Show an uninformed dog lover a photo of a Westie, and they'd identify a Westie as a white Scottie. This mistake is perfectly understandable, since they do have similar physical attributes and both originated from Scotland.
There are a lot of postulated theories about these similarities. However, one valid assumption is that centuries ago, a generic terrier was once a native to Scotland.
Over the years, different breeds came about from interbreeding, locations, the conditions and human requirements, which resulted in the different breeds. So when you compare the modern Westie to its' two closest relatives, the Scottie and the Cairn, you'll see more similarities than differences.
Here are just some of the differences between a Scottie & Westie.
A Westie is usually between 12-15 inches tall terrier with a straight and erect tail, about 5 ? 6 inches. This breed has a two inch white double coat, while the outer coat is hard straight hair the under coat is soft.
They possess a black button nose and pointed erect ears. Their deep chests and muscular limbs give the westies the agility and power that was required in the original line of work for their breed. They were originally developed to hunt for vermin in the mountains of West Scotland.
The shorter Scottish Terrier is about at 10-11 inches tall. The coat of a typical Scottie is hard, wiry, weather-resistant and a thick-set, cobby body which is hung between short, heavy legs. Unlike the westie, they come in different colors; black, brown and bindle.
Another difference is that their noses are larger compared to the westie, although sometimes, you'll come across a Scottie that has a button like nose. The Scottie's ears and tail are pointy and erect.
How does the American Kennel Club (AKC) describe the standard gait of both breeds? The Westie's movement is free, straight and easy, and it's a distinctive gait, not stilted, but powerful, with reach and drive. Their overall ability to move is usually best evaluated from the side, and topline remains level.
The gait of the Scottish Terrier isn't the square trot or walk desirable in the long-legged breeds. Their forelegs incline slightly inward because of the deep broad forechest. Movement should be free, agile and coordinated with a powerful drive from the rear and good reach in front. When the dog is in motion, the back should remain firm and level.
You won't make a mistake of choosing a pet from either breed, for they are popular not only for their looks but also because they're loving, intelligent, affectionate and loyal dogs.
(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)
I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.
Good health and happiness
Jeff Cuckson
webmaster@madaboutwesties.com
Want To Know How To Have The Healthiest,
Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You
Have Ever Dreamed Of! Then Visit NOW!
webmaster@madaboutwesties.com
Sometimes puppies are born that can't suckle properly, and it's... Read More
In horse training or natural horsemanship, Approach is nothing more... Read More
Grocery Stores could use some larger Dog Food Isles. Not... Read More
Of all the aggressive behavior in dogs dog bites is... Read More
Many people don't realize that their dogs, just like human... Read More
Having a cat allergy came as something of a surprise... Read More
Yes! We love our wonderful and dear Pooches! We care... Read More
If your feline friend could speak your language, here a... Read More
The numbers will make any pet lover blanch with disgust,... Read More
Making sure that accidents don't happen in the first place... Read More
Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More
Imagine that you are scolding your cat for scratching at... Read More
When you get a new puppy it is imperative that... Read More
Fleas belong to the insect order Siphonaptera. They are common... Read More
Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They... Read More
Imagine being on a horse and he bolts. You pull... Read More
The 10 Greatest Puppy Training Tips of All Time According... Read More
Gone are the days of boring bird cages. Today's bird... Read More
Behavior can be a huge iisue with our pets. If... Read More
HistoryThroughout the US and in many parts of the world,... Read More
The cat backs up to the door, lifts the tail... Read More
Picture this. You're late for work one day. You look... Read More
Dog training can provide a tremendous amount of satisfaction. Every... Read More
Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with... Read More
There are a number of reasons for choosing natural pet... Read More
Cadillac Escalade rental Beaverville ..Would you put together a model plane without looking at... Read More
Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable,... Read More
Congratulations. You've decided to buy a bird, and you even... Read More
Puppy CarePuppy care can be a lot of work, but... Read More
This is an old saying that many of us have... Read More
Training CollarsTraining collars are a tool many pet owners utilize... Read More
Once though of as a mere harmless but annoying pest,... Read More
Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More
It was the Saturday morning of August 20, 2004 and... Read More
Vitamins for Pets - How Essential Are They?A vitamin supplement... Read More
Bringing a new puppy or dog home is a huge... Read More
On the surface playing Frisbee with your dog may seem... Read More
Because it is imperative that discus fish have optimal water... Read More
Playing reinforces the bond between you and your cat.Playing with... Read More
A Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Dog ...Does your... Read More
There are plenty of reasons why your cat loves you.... Read More
Your local grocery store is chock full of food and... Read More
Still remember that very moment when you first laid your... Read More
For all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of your... Read More
Gone are the days of boring bird cages. Today's bird... Read More
What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a... Read More
You know what it's like. You see a cute curly... Read More
Knowing how to feed your betta is fundamental, because doing... Read More
Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More
Throughout the course of my life, I've encountered my own... Read More
Pet |