Are there any other people owned by Westies out there?

[Duffy's Mom]

Duffy is the greatest little traveler. We house broke him in the motorhome. His first trip was for 6 weeks when he was 2 1/2 months old.

[Duffy's Mom]

Duffy is the greatest little traveler. We house broke him in the motorhome. His first trip was for 6 weeks when he was 2 1/2 months old.

[beaverjim]

duffy's mom, we are the proud owners of a 2 mo. old female westie (shasta) she hasn't hit the motor home yet, but weather permiting, she will in about two weeks. jimsue!

[MonacoMama]

I think RickO also has a Westie!
MM

[NAUTIQUE]

Wow, funny I came across this thread.
My wife has fallen in love with the Westies!
(Thinking of adopting one as a little companion to our Springer Spaniel.)
From what I've learned so far is that they are actually a hunting dog (which I like!), and that the West Highland, Scottish, and Cairnes are very similiar breeds. (My wife's family had a Scottie when we were younger.)
Anything else you can tell me about them would be appreciated.

[Duffy's Mom]

Westies are wonderful but a bit stubborn. If you have never owned a terrier read more about them. Duffy's dad says its a good thing Duff is so cute. It has saved his life many times. Westies are very loyal and loving except when there are squirrels in the vacinity. It is important to keep them leashed when outside because if they see a small animal they will go after it and they don't listen to anything else. Duff is great with kids when they are introduced properly. I make him sit and have the kids approach slowly and let him smell their hand. Then he loves the attention.
They are very energetic and need lots of exercise. If you want a dog who is going to sit with you and just be a lap dog, a westie is not for you. Oh sure, Duffy is a lap dog, but only when he wants to be and is tired.
We did and do crate train him. He sleeps in his crate at night and can't wait to get in when its bedtime.

I'm sure Shasta will do well in the motorhome. We just took his crate and some toys and he was right at home. Post some pictures.

[TXiceman]

Our daughter had a Westie and the term should be HYPER-Energetic.

Loving little dogs, but way too much energy and way too smart for their own good.

We have minaiture schnauzers and everybit as smart, but a little lower on the energy level.

Ken

[NAUTIQUE]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Duffy's Mom:
Westies are wonderful but a bit stubborn. If you have never owned a terrier read more about them.
They are very energetic and need lots of exercise. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sounds just like our Springer (must be typical of the hunting breeds.) If a bird flys by - watch out. Amazingly smart and very stubborn.
Crate & Obediance training are a must.
I did read that, with a male dog already in the house, a female Westie would be the better option.
I haven't found any local breeders yet. I've been surfing the net looking for more info., clubs, breeders ect.

[Duffy's Mom]

TXiceman - you said it all. If you are willing to walk them 4 or 5 times a day you can get the energy level down from hyper to high. And they do need consistant training from the get go or they will take over your home like Duffy has.

[Duffy's Mom]

For some really good info go to Westierescue.com
They usually have breeder recomendations. Who knows they may even have a sweet lady in distress who needs rescue.

Good luck.

[NAUTIQUE]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Duffy's Mom:
For some really good info go to Westierescue.com
They usually have breeder recomendations. Who knows they may even have a sweet lady in distress who needs rescue.

Good luck. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Thanks Vicki, I'll check that site out.

[DFR]

One thing no one has mentioned is their fearlessness. No matter the height they are at, these dogs will jump. Many times we were just a little late getting to our dog before it jumped from a disconcerting height even when only a few weeks old. Luckily no injuries have occurred. They also do not care about the size of their "prey". To watch a 12 pound dog try to boss a 1200 pound horse around is something to see. And yes, the westie rules the roost.

[Duffy's Mom]

Ah yes. I do remember when Duffy was 3 months old he went nose to nose with a full grown Great Dane. Only the Dane and Duffy's mom were scared. All in all I am raising a terrierist!!!

[Duffy's Mom]

Duffy was mesmorized by these cows. He never saw one before. He also loved the smell.