Get another Westie or something different?

[bowboww]

I sadly lost my little Westie, and I know I will want to get a puppy in the near future. I am still in the early stages of just thinking about it, and starting to think about different breeds.

I loved my Westie so much, she was such a character - a typical Westie, complete with the attitude and stubbornness they are known (and loved) for! I loved that she only needed shortish walks each day, and that she was happy to potter around during the day. I also liked that she didn't really moult, and I liked her soft fluffy fur (I don't think I could ever have a short coated dog).

My only thing is she would bark at everything no matter how much I tried to train her out of it (and her bark was loud), and she disliked other dogs (although she liked other Westies...) I did sometimes wish she was more affectionate - sometimes you'd sit down next to her on the sofa and she'd get up and move away from me... 😆

I like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels but I worry about their health issues which puts me off them (and any cava mix). I also like Maltipoos, but I know they are a bit controversial as a designer teddy bear 'breed' (I know they're not a breed). I don't want a Maltese, I think because they are so similar to Westies - if I was to get another white fluffy dog it would be a Westie.

So sorry you lost your Westie. They are wonderful dogs.

I cant help with your choice of getting your next dog but Westie's will be hard to beat.

We have a shi tzu - we keep his fur short, he loves his little walks, very affectionate. He loves pottering around the house. He doesn't like to be left for more than about 3 hours (but that is the flip side of him being quite cuddly and just liking to be with us). We can take him pretty much anywhere. He will bark at the doorbell but not much else. I wanted a westie and my kids wanted a shi tzu because they are meant to be good at living with cats (he isn't - chasing cats is his life's mission 😂so that hasn't been great) but in every other way he is a lovely companion and if we didn't have the cats I would say he was perfect (also stubborn sometimes but I like that too!!)

What about another small terrier such as Norfolk, border, scotty, Glen

A Scottie!

Or mini Schnauzer

I am on my second westie. I absolutely love them, so think you should get another one. I may be a bit biased.

I've had two cairns and two westies. Wonderful dogs. I don't feel like I can get another one in case they're not the same. Currently looking into rehoming a greyhound.

How about a Havanese? Lovely dogs

We have a mini schnauzer. She's just becoming affectionate (almost 2), doesn't moult and is super smart. Happy with 3x short walks a day. She likes other dogs and loves meeting new people.

But oooft, if the westie barking was too much for you then the Mini Schnauzer approach to life (EVERYTHING IS TRYING TO INVADE US) may be too much. It's a breed thing, we do try and keep a lid on the barking but she's territorial.

Also not keen on being left on her own.

Cracking dog but does have downsides.

Anyone know of a westie thats available for adoption? These breeders charge a fortune.

Do your research. Anyone trying to flog a dog online, through social media (including mumsnet) is someone no one should be buying a dog from.

@LandSharksAnonymous Yes I have...Registered charities dont have any, rescue centres dont have any...only breeders (many KC registered) seems like the only way to get one is to purchase.

So sorry you lost your dog, never an easy time, I can empathise OP. I was never brave enough to get another dog after losing ours, but if I ever did it would be a Lhasa Apso, my friend has one and she is absolutely adorable.

Then I'm afraid you need to wait or purchase from a breeder.

A well-bred dog, that is healthy and comes from a good background, should cost decent money because thousands is spent on ensuring their health and that of their parents - that means you should be getting a puppy that will have a long, healthy, happy life free of any serious issues (which Westies are, unfortunately, incredibly prone to).