Have you ever held any Westie puppies? These tiny creatures are cuddly and white furry balls, at least 12-15 inches tall, possessing a pair of coal black eyes and snubbed nose. They look fragile and needful of your protection and care. This is deceiving, for they were initially bred to hunt vermin and are intelligent hunters.Historically the “Westies” or Westhighland Terriers were bred in the high mountains of west Scotland and claims ancestry to the Scotch Terrier.

While many dog owners who own Westie pups know they don’t come cheap, the joy, loyalty and love these dogs have give are worth it. Is it easy to acquire any of these Westies’ pups? No, you’ll need to be mindful that West Highland Terrier breeders are selective with whom they’ll place their puppies. Only dog lovers with an extensive understanding of this breed’s need for extensive grooming and exercise are considered.

Here are useful facts, for dog lovers.

When and how should you teach your Westie puppy to socialize? The ideal time, would be when the puppy is between eight and 16 weeks of age, they’re rapidly maturing during this period. Make sure the pup is exposed to every stimulus he’ll have during his lifetime, while he/she is very young. Or else you’ll get a fearful dog.

Choose food specially formulated for pups. Don’t feed them people food.

At first offer food three times a day. After 5-6 months, feed the puppy twice a day. To avoid getting obese, let the puppy eat for only fifteen minutes, then remove the food dish. Check your Westie’s puppy’s paws and nails on a weekly basis.

Trim the hairs between the paws and nails. Make sure the house is warm, before you bathe your pup, as your pet can lose body temperature quickly. Avoid getting shampoo in their eyes and keep water out of the ears. Wash the pup’s face last. Towel dry as soon as his bath is done. You can use a hair dryer, but regulate the heat, or you might burn your pup.

Puppies normally lose the disease protection they’ve received from their mothers, when they are around six and sixteen weeks of age. To avoid their getting sick, keep your pup away from sick dogs. Check with the vet when to schedule the puppy’s shots.

Lastly, here’s one way to keep your Westie fur white. Use a white grooming chalk and sprinkle it into the coat once a week or as needed.

Take care of your Westie puppies and you’ll be rewarded with an intelligent dog that’s loving and delightful.