Welcome to HowPetCare! In this article, we will dig into the AKC Standard for Westies, providing you with a comprehensive guide to understanding your beloved West Highland White Terrier. Whether you're a proud owner or considering bringing one into your home, this article will give you all the information you need to know. So, let's dive in!
General Appearance: The Perfect Balance of Strength and Activity
The West Highland White Terrier is a small, game, and well-balanced terrier with a hardy appearance. They possess good showmanship and exude self-esteem. With a straight back, powerful hindquarters on muscular legs, and deep chest and back ribs, Westies exhibit a great combination of strength and activity. Their coat is about two inches long, white in color, and hard, with a soft undercoat. When properly presented, the longer coat on their back and sides should blend seamlessly into the shorter coat on their neck and shoulders. The hair around their head frames their face, giving them that typical Westie expression.
Size, Proportion, Substance: Compact and Well-Balanced
The ideal size for a Westie is eleven inches at the withers for males and ten inches for females, with slight deviations being acceptable. These compact dogs have good balance and substance. The length of their body between the withers and the root of the tail is slightly shorter than their height at the withers. They are short-coupled and well-boned. However, it's important to note that any over or under height limits or fine boning are considered faults.
Head: The Quintessential Westie Expression
The head of a Westie is shaped to present a round appearance from the front and should be in proportion to the body. Their expression is piercing, inquisitive, and pert. Their eyes are widely set apart, medium in size, almond-shaped, and dark brown in color. They have a deep set and sharp look, with heavy eyebrows that give them their signature piercing gaze. The ears of a Westie are small, carried tightly erect, set wide apart on the top outer edge of the skull, and terminate in a sharp point. It's important to note that the ears should never be cropped. The skull is broad and slightly longer than the muzzle, with a defined stop and heavy eyebrows. A blunt muzzle, powerful jaws, and a large black nose complete their head structure. Any deviations from these features are considered faults.
Neck, Topline, Body: Muscular and Well-Balanced
The neck of a Westie is muscular and well-set on sloping shoulders. Its length should be proportionate to the rest of the dog. The topline should be flat and level both when standing and moving, without any deviations. Westies have a compact body with good substance. Their ribs are deep and well-arched in the upper half, extending at least to the elbows, giving them a flattish side appearance. The back ribs are also of considerable depth, and the distance from the last rib to the upper thigh is as short as possible while still allowing for free movement. Their chest is very deep and extends to the elbows, with breadth in proportion to their size. A short, broad, and strong loin completes their body structure.
Tail: Short and Carried Gaily
The tail of a Westie is relatively short, with good substance, and shaped like a carrot. When standing erect, it should never extend above the top of the skull. The tail is covered with hard hair without feathering, as straight as possible, and carried gaily but not curled over the back. It is set high enough so that the spine does not slope down to it. It's important to note that the tail should never be docked. Any deviations from these features are considered faults.
Forequarters: Well-Balanced and Muscular
The forequarters of a Westie are well-balanced and muscular. The shoulder blades are well laid back and well-knit at the backbone, attaching to an upper arm of moderate length and sufficient angle to allow for definite body overhang. The forelegs are relatively short but with enough length to set the dog up without being too close to the ground. They are reasonably straight and thickly covered with short, hard hair. The legs are set in under the shoulder blades with definite body overhang before them. It's important to note that any deviations such as steep or loaded shoulders, short or straight upper arms, out at elbows, light bone, or fiddle-front are considered faults.
Feet: Strong and Padded
The forefeet of a Westie are larger than the hind ones and round in shape. They are proportionate in size, strong, and thickly padded. They may be turned out slightly. Dewclaws may be removed. Black pigmentation is most desirable on the pads of all feet and nails, although nail coloration may fade in older dogs.
