West Highland Terriors
- Thread starter BOO
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Have a look at Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Great family dog, short hair (low maintence) and does not need to go walkies. Very laid back, but when you need back up they are there very quickly. Very protective. Our's protected our son and his friend from a paedophile by going between the boy's and the stranger and sitting down - no growling or barking.
They do not attack, but will bail the stranger up and wait for you, hence they are noted as being a watch dog and not a guard dog. There has not been one verifyable attack by a RR in Victoria and I suspect the same holds true for the rest of Australia.
You will never out run one and my son had our old girl clocked at 40 kph - the pup is even faster! They race them on greyhound tracks in NSW. They can track anyone by scent and are akin to the bloodhound in this respect.
Down side it that they will do anything for food, and they eat alot more than a highland terrior.
As with all dogs, temperament is the most important attribute. Remember the adage, "big dog, big bite, small dog, small bite".
Goodluck in your choice.
They do not attack, but will bail the stranger up and wait for you, hence they are noted as being a watch dog and not a guard dog. There has not been one verifyable attack by a RR in Victoria and I suspect the same holds true for the rest of Australia.
You will never out run one and my son had our old girl clocked at 40 kph - the pup is even faster! They race them on greyhound tracks in NSW. They can track anyone by scent and are akin to the bloodhound in this respect.
Down side it that they will do anything for food, and they eat alot more than a highland terrior.
As with all dogs, temperament is the most important attribute. Remember the adage, "big dog, big bite, small dog, small bite".
Goodluck in your choice.
(Please don't tell my Mum that I sneaked onto the computer to post this. She doesn't know I can type.)
I'd like to put in a good word for us mixed breeds...you see I'm a cross between a Lhasa Apso (Tibetan Temple Dog) and a Sydney Silky Terrier.
I have both a wonderful temperament and a keen sense of duty when it comes to protecting kids and other little animals. (Kids are my fav!) I don't eat much, although food is my fav too! I fit snugly into any corner of the car. Riding in the car is my fav! I'm really only good with visitors if you tell me they're "friends", otherwise I bark at them with everything I've got. Guarding my loved ones is my fav too! I'm also very intelligent...like how many dogs do you know who can post msgs?
Here is my pic. See, I'm really cute too!
I'd like to put in a good word for us mixed breeds...you see I'm a cross between a Lhasa Apso (Tibetan Temple Dog) and a Sydney Silky Terrier.
I have both a wonderful temperament and a keen sense of duty when it comes to protecting kids and other little animals. (Kids are my fav!) I don't eat much, although food is my fav too! I fit snugly into any corner of the car. Riding in the car is my fav! I'm really only good with visitors if you tell me they're "friends", otherwise I bark at them with everything I've got. Guarding my loved ones is my fav too! I'm also very intelligent...like how many dogs do you know who can post msgs?
Here is my pic. See, I'm really cute too!
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We have a Poodle crossed with a cocker spaniel. She loves everybody, doesn't shed hair, doesn't smell and she displays that rude health or hybrid vigour as only a mongrel can! She is very smart and fetches the paper for me each morning and is great company as I work from home.
A lot of folks that have met her have gone on to source similar crosses and are all happy.
I wouldn't consider anything else now and even Don Burke reckons this cross is the best family pet.
A lot of folks that have met her have gone on to source similar crosses and are all happy.
I wouldn't consider anything else now and even Don Burke reckons this cross is the best family pet.
*sigh*
such fond memories of my childhood pet... or as anyone who has grown up with a dog knows they are... a sibling with fur... labrador cross golden retriever.
Still go all mushy when I see a golden retriever. But cannot imagine owning another one now I am an adult... the grooming is a factor that I would personally take into account when matching breed of dog and human's householder lifestyle
Simon your xbreed hound sounds like a winner!!!!! {this comment is not apropos the grooming comment above.... it is a change in topic.... Simon's dog sound like a great dog personality wise and surfs too.... see below!}
such fond memories of my childhood pet... or as anyone who has grown up with a dog knows they are... a sibling with fur... labrador cross golden retriever.
Still go all mushy when I see a golden retriever. But cannot imagine owning another one now I am an adult... the grooming is a factor that I would personally take into account when matching breed of dog and human's householder lifestyle
Simon your xbreed hound sounds like a winner!!!!! {this comment is not apropos the grooming comment above.... it is a change in topic.... Simon's dog sound like a great dog personality wise and surfs too.... see below!}
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She can even surf on a boogie board which draws a crowd down at the dog beach!
Wishga raises an important point about grooming. I doubt that you can have your cake and eat it too.....
A dog will either shed hair on the floor, furniture, car etc or it needs clipping. I clip Rosie myself and it is really quite easy. Perhaps three times a year I run the clippers over her. The upside is that no hair falls out and there is no evidence to show that Rosie and I spend our days asleep on the couch which we are both banned from doing ....
