence of a soft- hearted man of rank, however, that this dog was saved from harshness and was started to be recognized as one having unique abilities and useful strengths as a watchdog and vermin hunter. Col. Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch, Scotland was the first man to give importance to this breed and so it was called the Poltalloch terrier then. Col. Malcolm developed several colored terriers but it is the white colored one that gained the most concentration for this typical color is the most useful in bushes and woods setting.
This creature is a relative of Scottish terriers Skye, Cairn, and Dandie Dinmont and inter-breeding made it the West Highland White terrier that it is today. The efforts of Col. Malcolm resulted in the conception of the first West Highland White terrier club in 1905 and in 1906, it was given official recognition by The Kennel Club in the UK and was given the name The West Highland Terrier Club. The West Highland White terrier was shown at that same time in the US and has been a part of the American Kennel Club (AKC) by 1908.
Being a typical terrier, the Westie is unsurprisingly game, hardy, fairly trusting to new people, playful to children; active, self-assured, and feigns companionship. It’s common for this breed as well to be inclined in running, playing, and runningaround small animals such as cats; it is never to hurt other animals but that this terrier loves chasing them around but merely as a form of entertainment. If surrounded by other dogs, this breed will interact just fine for it is never touchy and antagonistic, but rather affable and possesses a high self-esteem.
Outwardly, this dog is covered with 2 inches length of hair that’s thick, soft, and pearly white in brilliance. It sturdily and robustly boasts its 10-12 inches of height and its hair that has a softer and thicker undercoat and courser and tougher overcoat. Maintenance for the hair minimally requires daily brushing and regular trimmings and clippings.
This dog is also tractable, is an innate showman within and is fairly intelligent; truth is, it wins a lot during obedience and dog show competitions. As per its health, just like any other animals, it requires daily walks in order to exercise its body fairly and to prevent them from learning unpleasant behaviors. Daily walks, however, are not enough for this dog needs an ample amount of playtime so as to enhance its physical and mental fitness.
The West Highland White terrier, despite its morbid and pitiful past, is overflowing with praises and spoiling nowadays. Clubs for this breed are popping out in almost every city in all parts of the world and this additionally proves the adoration it receives today. Without the effort of the Malcolm family, this creature must not be of existence now and we would have never known a sweet, charming, and protective little dog called Westie.






