Things to consider when buying a Dog of any kind
I highly recommend the book by Stanley Coren, Why We Love the Dogs We Do. In this book Dr. Coren states one in four households in North America owns a dog but almost half of all new puppies purchased as pets do not successfully make it through the first year with the people who adopt them. These dogs are returned to their breeders, left at shelters, killed by their owners or by a veterinarian at their owner’s request or simply abandoned. A large portion of dogs in Alberta shelters will be larger mixed-breed dogs but there are also smaller and purebred dogs given up. Check out PARS a northern Alberta non-profit, no-kill rescue group that use foster homes, if you feel that adopting a rescue dog is for your family.
The reason Coren wrote the book is to match up the personality types of people with a good match of dog from a personality group. He has grouped dogs in the following seven categories there are many mixes of sizes coat types in each group – it is so much more to do with the behavioral traits of the breed he is looking at than the outward appearance of the dog…
Friendly Dogs (includes affectionate and genial dogs)
Some examples: Labrador, Cocker Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Collie, Golden Retriever, King Charles Spaniel
Protective Dogs (includes territorial and dominate dogs)
Some examples: Boxer, Akita, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Rottweiler, Bull Terrier
Independent Dogs (includes personable and strong-willed dogs)
Some examples: Shar-Pei, Dalmatian, Irish Setter, Husky, Greyhound
Self-Assured Dogs (includes spontaneous and audacious dogs)
Some examples: West Highland White Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Miniature Pinscher
Consistent Dogs (includes self-contained and home-loving dogs)
Some examples: Chihuahua, Dachshund, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Pekingese, Pomeranian
Steady Dogs (includes solid, good-natured, and tolerant dogs) I think a better choice for homes with very young children
Some examples: Basset Hound, Beagle, Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, Clumber Spaniel, Bernese Mountain Dog
Clever Dogs (includes observant and trainable dogs)
Border Collie, German Shepherd, Poodle, Shetland Sheepdog, Corgi (both types) Doberman
These are not the same categories as listed by the CKC, however, there are mostly terriers in the self-assured dogs group. Self-assured dogs are good for people who like the company of an unpredictable and fun-loving little personality. They are good company – like little friends - or as my son would say – little friends who have been drinking lots of coffee. Westies have bursts of energy but also like to cuddle or just be near people. They are very cheerful and loving dogs however they are not 'lap dogs' you are more likely to find a quiet and cuddly lap dog in the consistent dog group.
None of the categories are better than any other but some categories of dogs are a much better match for different people. Ironically, people who are not too crazy about dogs do best with dogs from the clever category because these dogs are more likely to do what they are told. If you buy the book (or take it out the library) you can answer all the questions and you may be surprised to find you may be more suited emotionally to a different type of dog than has appealed to you by it’s appearance or because your family owned a particular breed when you were a child.
I think if more people were to take a little time to read such a book they would find a better match and a lot of heartache could be avoided. If you are looking for another breed of dog for sale in Alberta check out Alberta Dogs.com
If you are not sure if now is a good time for you to own a dog – why not offer to walk a dog for an elderly or sick person that you know every day, even if only for fifteen minutes or offer to be a foster home for a rescue shelter. See if you enjoy being responsible for a dog in a small way and see if you look forward to meeting with the dog. A dog purchase should not be a spur of the moment decision. If you are bringing your first pet into a currently petless house - your lifestyle and freedom will be greatly changed. A dog doesn't care if you are sick in bed with the flu, he still needs to be let out to relieve himself; same idea goes for weekends and the idea of sleeping in late - those days will be gone unless you have a very secure garden and a dog flap that allows the dog get in and out independently. A Westie is NOT an outdoor dog both because of our severe Canandian summers and winters and because of his personality.
Things to consider when buying a West Highland White Terrier in particular
These dogs have a fairly long expected life span – my first Westie lived to be fourteen. Are you prepared to care for a dog for such a long time? Westies can live up to sixteen years. This is a consideration when buying a dog primarily with the children in mind - they will have left for college and your little buddy could be around for years later. Had you planned on being tied down once the children fly the coop? It is good to remember that while you have many other friends and hobbies and activities YOU will be the object of love and devotion of your dog's life. Your Westie will want to be in your presence and hear your voice every opportunity that is allowed her. Although independent in spirit, a Westie is still a pack dog and YOU are his reason for life and his happiness. It is a solemn trust and a serious responsibility.
