The Temperament of a Westie…
Westies are definitely “big dogs in little bodies”. They are oh so willful! It is a known fact that terriers the most willful type of dogs, and Westies are the most willful of all terriers!! So you must establish rules of behavior, just as you do with children. A firm “No!” should eventually get your point across. Westies are extremely intelligent, so training MAY be relatively easy. It isn’t that they don’t understand what you want. It is just a simple case of whether they CHOOSE to obey. Stubborn is their middle name!
Some Westies may come off as indifferent. Not unfriendly, just indifferent. Others openly love everyone, especially kids. So you could get either kind, or one with an in-between temperament. Don’t let anyone tell you that Westies aren’t good around kids. They really love children. That certain attitude and bullheadedness that can only really be labelled as”Westitude” is so unique to all Westies! Please do keep in mind that Westies, like with most breeds, socialization is absolutely essential. Familiarize your puppy with his or her world and new environment as soon as possible, although gradually. Meeting other dogs on walks as well as neighbors will make your Westie a self-confident member of the family. Watch for that Westie strut!! They will make you laugh that’s for sure!
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I want a dog like that
I have a Yorkie/Westie mix-my little girl named Brixton. She is a HANDFUL! I can’t leave anything out or she’ll proceed to tear everything apart. She shows me those sad puppy eyes and hides under the table which makes it very hard to discipline her because she’s so darn cute. She’s funny because she wont potty outside if others are around because she’s shy but that shyness goes away when a large dog comes around because she feels she can compete with them(who is she kidding?!) Overall she’s very sweet and playful. My dad(who can’t stand the furballs) fell in love with her the moment he laid eyes on her. Overall a great dog although she has a stubborn edge(like me lol)
Thanks for posting that Miss Cowell! Looks like you’ve got a big dog locked in small dog’s body, but that’s one of the reasons we love westies isn’t it? All the best to you.
i love westies!!!!!!!i really want one
best little dog ever
I have a westie he is my little kid. He is so smart that he barks when the fire alarm goes off,and does have a westitude.
I’m the same, I got my Alex two and a half years ago and by God you’re all right in what you say. I was a bit worried in getting him that everyone was saying that Westies are not good around children as I have my nephew living with me but it is absolutely untrue. Alex has adjusted right into the family and actually thinks he is human. We’ve taught him to say a muffled “out” when he wants a walk, he scratches at the press where his lead is if we’re not listening to him say out. The range of tricks he’s learned over time is incredible but of course he’ll only do something if theres a treat in it for him.
He cries if he can’t go out to play with the kids on the road. If I have guests over and there is one chair free at the table he takes it upon himself to jump up on it and sit with everyone while we’re talking. He’s unreal. Absolutely the most intelligent dog I’ve ever had. Stubborn through and through though, quite like myself I have to be honest. But just too lovable. If only I could get him to enjoy a bath from time to time, he hates water. Loves nothing more than rolling around in the grass but won’t let you put a drop of water near him. If anyone reads this site thinking of getting one I guarentee you the right pup from the right home will be a full member of your household in no time.
I took my little westie x maltese Bailey for a walk today and he did the strut… i just had to laugh!
We are trying to find an adult female westie and having the most difficult time… If anyone has any resources we would be so grateful! We fell in love with a Westie/Yorkie mix that was up for adoption on craigslist last month and the day we were supposed to go meet her, the people who had called prior to us, decided that they were interested. Of course they swooped her up she was adorable! Ever since, having a difficult time finding a little girl for our family….
Thank you for the time reading my post and in any help you may possibly have to offer.