Wishga raises an important point about grooming. I doubt that you can have your cake and eat it too.....
A dog will either shed hair on the floor, furniture, car etc or it needs clipping. I clip Rosie myself and it is really quite easy. Perhaps three times a year I run the clippers over her. The upside is that no hair falls out and there is no evidence to show that Rosie and I spend our days asleep on the couch which we are both banned from doing ....
Post your question here http://forums.dogzonline.com.au/
Some very knowledgable experts there who will be helpful as to if the breed is suitable for children.
Well regardless of what particular breed you do choose - it is always important to remember that all dogs need training and socialisation - and not just going for a run down the dog park. Remember that all dogs, large and small, can injure kids if they (the dog), are not trained or discliplined properly, although kids can benefit enormously by learning doggy language and how dogs think/behave in certain situations. Definately puppy preschool and proper dog obedience classes are a must, especially when children are involved.
Does/did anyone watch the dog "supernanny" show on Ch 10 recently - amazing how some "bad" dogs improved once they had some basic training!
I guess that even though I am a "big" dog person - anything under knee height to me classifies it as a barking cat, if I had children around, I would probably make sure that the dog when full grown was not so big and heavy that it could knock children over in play, so I guess maybe look at the medium or small size breeds.
cheers
Does/did anyone watch the dog "supernanny" show on Ch 10 recently - amazing how some "bad" dogs improved once they had some basic training!
I guess that even though I am a "big" dog person - anything under knee height to me classifies it as a barking cat
, if I had children around, I would probably make sure that the dog when full grown was not so big and heavy that it could knock children over in play, so I guess maybe look at the medium or small size breeds.cheers
Still want a Westie
Hi everyone
thanks for the great posts, totally agree training is essential.
I still want a Westie, and am hoping some person out there has actually owned one and can tell me some more about this breed and their experience.
There is something like an 18 month waiting list just to get the pup.
I have also noticed that you just cant purchase this breed at pet stores, but that's another story.
To Sailor's doggy, your cute and smart if you can cook I'll take you.
Hi everyone
thanks for the great posts, totally agree training is essential.
I still want a Westie, and am hoping some person out there has actually owned one and can tell me some more about this breed and their experience.
There is something like an 18 month waiting list just to get the pup.
I have also noticed that you just cant purchase this breed at pet stores, but that's another story.
To Sailor's doggy, your cute and smart if you can cook I'll take you.
Dear Aunty Boo
I am actually Sharon's dog "ABK9 Sailor". She's my Mum. She usually posts under my name...I let her use it for SS.
Yes, I can cook, but I have trouble reaching the oven...I'm a wee bit short you see. My fav recipe is "Dr Harry's Canine Cookies"...they are yum!! Tis great licking the dough off my paws whilst I'm waiting for the cookies to bake. They smell delish in the oven.
You sound like a nice person to have a pooch. I'm sorry I'm already taken...Mum considers me an asset.
So I do hope you get a great pooch and may I reccommend Pooch Obediance School, I had such fun there, and Mum got a discount on my council rego after I graduated. Then I went on and did Agility Training, which was like circus tricks...twas my fav!This is the breeder that sold us Rosie the Wonder Dog. Peter is a really nice bloke and happy to chat and advise on the different dogs. They aren't breeders of show dogs but breeders of family pets.
http://www.freedomkennels.com.au/in...rt&page=shop.browse&category_id=100&Itemid=26
I notice that their website has a litter of Westies available now. He suggests that they are bright dogs that need a strong hand when training. They do look like intelligent and cute dogs but looks are probably the worst reason to choose a pet.
http://www.freedomkennels.com.au/in...facturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=26
I think a petshop is about the worst place to buy a dog. You get no info as to parents and no idea of how the puppies have been treated or handled. Some of the backyard puppy farms are pretty awful with high death rates of both dams and pups.
I wholeheartedly recommend Freedom Kennels from my own experience and the experience of other's I have spoken to.
I also think that this is one area where you get what you pay for. Cheap puppies are cheap for a reason. High quality, socialised pups are always going to cost you more.