The initial cost of the dog is a fraction compared to how much money you will spend over the years on annual inoculations and health check ups, quality dog food, spaying and neutering, bedding and traveling/training crate, shampoo, de-worming, hair care, toys, milk bones, other treats, boarding during holidays, dog obedience class. I would highly recommend that you also take a standard pet first aid course especially if you live miles away from a vet. Unsupervised pups and even older dogs should be contained in their own area if unsupervised – if they are not you may need to add chewed up furniture etc to the list of expenses – Westside are bad for ‘digging’ up carpet! A dog could have an accident or a costly long term medical condition - if you have dog you should either have a pet health insurance plan or else have some funds available to cover emergency or long term medical care.
Westies love to dig! Not a great choice of dog for people with prize flower gardens. They not only need to have a fenced place to run around outside but also there is a very good chance that an unsupervised dog could dig under a fence fairly quickly. My pups are sold with a micro-chip registered with the CKC which will identify your dog and have her returned to you if she is taken to a shelter. We are a home schooling family that is home more than most people normally are so there has been no reason for our little buddies to plan a great escape. Most of all they just love to be near the people they love.
Heath Concerns: All breeds of dogs (including mixed breeds) are prone to certain diseases/conditions. The buyer should be aware of the known health problems that have been associated with Westies, including but not limited to: Atopy, Aggression, Luxated Patella, Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, Legg-Calve-Perthes, Cranionmandibular Osteopathy, Pulmonary Fibrosis, White Shaker Syndrome, Addison’s Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Copper Toxicosis, Juvenile Cataracts, Deafness, Globoid Cell Leukodystopy.
Grooming: Westies are quick and easy to run a comb through, but it takes quite a bit of practice to make them look like a Westie on a dog treat box with the proper rounded shaped head. If you prefer to have this look kept up professionally this may be required as much as every six weeks. Westies shed very little and may be one of the better choices for people with mild dog allergies however the Bishon Friese would be the best choice for those people with allergies. Westies in real life, seldom look like the dogs working in the advertising industry.
There is a high rate of same sex aggression in terriers. It is best not keep two of the same sex even if they are being spayed or neutered at an early age (however this step will greatly reduce your chances of this happening). With breeding dogs, there is a lot more vying for position in the breeding pack than would be in a normal pet household.
You will find if you do some research, that Westies are recommended for older children anywhere from 8 to 12. The reason for this is that Westies are pack animals and the dog may consider himself or herself higher up the pecking order in your household than your young child. The dog may nip a toddler who has the audacity to place a hand in the dog dish to put the child 'in his place' - also Westies have a strong prey drive and may be excited to chase and nip at a running child. Until a child is old enough to have dog etiquette and not allow the dog to boss her around I would advise holding off with a Westie. I would not trust the safety of a small child with ANY breed of dog if left unsupervised but dogs from the 'steady' category as listed above have the best track record with small children. Training dogs is good for all of them but is essential when mixing dogs and children.
Westies will bark to let you know someone is at the door – but don’t expect a guard dog – most are very friendly towards strangers. Two of my past Westies puppies have been more protective of the home and family than what is normal to expect for the breed. I am no longer breeding with that sire or one of the dams.
Westies were bred to kill rodents: it is in their nature to pound and kill mice with their feet. Dog books say that Westies can be socialized with any animal if done at a young age and show pictures cuddled up with hamsters etc – but I am highly doubtful of this claim and would not trust the safety of small critters with a Westie.
After all these warnings do you still have your heart set on a Westie…
Me too :-)
I got my first Westie as a birthday gift on my ninth birthday – to this day I consider that Tim was the best birthday gift I have ever had. I love the personalities of the Westie – I find them interesting and entertaining little clowns. For me, having the opportunity to breed Westies is a dream come true.
Please read the contact information tab to read about my breeding philosophy, when I hope to have litters, a price of a puppy and what is included and my application form for a puppy from Dunsbairn.
