Never had a dog before, what do you think of a West Highland Terrier?

[TheGashlycrumbTinies]

We are maybe thinking of getting a puppy, does anyone know how suitable a Westie would be, I have been talking to Westie owners but they are somewhat biassed!

We have 2 DD's 3 and 6 years, I work for 4 hours twice a week, so this would be a time when it would be left alone.

We have done some research, and the results are that we should be looking at a Lakeland Terrier.

What do you think?

Boiled eggs: pedigree dogs tend to have inherited health problems, and different breeds have different ones.

And yes, iggypiggy, you can get an unhealthy mutt but generally speaking they are healthier. That's why they cost so much less to insure.

I have a mutt and a hip/elbow/eye screened lab, so have a foot in each camp

I have pure bred hip/elbow/ eye screened lab too - but expect we will get rescue next - so am with you - i go with either option!

Bump.

I have a two year old westie chap. He is great company and very loving. I find him great with my kids 9 and 14, enough energy to be playful but likes downtime as well he is currently snoozing cos I'm cleaning house. He does nip when he gets too wound up playing but a quick "all done" and he understands, it is down to how you teach them.

Westies are strong willed, independant thinkers so you need to be the boss, although ours is spoiled rotten I still insist on manners.

Ours does smell, I bath him every other week with Johnson's baby shampoo which is no big deal cos I've done this since he was a pup and he stands like a lamb in the bath while I wash him, to date he has no skin problems.

I feed him good quality homecooked food and keep a close eye on how many treats he has as my DD can be very generous.

The only thing with him is I can't let him off lead b/c if he got scent of a squirrel etc out on walks I know he'd be off like a shot, so I have a 26' flexilead for him. It means I walk further but even that has its advantages cos I've lost a load of weight walking him over the last two years.

It's good that you know the mother and other pups from her, good luck.

Thanks jellyshoes.

I have a Mini schnauzer - gorgeous dog. Quite chilled (for a terrier) and great with kids. Doesn't shed and I think they are just so cute. I love terriers and wouldn't have anything else.