All the best
Simon
Hi Boo
We have 6 dogs - 4 cardigan corgis who are the perfect package re temperment, usefulness, intelligence and personality etc etc but prone to back problems because of the length to height ratio, 1 ridgeback - big sook but lovely and 1 maltese x pomeranian who thinks that she's big and that she's a working dog and that she's the one we love most! We've had 2 cairn terriers in the past (directly related to westies and not so prone to sunburn and a few other little problems) who were the perfect companion animal in a small package. Both lived to be 17 and were extremely sound for pedigree pooches. Nothing bad to say about them at all. I think, though, that they have a long waiting list as well. Lots of pure breds have inherent probs - hip displaysia(eg shepherds and labs), eye problems(eg pekes), breathing (eg bulldogs) etc etc due to bad breeding practises encouraged by unrealistic standards set down by Kennel Clubs and endorsed by organisations like Crufts. My husband's partner has had 3 westies - all had genetic problems that weren't evident at the time of purchase and all died young. Two were replaced by the breeder at no cost but there was no compensation for the heartbreak. Sailor is right when suggesting that you think about crossbreeds - they are often more sound physically and can display the best traits of both parents. If you can, check out the parents before you buy and if buying a dog with papers make sure you confirm the guarantee that comes with it.
I think I like my dogs more than most people I know! They can teach us so much. Good luck.
We have 6 dogs - 4 cardigan corgis who are the perfect package re temperment, usefulness, intelligence and personality etc etc but prone to back problems because of the length to height ratio, 1 ridgeback - big sook but lovely and 1 maltese x pomeranian who thinks that she's big and that she's a working dog and that she's the one we love most! We've had 2 cairn terriers in the past (directly related to westies and not so prone to sunburn and a few other little problems) who were the perfect companion animal in a small package. Both lived to be 17 and were extremely sound for pedigree pooches. Nothing bad to say about them at all. I think, though, that they have a long waiting list as well. Lots of pure breds have inherent probs - hip displaysia(eg shepherds and labs), eye problems(eg pekes), breathing (eg bulldogs) etc etc due to bad breeding practises encouraged by unrealistic standards set down by Kennel Clubs and endorsed by organisations like Crufts. My husband's partner has had 3 westies - all had genetic problems that weren't evident at the time of purchase and all died young. Two were replaced by the breeder at no cost but there was no compensation for the heartbreak. Sailor is right when suggesting that you think about crossbreeds - they are often more sound physically and can display the best traits of both parents. If you can, check out the parents before you buy and if buying a dog with papers make sure you confirm the guarantee that comes with it.
I think I like my dogs more than most people I know! They can teach us so much. Good luck.
Hi Boo,
We have a little Westie! Like you, we researched the breed and made sure the dogs temperment suited our family. Dog breeders are such funny characters...some of them actually scared me reminded me of strict primary school teachers. We were put on a few breeders lists, able to get a male puppy straight away but there was a year wait for a female(which we wanted) We ended up buying a puppy 6 months old already toilet trained...perfect all the hard work done for us.
Westies are very loyal little dogs. Very affectionate and ours will sit with us for hours. They are very obedient in an controlled enviroment but must never be let of a lead because once they have a scent, nothing will stop them from running across the road. My little westie always goes to the toilet in the one spot which makes her maintance very easy. We get her professionally clipped every 6 weeks and she looks like the dog on the tv commercial...so cute
Now the down side...Unfortunately, I believe her breed is not for people with children under the age of 5. She has never bitten a child but I have seen her with younger children who dont dominate her. A westie is a terrior loyal to their last breath...but with small children, big question mark in my opinion. That is not to say that all westies are like that, but I dont trust ANY dog around toddlers or pre schoolers.
I hoped this has helped
Mrs Bird
We have a little Westie! Like you, we researched the breed and made sure the dogs temperment suited our family. Dog breeders are such funny characters...some of them actually scared me
reminded me of strict primary school teachers. We were put on a few breeders lists, able to get a male puppy straight away but there was a year wait for a female(which we wanted) We ended up buying a puppy 6 months old already toilet trained...perfect all the hard work done for us.Westies are very loyal little dogs. Very affectionate and ours will sit with us for hours. They are very obedient in an controlled enviroment but must never be let of a lead because once they have a scent, nothing will stop them from running across the road. My little westie always goes to the toilet in the one spot which makes her maintance very easy. We get her professionally clipped every 6 weeks and she looks like the dog on the tv commercial...so cute
Now the down side...Unfortunately, I believe her breed is not for people with children under the age of 5. She has never bitten a child but I have seen her with younger children who dont dominate her. A westie is a terrior loyal to their last breath...but with small children, big question mark in my opinion. That is not to say that all westies are like that, but I dont trust ANY dog around toddlers or pre schoolers.
I hoped this has helped
Mrs Bird
Hi Mrs Bird
I appreciate your honest comments on Westies, I think I may have to rethink this now that you mention what they may be like around children. I also forgot to mention I have 2 cats and they all need to get on.
Shame as I too fell in love with Westie when I saw the adverts years ago.
Some of the other breeds mentioned will be an avenue I could possibly pursue.
I appreciate your honest comments on Westies, I think I may have to rethink this now that you mention what they may be like around children. I also forgot to mention I have 2 cats and they all need to get on.
Shame as I too fell in love with Westie when I saw the adverts years ago.
Some of the other breeds mentioned will be an avenue I could possibly pursue.
