West Highland Yorkshire Terrier: A Complete Guide

The West Highland Yorkshire Terrier, a breed that's as charming as it is unique. They originated in Scotland in the 1800s.

Their small size, typically weighing between 7-15 pounds, makes them a great companion for city dwellers or those who want a low-maintenance pet.

West Highland White Terriers, or Westies, are a relatively healthy breed, but they do come with some potential health concerns.

Regular ear cleaning is essential to prevent infections, so make sure to check and clean your Westie's ears weekly.

Dental disease is a common issue in Westies, so brushing their teeth with dog-safe toothpaste should start in puppyhood to prevent problems.

Westies can be prone to skin problems, including allergies and skin diseases like epidermal dysplasia.

To prevent skin issues, check the skin between your Westie's toes for soreness and inflammation when their nails are clipped, and use flea treatments regularly.

Both Westies and Yorkies can be prone to yeast infections, which can cause hair loss if left untreated.

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Here are some common health concerns in Westies:

Brushing your Westie's teeth often with dog toothpaste can help prevent dental disease and keep their teeth healthy.

Regular vet trips are essential to keep both Westies and Yorkies healthy and free of parasites.

Westies are generally prone to skin disorders and a condition known as "lion jaw" or "Westie jaw", which can cause eating and chewing to be painful.

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Westies require regular care and maintenance to stay healthy and happy. A weekly ear check and cleaning is crucial to prevent infections, so make it a habit to inspect and clean their ears regularly.

Their sensitive skin needs gentle care, so daily brushing is a must to prevent tangles and keep their coat clean. This will also help prevent dental disease and inflammation by brushing their teeth with dog-safe toothpaste.

To prevent skin problems and atopy, regular flea treatments are necessary, especially during shedding season. Don't forget to check the skin between their toes for soreness and inflammation when their nails are clipped.

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Here's a quick rundown of the regular grooming tasks you'll need to perform:

Overbathing can cause dryness and irritation, so keep bathing to a minimum. A visit to the groomer or a home clip every four to six weeks will help keep your Westie looking and feeling their best.

West Highland Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent dogs that require patience and persistence when training. They can be fiercely independent and confident, which can make training a challenge.

To keep them engaged, keep lessons short and exciting, and incorporate play sessions. This will help prevent them from becoming distracted. It's essential to teach them the recall command and walk them on a leash unless you're 100% confident in their abilities.

Westies are surprisingly energetic and active, requiring brisk walks twice a day, combined with a yard to run around in. Their exercise area should be fenced in, as they'll run and chase after any creatures crossing their path. They excel at dog sports such as agility, rally, and earth dog events due to their athletic and intelligent nature.

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Temperament plays a huge role in training and exercising your dog. Yorkies, for instance, are not typically submissive dogs, making them a bit challenging for inexperienced owners.

They're more assertive and playful than their 'companion' status would suggest, but they still love to be around people. This means they need consistent training and socialization from an early age.

If you're considering getting a Yorkie, be aware that they're not the best fit for small children. Young ones may accidentally upset these small dogs, so it's best to wait until your kids are a bit older.

On the other hand, Yorkies are happy to live with other dogs and cats if introduced correctly from a young age. However, they're hardwired to chase small pets, so keep a close eye on them around tiny furry friends.

Yorkies are also prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to barking and destructive behavior. To prevent this, consider getting multiple Yorkies to keep each other company, or invest in some fun toys and puzzle feeders to keep them occupied.

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Here's a quick rundown of the key temperament traits for Yorkies and Westies:

These traits can impact your training and exercise approach, so it's essential to understand and work with your dog's unique personality.

Westies are very playful dogs that are surprisingly energetic and active. They love playing with toys and fetching due to their exterminator breeding. A brisk walk twice a day is usually enough exercise for them if combined with a yard to run around in.

Their terrier nature can make resisting the temptation to chase challenging, so ensure their exercise area is fenced in. They'll run and chase after any creatures crossing their path! Just be wary of letting them run freely unless they have excellent recall.

Both Westies and Yorkies prefer multiple short walks every day, but also enjoy time for play. They're suited to short bursts of activity instead of long, arduous treks or runs. Westies and Yorkies have a rat-catching nature, so they love chasing after toys and balls.

Yorkies, in particular, need daily exercise to help their confidence and contentment. They can develop a more anxious temperament and are more prone to anxiety and fear if they're not getting enough physical activity. A harness is recommended for both breeds to prevent neck damage when they pull.

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Westies are fiercely intelligent dogs that can learn quickly, but they need patient and consistent training to keep them engaged.

To train a Westie, keep lessons short and exciting to prevent them from becoming distracted.

Incorporating play sessions and keeping them upbeat can also hold a Westie's attention, making training a more enjoyable experience for both of you.

It's essential to teach a West Highland White Terrier the recall command and walk them on a leash unless you're 100% confident in their abilities.

Westies are independent workers and learn best from patience and consistency, rather than severe or casual encounters.

They might need refresher training courses over their lifespans to prevent them from testing boundaries and developing bad habits.

Choosing a Yorkshire Terrier can be a bit tricky, but here are some key things to consider. Yorkies are perfect companions for older children, but young children need to be careful of the Yorkie's fragility.

They're intelligent, lovable, and full of life, but they do require some extra care. You must keep on top of a Yorkie's grooming needs, even if they have a short coat. Yorkies are less self-reliant than Westies, which means they need more attention and training.

Here are some key characteristics to keep in mind when choosing a Yorkie:

Yorkies are perfect companions for older children, but young children need to be careful of the Yorkie's fragility.

If you're considering bringing a Yorkie into your family, it's essential to understand their needs and personality traits. Yorkies are less self-reliant than Westies but still intelligent, lovable, and full of life.

One of the key differences between Yorkies and Westies is their grooming needs. Yorkies require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, even with their short coat.

Yorkies are suitable for families with older children who can handle them gently, but Westies are better suited for families with small children due to their sturdy and strong nature.

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Here are some key characteristics of Yorkies:

Ultimately, the decision to bring a Yorkie into your family comes down to your lifestyle and ability to provide the care and attention they need.

When considering bringing a Yorkshire Terrier into your family, the initial cost is a significant factor to think about. A Westie puppy ranges from $900-$1700, averaging around $1,000.

Prices for Yorkshire puppies are very similar, with costs going from $1,000 upward to $3,500. Some purebred Yorkies can cost up to $10,000 if the lineage is pure for multiple generations.

If you're looking to adopt a pup from a breed-specific rescue, you can expect to pay around $500 for a Yorkshire or Westie. This is a much lower cost compared to buying from a breeder.

A Yorkshire Terrier is a great choice for families with kids and pets, as they're fantastic at keeping everyone active and entertained.

Their small size and big personality make them a perfect fit for apartment living, but they still need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

One thing to consider is that Yorkies can be quite loyal and loving, often forming strong bonds with their owners.

They're also naturally curious, so be prepared for a dog that will keep you on your toes and always want to explore their surroundings.

Overall, a Yorkshire Terrier is a wonderful companion for anyone looking for a loyal and loving friend.