General Chat

Afternoon all, I have a 6 month old West Highland White and as I've never known anyone with one before I'm unsure of whether I'm meant to get him 'stripped' or 'clipped'? All the books I have mention both but don't really describe the difference. He does get very mattery and can take hours to brush. We don't want him to look really groomed like most Westies do, we'd rather have a bit of a scruff bag but not sure if we're meant to get these things done for his benefit or if it's all for asthetic purposes. Any tips would be great. Emma x

Sorry - I know it's maybe a bit off track - are Westies good dogs to have with children in the house? I've been thinking of gertting a small(ish) dog in the next couple of years and want to make sure I get the right one before I take any serious steps into pooch ownership.

my friend has a westie called sam, she also has two young girls who is fab with, she's a hairdresser and clips him herself (hen he lets her!!) Teri

Do they shed a lot of hair?

I've never noticed Wendy, and he sits on my feet a lot!! He really is a little sweetie, My grans sistr used to breed them too..and she always had small children around... Teri

Hi Wendy, Well ours is great with children, I don't have any myself but we have my 4 yr old step daughter here half the time and he loves her. They are very very protective by nature, he is especially with me, but I guess that's because I'm home all day with him. The books all say that they don't know how little they are and would fight to the death for their owners - that's loyality for you! Downside - if you can call it that - they love to be with you all the time so I think they might be the kind of dog to stress too much if left for long periods alone. Also prone to food allergies and intolerances - ours is on a prescription diet at present as seems to be intollerant of chicken of all things. Anything else you want to ask feel free. I'm obviously no expert but have read lots of the books and can comment on ours. Emma x

Wendy - re shedding - one of the swaying factors for us was that they 'reportedly' shed hardly anything at all, seems to be true so far.

Thanks everyone. I really love their cute, cheeky little faces - I always think they look like they're grinning.

Hi Just adding that they are the most wonderful dog to have around they make little noise but the noise they do make, like children depends upon their upbringing. They do not lose hair as most dogs do but yes it is your choice how much clipping and grooming you do for them a regualr wash and brush works wonders for you and you appreciate it think of that way. Becareful if you go for walks around long fields though because if their tummy hair is too long it will collect all the muck and thistle that are around. If you want a little friendly companian then this is the right dog. Wendy Sorry have I ranted on?

Wendy, Rant away please.... Doesn't seem like there's many people with Westies on the boards so any tips are very gratefully received. He loves having a bath, but he's not so keen on all the brushing that's needed to get the tangles out. That's why I wondered if this 'stripping' would eliminate him getting so cottered up. Emma

Chris, Would you say that goes for most of the Westies you experienced in the kennels? Just wondering if the way they are brought up maybe makes them more prone to that kind of behaviour or do you think it's just in them as a breed? Emma

Emma I have been looking for a westie for about a year now!! Do you have any contacts/breeders/tips you can PM me? I am in Hampshire Sorry to take over your thread!! Tracy x

Tracy, I've PM'd you. Let me know if there's anything else. Emma

Chris, Thanks so much for your advice. I thought this 'hand stripping' lark was probably if you wanted them to have that OTT preened look. Personally, I like a bit of a scruff bag. I think the clippers it may be then. Thanks again, Emma.