Hindquarters: Muscular and Well-Angulated
The hindquarters of a Westie are characterized by muscular thighs that are well-angulated and not set wide apart. Their hocks are well-bent, short, and parallel when viewed from the rear. The rear legs are muscular, relatively short, and sinewy. Any weaknesses in the hocks, lack of angulation, or cowhocks are considered faults. Similar to the forefeet, the hind feet are smaller than the front feet and thickly padded. Dewclaws may be removed.
Coat: The Beauty of Double-Coated Perfection
The coat of a Westie is a vital characteristic that must be double-coated. The head is shaped by plucking the hair to achieve a round appearance. The outer coat consists of straight, hard white hair that is about two inches long. The neck and shoulder areas have shorter coat lengths, properly blended and trimmed to blend into the longer furnishings on the stomach and legs. The ideal coat is hard, straight, and white. However, a hard, straight coat with some wheaten tipping is preferable to a white fluffy or soft coat. Furnishings, which are somewhat softer and longer, should never appear fluffy. Any deviations such as a soft coat, silkiness, tendency to curl, or open or single coat are considered faults.
Color: The Signature Westie White
As the breed's name suggests, the color of a Westie is white. Any coat color other than white or heavy wheaten color is considered a fault.
Gait: Free, Straight, and Powerful
The gait of a Westie is free, straight, and easy all around. It's a distinctive gait that is neither stilted nor too wide. When viewed from the front, their legs do not move square but tend to move toward the center of gravity. Their hind movement is free, strong, and fairly close. The hocks are freely flexed and drawn close under the body, resulting in a powerful push forward when moving off the foot. The overall ability to move is best evaluated from the side, with the topline remaining level. Any lack of reach in front, lack of drive behind, or stiff and stilted movement is considered a fault.
Temperament: Alert, Gay, Courageous, and Friendly
Westies have a temperament that can be described as alert, gay, courageous, and self-reliant while still being friendly. Excessive timidity or pugnacity are considered faults.
For more information about West Highland White Terriers, you can visit HowPetCare.
FAQs
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What is the ideal size for a Westie?
- The ideal size for a male Westie is eleven inches at the withers, while for females, it is ten inches. Slight deviations are acceptable.
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Are Westies good with children?
- Yes, Westies are known to be friendly and can get along well with children. However, as with any dog, supervision is recommended when they interact with young children.
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How often should I groom my Westie?
- Westies have a double coat that requires regular grooming. Brushing them a few times a week and regular bathing will help keep their coat healthy and free of mats.
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Do Westies have any specific health issues?
- While generally healthy, Westies are prone to certain health conditions such as skin allergies, luxating patella, and hip dysplasia. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure their well-being.
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Are Westies easy to train?
- Westies are intelligent dogs but can be independent and stubborn at times. Consistent training with positive reinforcement methods is recommended for successful training sessions.
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Can Westies live in apartments?
- Yes, Westies can adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive regular exercise and mental stimulation. They are energetic dogs that require daily walks and playtime.
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Are Westies good with other pets?
- With proper socialization, Westies can get along well with other pets. However, they may display some territorial behavior, so early introductions and training are essential.
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How much exercise do Westies need?
- Westies are active dogs that require daily exercise. They enjoy walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. Providing them with at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise each day will help keep them happy and healthy.
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Can Westies be left alone for long periods?
- Westies are social dogs and may experience separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. It's best to gradually introduce them to being alone and provide them with toys and mental stimulation to keep them occupied.
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How long do Westies typically live?
- Westies have an average lifespan of around 12 to 16 years. With proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups, they can live a long and healthy life.
Keys to Takeaway
- The AKC Standard for Westies defines the ideal characteristics of this beloved breed.
- Westies are small, well-balanced, and exhibit a great combination of strength and activity.
- Their coat is double-coated, hard, straight, and white.
- Westies have a friendly temperament and can adapt well to various living situations.
- Regular grooming, exercise, and veterinary care are essential for their well-being.
Remember, for more information on West Highland White Terriers and other pet care tips, visit HowPetCare.