West Highland White Terrier Temperament

Looking to get a West Highland White Terrier Dog and want to know about West Highland White Terrier's temperament or characteristics?

There are lots of reasons why you will love the West Highland White Terrier Dogs as they are known for their Affectionate, Alert, Courageous temperament.


West Highland White Terrier Temperament

West Highland White Terrier Dog Characteristics

  • Affectionate
  • Alert
  • Courageous
  • Intelligent
  • Friendly
  • Hardy
  • Independent

    How To Find a Dog With a Good Temperament

    Choosing a dog can be both exciting and perplexing. But the one thing we all want to know is how our new dog's character will reveal itself.

    Understanding why a breed was created, and the country and climate it initially came from, can help you understand what to expect in terms of behaviour and personality.

    Some breeds require much more attention than others. A breed's true temperament can also take some time to develop: the boxer's extrovert and playful nature means it takes longer to mature than other breeds.

    The puppies of particular breeds can be very hard work in the early weeks but can make wonderful adult dogs.

    There are seven types of dogs:
    • Gun dog
    • Toy dog
    • Utility Dog
    • Hound dog
    • Terrier
    • Working dog
    • Pastoral


West Highland White Terrier Temperament Personality

West Highland White Terrier Information

The Westie is compact and short-coupled. It must be small enough to fit between rocks in a narrow passageway that was the typical fox den in its area of origin. These passages were often so narrow that the dog could not turn around. Short legs aided in maneuverability in the cramped passages. It had to have formidable teeth and jaws in order to face a fox in closed quarters. The harsh double coat, especially the hard, straight outer coat, provided protection from the fox's teeth, especially around the head, as well as from the elements. The tail needed to be sufficiently long to provide a handhold by which the dog could be pulled from shallow holes.

The busy Westie is happy, curious and always in the thick of things. It is affectionate and demanding, one of the friendliest terriers. It is not friendly, however, toward small animals. It enjoys a daily romp in a safe area or a walk on lead, as well as playtime at home. It is independent and somewhat stubborn. It barks and digs.

What to do if you lose your West Highland White Terrier

If your West Highland White Terrier Dog or any other pet has gone missing and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Report your missing pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Register the lost pet on the Local Lost Pets Facebook Groups Here.

3. Visit the local vets to see if anyone has handed in your missing pet.

4. Telephone the RSPCA or Visit the RSPCA Lost Pets website and complete a Lost Pet Report.

5. Visit Lost Pets Pages of Animal Pounds.

What to do if you find a lost West Highland White Terrier

If you find a West Highland White Terrier Dog or any other pet and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. List the found pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. List the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups.

3. Call the Local Authority to collect the lost animal.

4. Take the animal to the local Animal Pound near to your suburb.

5. Take the animal to the local Vet Clinic who can scan the animal’s microchip and phone the registered pet owner.

Laws Regarding Missing Pets

1. It is against the law to keep any animal that you find.

2. Pets are generally considered property and it is illegal to take and keep someone else’s property.

3. You must contact your local animal control unit and file a FOUND AN ANIMAL report for any dog or cat you find.

4. To reclaim your lost dog, cat or other pet from the animal shelter you must pay a release fee.

5. If your dog or cat is unregistered, you will have to register your pet before you can take it home.