Dog breed West-terrier-white: photos and reviews

White Highland Terrier is a small dog with the appearance of a soft toy. Nevertheless, it does not apply to those dogs with whom you can walk around the shopping center from time to time and boast to your girlfriends. This dog is a fine hunter: dexterous, fearless and adventurous, capable of making his own decisions.

From the history of the breed

Precise information about when the White-Terrier breed appeared did not survive. Breeded these animals were in Scotland, their ancestors are considered to be core and Scotch-terrier. The purpose of these animals is northerly hunting. These little hardworking little dogs were used to hunt the normal beast and small rodents.

Despite its tiny size, the Terrier-White is an energetic, bold and dexterous animal. That is why they always fulfilled their assigned tasks. As an underground hunter, he must climb into the hole, drive the beast out of it, or defeat the battle and pull out the dead animal. In addition, the West-White Terrier has always been valued by a man for his help in destroying domestic rodents.

Presumably snow-white terriers were bred in the end of the XIX century in the mountainous part of Scotland. Breeder Donald Malcolm conceived to bring the ideal hunter to a badger, a rabbit and a fox. It would seem that white color is too impractical for a hunting dog. However, Malcolm came to a different conclusion after accidentally hunting his pet, a red terrier, whom he had mistaken for a fox. Therefore, he purposefully began to select only white puppies for breeding.

External Features

West White Terrier, the photo of which we have placed in the article, has all the characteristic features of dogs of this species - small size, high set ears and never docked tail. This miniature dog shows miracles of strength and activity combined with a funny appearance and a peculiar character.

Quite short legs, flatter than the Scotch terrier, for example, the ribs allow the whitet to squeeze easily between the stones, and the thick coat that covers the head and neck perfectly protects against the bites of opponents.

Hunters have long noted that a white terrier among heather and dark rocks is seen much better than its red, sand or gray brethren. That is why dogs of white color have received unconditional approval among hunters. To date, there are several Scottish aristocratic families, which contain only such terriers.

The secret of color

A white-terrier dog is the representative of that rare case when the white color gene is dominant. Puppies of this breed are always born only white. From this, scientists conclude that it is homozygous. They believe that this is the result of the mutation of the black gene.

Height and weight

The standard of this breed allows height at the withers from 20 cm (bitches) to 30 cm (males). Weight of animals should not exceed 9 kg, bitches can be slightly lighter - 7 kg.

Body type

Today, many small hunting breeds of dogs are common in the world. White Terrier among them takes a leading place. An animal with a compact body, developed and strong loins becomes an indispensable helper when hunting for a normal beast. The upper point of the croup and withers are at the same level, the hips and shoulders are powerful.

Head

Not too advanced, densely covered with hair. It has a rounded shape, the cheekbones do not protrude beyond its contour. The skull slightly narrows from the ears to the eyes. The length of the muzzle is slightly less than the distance from the occiput to the eyes. Large brow ridges form a clear, rather sharp transition from the forehead to the muzzle.

Strong jaws provide a proper bite - the lower teeth overlap with the upper ones without a gap. The nose is quite large. But it fits smoothly into the outline of the muzzle. Usually the nose is black in color.

Eyes dark, set broadly, medium in size. There are massive superciliary arches. Light color of eyes is considered a disadvantage.

Ears are small, pointed, set almost perfectly - not widely and not close. They are covered by velvety, but thick fur. Undesirable tow.

The neck is rather long and muscular in relation to the head. It gradually expands to the base and smoothly passes into sloping shoulders.

Limbs

White has straight, short, muscular forelegs, covered with thick, stiff short hair. Elbow joints are located as close to the chest as possible. This provides the forelimbs with an easy movement during running.

Rounded front legs noticeably larger than the rear. They are strong, have fingers joined together, which covers the coat, as hard as on the neck. Hind legs sinewy and short. They are much smaller in size, their fingers are tightly packed. The claws and pads of the fingers are black.

Torso

Terrier White has a compact and beautiful body. He has a perfectly flat back, a broad and strong loin. The chest is fairly deep, with strongly curved ribs in the upper half. Because of this, it seems that the sides are flat.

Tail

Its length is not more than 15 centimeters. It is covered with hard wool, but longer than on paws. The tail is straight and uplifted.

Movement

Terrier-White differs from many small rocks with surprisingly light and free gait. The forelimbs easily move forward from the shoulders. The movements of the hind legs are strong, loose, but they can not be called sweeping. The lower parts of the limbs go under the trunk during movement.

Wool

The main coat is hard hair. Its length is about 5 cm. Undercoat is well expressed, soft, short and dense. Color - only white.

Character

West White Terrier - a curious, bold, active and very energetic creature. These dogs require the constant attention of the owners. They get on well with both adults and children. If the child is friendly, the White Terrier can take his game for a long time.

These dogs also get along very well with other pets, but it should be borne in mind that White will never miss the opportunity to show his leadership. Therefore, from an early age the puppy must learn that it is not necessary to hunt for cats, rabbits and other animals in the house. Problems with the behavior of these dogs are extremely rare, most often they appear in animals that are excessively spoiled in puppyhood. In this case, they can become too independent and stubborn.

His owner, the White Terrier trusts immensely. Despite its small size, it is always ready to protect it.

These are very peaceful and friendly companions, who are less and less used on hunting. They are great for beginners who have no experience with animals.

Maintenance and care

As soon as a tiny white terrier appears in your house, you should immediately let him know who is the master here. If he learns a lesson, there will be no problems in the future. These snow-white dogs are easy to learn, give in to training. They can even perform some tricks. But the lack of attention can negatively affect their behavior. Having become bored, the puppy will find employment, but, most likely, it will not like the owner.

Terrier-White, due to its activity, can not be limited to a short walk. Walking with such a pet should be long, preferably with active games and physical exertion.

Like most terriers, molting does not exist in Witches. Therefore, at least 3 times a year the dog should be trimmed. This can be done independently, but it is better to entrust such work to professionals. Experts do not recommend using a clipper for this purpose, as it spoils the structure of the wool. Properly treated wool allows the dog not to get dirty due to the rigid and dense structure of the hair. To your pet always looked neat and well-groomed, regularly comb it with a stiff brush.

Feeding

All dogs of light colors (especially white) have a predisposition to food allergies. Correctly compiled diet of such animals is a guarantee of their health.

First of all, try to exclude ready dry and canned food. However, now hypoallergenic products for dogs are made, but still, the percentage of protein content is quite high in them.

The basis of the food of the Wites should be rice porridge. When choosing meat, remember that such dietary species as chicken or beef, also cause allergies.
To create a balanced menu for your pet will help you an experienced veterinarian. The beginning owner should be well aware that eating from the master's table is not suitable for the animal.

Like most small terriers, the West Highlands grow to ten months old. During this period, owners are often interested in what to feed an adult animal. From this age, the whole milk from the diet excludes whole milk, which can cause digestive upset.

Dogs that participate in exhibitions during the season try not to give carrots and beets, as well as vitamins that contain algae or carotene - they cause yellowing of the coat.

An adult dog is fed twice a day. After trimming your pet needs drugs that stimulate the growth of hair. Vestam, like all other woolly dogs, is contraindicated in biotin, which causes the growth of soft wool and undercoat.

White Terrier: reviews

Today, these charming white doggies are often used as kind and affectionate companions. The owners are very happy with their four-legged friends - they are active, cheerful and able to cheer up, even when the heart is melancholy.

Many owners believe that a big plus for these dogs is that they feel great both in a city apartment and outside the city, in the courtyard. There is an opinion that the White Terrier inherited all the positive characteristics of the terriers and did not take negative ones.