Boo
Our westie (Rufty) is 13 yrs old and has grown up with our 3 kids who are now ages 18 16 and 12. He has always been good with the kids and they all dote on him (although as previously mentioned its probably not a good idea to leave any dog alone with a young child).
Rufty is intelligent, loves being around people and other dogs but will try and attack thunder and lightening. He has had a few minor health problems - ear infections when he was younger and skin irritation now that he's older (approaching 14 (Mar 07) = 98 yo). Keeping him looking white instead of grey/white is a minor challenge but its fairly easy to bath him in the laundry tub.
He sleeps at your feet at night and will let you know if someone comes to the front yard or front door.
As with most dogs, they give the love they recieve.
I personally believe that the kids learnt more about caring and understanding of another life with the puppy/dog than you could actually teach them from books or real life.
Westie's have loads of personality and make a great companion dog.
Our westie (Rufty) is 13 yrs old and has grown up with our 3 kids who are now ages 18 16 and 12. He has always been good with the kids and they all dote on him (although as previously mentioned its probably not a good idea to leave any dog alone with a young child).
Rufty is intelligent, loves being around people and other dogs but will try and attack thunder and lightening. He has had a few minor health problems - ear infections when he was younger and skin irritation now that he's older (approaching 14 (Mar 07) = 98 yo). Keeping him looking white instead of grey/white is a minor challenge but its fairly easy to bath him in the laundry tub.
He sleeps at your feet at night and will let you know if someone comes to the front yard or front door.
As with most dogs, they give the love they recieve.
I personally believe that the kids learnt more about caring and understanding of another life with the puppy/dog than you could actually teach them from books or real life.
Westie's have loads of personality and make a great companion dog.
I am convinced a dog like ours is the answer. My ten yr old daughter wrestles with her including some pretty savage body slams. The girls dress her in the most humiliating of outfits with no complaint and she will chase a ball for hours. If you live anywhere near Newcastle then I would be happy for you to visit her.
I walk her to the Primary school most afternoons to fetch my youngest. All the kids, lollipop ladies and oldies along the route know Rosie and call out to her for a pat. She seems to know which ones are up for a boisterous play and which need just to feel her soft ears for some reassurance.
The worst she has done was a snap at the girls when they went too far - much like a mother dog snaps at a puppy to teach it. They sounds worse than it was - she really does love kids. She loves everyone.
I stayed with family of mine overseas for a month and they have a Westie called Mia. I completely fell in love with her! She was about 18 months old and incredibly playful - a tad crazy in fact! - so much fun. She was quite naughty... they have a very long corner lounge suite and she would race from one end to the other, throwing the cushions off as she went and picking the odd one up and giving it a good shake! She made me laugh so hard because she just had bucketloads of personality. She was smart too, although a bit disobedient at times. She'd prefer to let you chase her around the snow than come in when you called her.
I came home from my holiday thinking that I would love to get a Westie, but I found a dog soon after who nobody claimed so I have him instead. He is a terrier of some description - maybe an Australian Terrier X - and is about 2.5 years old we think. We think he was mistreated so he is probably not representative of all terriers, however we do have to be very careful with him around children. He will chase a toddler on a little ride on toy and nip at their heels, or snap at kids if they provoke him. If the kids are taught not to be afraid of him and the right way to play with him he is fine though. He is very protective and a good watch dog (although not very scary!) but is actually a bit timid underneath the gruff front. He loves to play and could run all day. He hates being left alone and will dig his way out of the back garden or jump the fence to try and find you - no joke! Mia hated being left alone too so maybe that is a terrier trait... I don't know.
All the very best in finding the right dog for you and your family. They make the best of friends. When people tease us about treating our dog like our child, we just agree with them and say it gives us so much pleasure! Please let us know how you go and post a few pics when your new family member arrives.
I came home from my holiday thinking that I would love to get a Westie, but I found a dog soon after who nobody claimed so I have him instead. He is a terrier of some description - maybe an Australian Terrier X - and is about 2.5 years old we think. We think he was mistreated so he is probably not representative of all terriers, however we do have to be very careful with him around children. He will chase a toddler on a little ride on toy and nip at their heels, or snap at kids if they provoke him. If the kids are taught not to be afraid of him and the right way to play with him he is fine though. He is very protective and a good watch dog (although not very scary!) but is actually a bit timid underneath the gruff front. He loves to play and could run all day. He hates being left alone and will dig his way out of the back garden or jump the fence to try and find you - no joke! Mia hated being left alone too so maybe that is a terrier trait... I don't know.
All the very best in finding the right dog for you and your family. They make the best of friends. When people tease us about treating our dog like our child, we just agree with them and say it gives us so much pleasure! Please let us know how you go and post a few pics when your new family member arrives.
