The West Highland White Terrier, more commonly known as a Westie, provides caring owners and families with a number of benefits. However, as is the case with any breed of dog, an untrained, improperly socialized Westie can prove rather troublesome.
Despite the dog’s relatively small stature, the Westie is a very confident and energetic breed. In many ways the epitome of the terrier family of dogs, the Westie is sturdy and highly interactive. They are generally more social than other terriers and do not mind being handled by fellow members of the pack. Westies can flourish in just about any home environment, so long as they are able to participate in whatever activities their pack mates are involved in.
Unfortunately, the Westie’s playful nature can quickly become a nuisance in households that do not treat the dog to regular walks and play sessions. Owners who cannot spend time helping their Westie run down their energy levels over the course of the day might need to reconsider their interest in the breed. An under-stimulated Westie can be highly stubborn and very loud, if not downright destructive.
Even a properly cared for Westie can prove challenging for some owners. Westies generally interact well with other dogs, but they can display aggressive behavior when it comes to dogs of the same gender. Smaller animals, such as rabbits, will almost certainly be viewed by the Westie as prey, regardless of training.
A well cared for Westie in the right setting can be an invaluable addition to any family. On the other hand, any hesitation about integrating a Westie, whether it be due to exercise limitations or other animals present in the house, should be closely examined before making a lifelong commitment to a dog.
