Lifespan of westie dogs

Westies are getting older as time goes on, as much as we do. Still, they have one of the longest lifespans, which gives the two of you plenty of years to enjoy each other. However, be careful, without proper health management and senior care, the aging process can lifespan of westie dogs faster than it should.

The West Highland White Terrier , commonly known as the Westie , is a breed of dog from Scotland with a distinctive white harsh coat with a somewhat soft white undercoat. It is a medium-sized terrier , although with longer legs than other Scottish breeds of terrier. It has a white double coat of fur which fills out the dog's face, giving it a rounded appearance. The breed is intelligent, quick to learn, and can be good with children, but does not always tolerate rough handling. The Westie is an active breed, and is social with a high prey drive, as they were once used to hunt rodents.

Lifespan of westie dogs

Published: 03 Sep Last Updated: 04 Jul Ownership of West Highland White Terriers has dramatically fallen to just a quarter of the numbers owned a decade ago, according to new research carried out by the Royal Veterinary College RVC. The discovery is surprising given that the breed, which is well-known for its dense white coat and cheeky face, has been a multiple Crufts winner and featured in various long-running advertising campaigns. The average age of the Westies studied was a relatively elderly 7. The researchers also identified the most common ailments suffered by Westies as well as most common causes of death. The most common disorders are dental disease which affects Lower respiratory tract disease and cancer were the most common cause of death, with each accounting for Spinal cord disorders were the next biggest killer at 7. The study was based on the records of over , Westies who were under the care of first opinion practice veterinary clinics in the UK in Previously, preferences for dog breeds used to wax and wane gently over time. But VetCompass breed data now show rapid changes in preferences among breeds that create bubbles and troughs of demand that can have far-reaching implications for these breeds. Flat-faced brachycephalic breeds are currently the darling of the nation but this has created huge welfare problems for breeds such as the Pug and French Bulldog. However, the breed does seem predisposed to lower respiratory tract disease which was a common cause of death in the Westie. Owners should be aware of this as their Westie ages. What is particularly interesting is the level of skin disorders, which although relatively high, are still lower than might have been predicted a decade ago.

Diet and vitamins are importantas well.

The West Highland White Terrier, commonly called the Westie, is a fun, friendly, and confident breed that will entertain his owners for hours. This distinctive little white terrier stands 10—11 inches in height and typically weighs 15—20 pounds. The Westie dog is energetic and always ready to play or cuddle with his family. This affectionate breed is generally patient and gentle with young children, though supervision and early socialization with kids is crucial as with any breed. This can make living with smaller animals—such as rabbits or hamsters—tricky, though Westies can get along with cats when properly introduced.

Westies are getting older as time goes on, as much as we do. Still, they have one of the longest lifespans, which gives the two of you plenty of years to enjoy each other. However, be careful, without proper health management and senior care, the aging process can move faster than it should. If you have one of your own, knowing the Westie lifespan , what to expect with an aging Westie, how to accommodate their needs as they get into their senior years and the best tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle is really important. Diet and vitamins are important , as well. Answer: The average lifespan of a Westie is between 12 and 16 years , depending on several factors including birth defects, diet, and level of activity.

Lifespan of westie dogs

The West Highland White Terrier, often referred to as the Westie, is a small, strongly built dog and one of the most popular terriers. They have black noses and almond-shaped, wide-set, black-rimmed dark brown eyes and ears that are triangular and stand erect. The tail is tapered and often referred to as carrot-shaped. Westies have double coats. The outer coat is 2 inches long and straight and hard, and the undercoat is soft. The only coat color for this breed is white, hence the breed name. Westies originate from Poltalloch, Scotland. A Cairn Terrier had a few white puppies appear in a litter, and a Scottish breeder whelped them. One myth about the dogs traces back to a Scottish hunter. It is believed that his colored terrier appeared from a hidden area, was mistaken for a fox and was shot by the hunter.

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Wikimedia Commons. We have an 11 year old Westie named Freddie. Edward Donald Malcolm, 16th Laird of Poltalloch, is credited with the creation of the modern breed from his Poltalloch Terrier, but did not want to be known as such. They run and wrestle and play. Published: 03 Sep Last Updated: 04 Jul I had to cut the Pepsid original formula in half because it only came in 10mg. Because the breed was not yet recognised independently, the championship title was not retained when the dog was reregistered as a West Highland White Terrier. I miss him every single day as it was just me and him. Unfortunately in true Salty fashion she refuses the plain yoghurt and I do have to give her vanilla but at least her tummy troubles have gone from weekly to monthly. Also for some strange reason he is ok with Turkey. Boy did that help. Caring for a Westie The Westie dog is energetic and always ready to play or cuddle with his family. Since, he had a terrible puppyhood…The original owners did not seem to care about him…He was passed on to the dog walker. But he is totally deaf and sometimes seems confused and nervous and will walk in circles. The breed is intelligent, quick to learn, and can be good with children, but does not always tolerate rough handling.

How long do Westies live?

But he is totally deaf and sometimes seems confused and nervous and will walk in circles. The Westie dog is energetic and always ready to play or cuddle with his family. No special eye-related grooming is necessary for this breed. He went from literally ripping out the hair all around his tail and as far above it as he could reach, to not having a single issue. West Highland White Terriers, like all dogs, should begin obedience training and socialization at an early age. The vet took an X-ray and found that the right side of his pelvis was nearly dissolved by cancer. Adding baby food with the bread, rice, egg, makes it more palatable for the dog. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Toggle limited content width. He bites, licks and itches himself incessantly if he has any grains including in treats. I expect you have all heard of it — Yumove. She began to be very hungry but I still fed her every hour or two and gradually increased quanitity of food. It is a neurological disease wherein the dog lacks the enzyme galactosylceramidase.