Westies make amazing companions as they are active, cheerful, and playful. Therefore, to put it simply, these dogs are like furry balls of energy! Westies, also known as West Highland White Terrier, is a Scottish dog with a bushy white coat.
In this article, you will get to know all about the cost as well as the expenses involved when it comes to having Westies as pets. Without more ado, let’s delve into the specifics of Westies!
How Much Does a Westie Cost?
Westies are extremely popular in the United States. Generally, the cost of Westies start from $1,500 and can go up to as high as $5,200. This cost is dependent on a number of different factors.
For instance, if you are planning to buy a puppy of a Westie show dog, the price is likely to be much higher. Also, the popularity of the breed in a particular area also matters.
Westies Personality
Westies are not just white-cute companions, they also possess a few qualities that might surprise you. Westies are alert, active, courageous, friendly, and dedicated. These dogs are extremely adorable and charming.
For their small size, Westies are surprisingly good guards too. They love to bark, particularly when they see a threat near them, their owners, and their property.
Westies are extremely loyal and independent. So, if you aren’t firm with them, they can get out of your hands in no time!
They get along with everyone, be it their family or a stranger. Westies treat children in a special way and love them more than they love adults. They live peacefully with cats and all other pets of their size.
Westies stay happily in every kind of surroundings. They know how to adapt well in apartments and residential areas’ lifestyle.
Westies Characteristics
Having a West Highland White Terrier does not mean just owning a pet but also a perfect friend, a partner, and a protector at the same time. They are fun-loving and energetic.
Westies have almond-shaped, sparkling and dark eyes. Their ears are upright and pointed. Usually, Westies weigh between 15 to 20 pounds (6.5 to 9.5 kgs), and their height is usually 10-11 inches (25-28 cms).
Their nose is black, teeth are short, and they have a deep chest. Their slightly curved legs help them to balance better as compared to flat-footed dogs when climbing up steep areas. Westies’ outer coat is hard and rough, as long as 2 inches (cms), and the inner coat is thick and soft.
Small Dog Syndrome in Westies
The most concerning thing in Westies and other Scottish dog breeds is Small Dog Syndrome (SDS). In this syndrome, small dogs behave differently. They do things like:
- Barking at visitors and people who pass-by.
- Begging for food.
- Climbing and jumping on people.
- Displaying aggression towards fellow dogs.
- Resistant to move off chairs or sofa to allow other humans to sit.
Usually, owners ignore this syndrome in their pet dogs. The actual fact is when a big dog growls at children or the people who come near the dog, their owner will correct their behavior. However, if a small dog behaves in the same way, owners take it very lightly and not care about it.
The solution to this syndrome is simple, treat all the dogs the same. When you treat both big and small dogs, your pet will learn how to treat other pets and humans. This way, your little dog will not behave differently or wrong with big dogs and humans.
Westies Expenses
When it comes to getting a dog or any pet, one must remember it is not a toy that they can play with for a while and then discard it or give away; it is a long-term commitment.
The cost of this commitment is way more than just a one-time purchase, as it is a living thing that needs a healthy and happy life. The expenses to expect when getting Westies are categorized into two parts: one-time expenses and recurring expenses.
One-Time Expenses
Here are some usual one-time expenses associated with Westies:
Shelter
Westies are not attention seekers. There is nothing as separation anxiety in their breed. They live happily in both family homes and apartments. All they need is enough exercise and play to keep them from getting bored and harmful.
They love to stay indoors freely rather than going out tied on a leash. They don’t necessarily need a separate doghouse for them in your lawn, but a crate that they can call their “room” is good enough for them to rest and sleep peacefully.
Certificate
Certification of pets is as important as certification of human beings. A dog or a pet’s certification means a registration license that will tell their mom and dad’s name and the date they were born.
Training
Westies are very obedient and easy to train because of their intelligence and craving to be entertained. Owners can train their Westie themselves, but they are temperamental and quick as well, particularly when they don’t understand the benefit of learning all those tricks. This can make it difficult for the owner to handle their pet.
Apart from that, they do not like being forced to do something or behave in a certain way or even being punished. It can make them destructive. This is why it is important to give your pet an obedient training by a professional pet trainer.
Recurring Expenses
Now, there are certain periodic expenses too. Here are the most significant ones:
Food
When it comes to the food of Westies, you don’t need to worry. They do not have any extraordinary food requirements or considerations. You need to make sure that the food or the formula you are giving to your doggo must contain nutrients in an adequate amount to keep them happy and healthy.
A bag or a jar of superior-quality dog food can last up to 10 days. The shelf life of the food can decrease based on the caloric needs of specific dogs. It is natural that the more active and energetic the dog is, the more food they will need to sustain their regular lifestyle.
Grooming
A Westie can develop dull, matted fur if it isn’t groomed regularly. Westies can be groomed at home with the help of a slick brush, high-quality bristle brush, or a strong comb. Or, even by hand-stripping the outer coat to get rid of dead skin cells or fur.
One of the best features of Westies is that they are hypo-allergic, meaning the ones who suffer from allergies can also pet a Westie, but the Westie’s coat must be groomed regularly without negligence.
Healthcare
Westies usually face skin issues or neurological issues that can result in difficulty in walking and muscle coordination problems. These health issues tend to affect them for the long-term, which means you might have to pay for your dog’s medical care for life.
One of the smartest things you can do is learn about all the health issues of the specific dog before you bring them home. This way, it gets easier for you to look out for your dog, and you can begin to prepare financially beforehand.
Final Thoughts
Westies are bold, loyal, and extremely cute dogs. On average, Westies live around 14 to 16 years. The cost of Westies is decent, and certainly manageable when you think about the other factors associated with them.
They are easy to train, you may not face any trouble in the initial day as long as you keep upon them. To put it in simple words, it is overall a delightful feeling to have a Westie in house as a pet.