Can West Highland White Terriers Be Guard Dogs?

Thinking to get a West Highland White Terrier puppy and want to know whether a West Highland White Terrier can be a good guard dog or if West Highland White Terrier Dogs are protective of their owners?

According to our chart, West Highland White Terrier Dogs score 3 star out of 5 in the scale of breeds that are considered the best watch dogs.


Can West Highland White Terriers Be Guard Dogs?

Can West Highland White Terriers Be A Watch Dog?

    This dog is not recommended to be a watchdog.

    Training a West Highland White Terrier To Be a Watch Dog

    Lots of people get a canine because they want extra security around their homes. A guard dog, or a canine that will actually stop an intruder, typically takes unique breeding and training, but there are many dogs that are excellent watch dogs.

    A watch dog simply informs their owner to somebody coming close to their house. Even though your dog isn't a police dog, most barking dogs will discourage an intruder even if they aren't large. Most guard dogs also make excellent watch dogs, but not all watch dogs make great guard dogs.

    Top 5 Best Guard Dogs

    1. Doberman Pinscher - The Doberman Pinscher is German breed initially used for safeguarding, police and military work. They are large, strong dogs that will alert their owners to doubtful activity and can make good guard dogs as well.

    2. Cairn Terrier - Although little, the Cairn Terrier is intense. They are strong-willed, fiery little terriers that are quite observant of their surroundings and will notify their owners to any novel activity in no time. Because of this, they make exceptional watch dogs.

    3. Rottweiler - The Rottweiler is a big German guard dog breed that is deeply loyal to its family but wary of strangers. However, they are not a great choice for amateur canine owners.

    4. German Shepherd - They are excellent guard dogs that will alert their owners of any strangers just a little too close to their homes.

    5. Akita - They will quickly notify their owners to any unusual activity. They are strong dogs that are not well-suited for the novice owner, but are almost unparalleled in their loyalty to their owners.

Can West Highland White Terriers Be Guard Dogs

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. Register your missing pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Report the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups Here.

3. Phone the nearby vet clinics to see if anyone has brought in your lost 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. Report the found pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

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

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

4. Take the pet to the local Animal Pound near to your area.

5. Take the animal to the local Vet 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 call 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.