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
As you likely know already, horses have at least 10... Read More
Puppy CarePuppy care can be a lot of work, but... Read More
Having a dog is a little like having a baby.... Read More
* Lock things up that could cause harm* Keep the... Read More
Pets are family members and should be treated as such.... Read More
Let's think about this for a minute: God did not... Read More
The groups of fishes commonly referred to as Cichlids, comprise... Read More
Let's take a look at the different stages, but before... Read More
Why does one breed appeal to a person over another?... Read More
You may wish to consider a chinchilla as a possible... Read More
Part 2: Protecting your petIf you own a cat, then... Read More
You've made up your mind, it's the American Pit Bull... Read More
You spoil your pooch as close to rotten as you... Read More
Which cat food should you feed your cat to be... Read More
After years of practicing both conventional and holistic medicine for... Read More
You know what it's like. You see a cute curly... Read More
Hamster breeding can sometimes be confusing for a hamster owner.... Read More
Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.Play provides... Read More
Mabeke is a young gorilla who was born in captivity... Read More
Congratulations. You've decided to buy a bird, and you even... Read More
You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More
Many people think cats are asocial, but in fact they... Read More
The benefits of feeding live food to fish in a... Read More
Gain some insight into how your favorite feline actually feels... Read More
General Info.Brine shrimps, or artemia, are a zooplankton used mainly... Read More
Chicago charter limousine service Hickory Hills ..Remember when you first met your dog? He was fresh... Read More
Buying a purebred dog is not something that should be... Read More
Studies have shown that regularly petting a dog brings a... Read More
Many people want to make sure their family pet has... Read More
Dog's come in all shapes and sizes ? out of... Read More
What you feed your dog is really SO important for... Read More
Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More
Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog... Read More
While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are... Read More
Dogs make great loyal pets and are always pleased to... Read More
Dogs need mental and physical stimulation. They're also very inquisitive... Read More
Just as humans allergies can show up as a sneeze... Read More
Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too LateCanine distemper... Read More
We have a long history with domesticated animals and even... Read More
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More
A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend... Read More
You love your dog. You would do anything for your... Read More
As all cat owners know, a feline can be a... Read More
Did you know that there are key health benefits that... Read More
Like us, birds need variety in life. To be happy... Read More
Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More
Moving is about as stressful a time as any in... Read More
Boy or Girl?How can you tell whether your Goldfish is... Read More
A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More
Some people have horses they don't dare tie. Why? Because... Read More
Pet |