History
Poltalloch, located in Scotland, which feeds directly into the Atlantic Ocean. It is more of an estate than a village, with about half a dozen houses scattered alongside the large estate of the Malcolm family. This is where Colonel Malcolm lived with his “Poltalloch Eleven” of Westie’s when he organized the official recognition of the Westie breed in 1905.

Feeding
So what do you feed young eat-a-lot, We all want what’s best for our Westie’s, but sometimes not all is what it seams.

Making sure your Westie has a well balanced diet can be a difficult task. Some people have convinced themselves that the tin or box of dog food, is just right for their dog.

The Domesticated dog in bygone days needed to forage for they’re food, it was not handed them on a plate. Dogs scavenged the land and when a meal was found it was in a raw state. Dog performed tasks for man and was rewarded for they’re help by sharing they’re food. As time progressed dogs became more and more domesticated and more dependent on humans for food.

Pets were fed human food, what ever the families had for dinner they’re pet had the same, there was no pet food available. In fact up until World War Two no pet food could be purchased, even if it was available who could afford to buy such a luxury item. Those families with dogs simply shared the table foods.

Breeding
As an guardian of a pedigree dog, you may have considered breeding your pet. Breeding Westie’s is not a hobby, it can be demanding, complicated and is not something the average home should dabble with. Many people have thought of breeding they’re Westie’s as a means of making money. Buy a male and female Westie and let them get on with it.

The beloved family pet is perhaps not the best candidate to continue the purebred strain of Westie’s. In fact there are some breeders who insist you have the dog spayed or nurtured. ? Consider the time and money involved just to get your Westie bitch into breeding condition and then to look after her throughout her pregnancy and afterwards while she looks after her young pups.

Dog Chews
Dog chews are mostly given as a treat, or a reward for doing something good. However there are some chews that are given to clean the teeth, or help with bad breath. When every you consider buying a chew, make sure it is suitable for a Westie, and not a general chew for larger dogs.

Fashion
No Self respecting Westie would be seen without all the latest accessories
Safety Collar, Leads, Harness, Coats, Beds, Identity disks, Accessories, DIY Coat, Reflective Jacket

Children
How are they around children ?

This is especially true of couples with small children or who plan to have children in the future. It can also be asked by grandparents who are about to acquire a dog. There is so much information and perhaps misinformation that is spread by word of mouth that it is certainly a valid question.
If you plan to have a Westie puppy, and have small children you should think about this carefully

.Dogs should never be left alone with children.
.Children should never be allowed to pull the dogs tail, or any other form of teasing.
.Feeding must be done away from children, let your dog have some peace.
.Children should not feed anything to the dog
.Children must be taught respect for the dog
.You must clear your garden up after your dog , don’t let children come in contact with dog mess.
.Never let a child walk your dog alone.

Grooming
Warning, Are your instruments clean?. Do you visit a professional to have your Westie groomed and clipped? Are they sterilizing the equipment? IF NOT WHY NOT ! Stop the spread of deadly diseases. Its a sad fact that many so called professionals do not clean the grooming tools after each dog. If the previous dog has some skin problem, this can quite easily be passed on you your Westie.

It is not necessary to have your Westie fully groomed regularly, if you continue to use thinning scissors and a quick trim, you can keep his coat reasonably short. Avoid having your Westie fully cut in winter time, they can quickly catch a cold. This job is best left to the hot summer months, when your Westie will appreciate the loss of some heat.

Note: Unlike the medieval Barber, who not only cut hair and gave shaves, but also practiced surgery and pulled teeth, You should not let a groomer do anything other than cut hair!. Some are setting them selves up as vet’s and performing other services like emptying anal glands. Don’t Let them !

About the author
J.Eley westhighlandwhite.co.uk www.westhighlandwhite.co.uk