The Dog of the Highlands: West Highland White Terrier

At around 1700s, the Isle of Skye and other highlands in Scotland were already producing lots of small terriers. Scottish breeds were separated into two: the Skye terriers and the Dandie Dinmont terriers. The Dandie Dinmonts were categorized as a separate breed. The Skyes included the Scotties, the Cairns and the West highland white terriers or the Westies. It was also noted that these terriers were the hybrids among the crossed Cairns, Scottish, and Dandies terriers. One could assume that the hybrid would really be loyal and its hunting instincts could not be belittled. In fact, many royalties in Scotland owned terriers that were very similar to the Westies of today. Another remarkable story is about a Westie that stopped a mother from constantly yelling at her daughter. Every time the mother would yell at her teenage daughter, the Westie would attack the mother. The aggression of the dog got worse over the years that resulted in the mother's complete inability to scold her teenager. It turned out that the girl was actually rewarding the dog for his protection by calming and soothing him down after every "threat" from her mother. Many would perceive that the daughter was able to help her mother to change her ways when in fact she was helping herself by rewarding the dog for its behavior. The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Westies: Category: Terrier Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard) Coat: about two-inch coarse and wiry outer coat and soft, dense, and furry undercoat Color: white Height: between 10 and 12 inches Weight: between 13 and 22 pounds Temperament: Naturally, they like to bark and dig they are not as willful like most terriers they love companionship When properly trained they can become fairly friendly towards strangers they develop close affinity with behaved children they love to chase cats but they do not hurt them they can become a very good watch dog they can become very lively Breeders should note of the following health issues: Chronic skin problems Perthe's disease (hip problems) Jawbone calcification Cranio mandibular osteopathy (lion jaw) Patella luxation, a disorder in the kneecap Liver ailments Deafness Congenital heart disease Care and Exercise: Their coat should be brushed regularly using a brush with stiff bristles. They should bathe only when necessary. Their whole coat should be stripped at least twice a year and trimmed every four months. The fur on the eyes and ears should be trimmed using blunt-nose mirrors. They will surely be more agile and healthy after regular sessions of play and/or walk. Origin/History: As noted, they share the same lineage with Cairns and Scotties (from Skye terriers), and even with the Dandies. This trio was developed in the Isle of Skye, which was one of the highlands in Scotland. It was noted that white whelps were chosen from the wiry-coated Cairns, Scotties, and Dandies to produce the variety that were known as Poltalloch terriers. Following are some items in the history that show the Westies' reputation of being owners' favorite companion dogs. Records in the history mentioned that around 1620, King James 1 of England requested some small white dogs from Argyleshire in Scotland. Colonel Malcolm, who was considered as the originator of Poltalloch terriers, that are very similar to the Westies of today, accidentally shot his terrier (a dark one). From then on he vowed to have only white terriers. In the 19th century, terriers that were very similar to the Westies were known as Roseneath terriers in honor of Duke of Argyll's interest and patronage of this breed. Roseneath was the name of his estate at Dumbartonshire. In the first-ever dog show that were organized in the late 1800s, the Westies were called as White Scottish terriers. In 1904, they were classified under the name West Highland White terriers. During the mid-1900s, breeders of the Cairns in Argyll, Scotland selected white puppies from the stock and interbreed some to obtain white Cairns. However, in 1917, the American Kennel Club ruled that Cairns could be listed if they have the Westies' lineage. We can say the history repeats itself for this delightful terrier is now mostly a favorite companion dog of many households.

The Playful and Inquisitive Dog: Cairn Terrier

The Cairn is assumed as one of the subcategories of Scotlands terriers along with the Westies (West Highland White) and the Scottish, The Westies and the Cairns are highly related. For one, Westies are hybrids of white dogs crossed with Cairns of western Scotland. The Westie can be considered as the white variety of the Cairn who has a coat of any color but white. Scotties, however, have longer heads and bodies, have generally dark coats and are aloof than the other two. These dogs originated from the short-haired Skyes. Cairn is the smallest breed among the terrier group. The name Cairn was coined after the small stone piles that marked borders of Scottish farms and graves. During the early times, this breed was used to guide small animals into these piles of stones. However, cairns are strong and sturdy but are not heavy. This dog was already present during the 1500s even before it became popular in 1930, after the appearance of Toto in The Wizard of Oz as Dorothys companion dog. Presently, like the American pit bull terriers, Cairns are used as companion dogs. Among the varietys talents are tracking, watching over the house, hunting, and performing tricks and sports regarding competitive obedience. The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Cairns: Category: Terrier Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard) Coat: shaggy and coarse outer coat and short and soft furry undercoat Colors: any color except white Height: between 9.5 and 10 inches Weight: between 13 and 14 pounds Temperament: like most terriers that were bred as hunters, these dogs are mischievous, alert, restless and high-spirited; also have a special connection with children age six and above Breeders should note of the following health issues: Atopy, a type of allergy Cataract, or loss of transparency of one or both lenses of the eyes Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum Glaucoma, a condition that causes an increase pressure within the eye Patellar luxation, a disorder in the kneecap Care and Exercise: Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangles and mats. Hair around ears and eyes must be trimmed regularly. Do not over feed them as they gain weight easily. Their physique requires a regular exercise routine which includes a daily play time while on leash. They should be on leash while walking in public places because of their hunting instincts. Origin/History: As already noted, the Cairns were existent since around the 1500s. At around 1700s, the Isle of Skye and other highlands in Scotland were already producing lots of small terriers. Scottish breeds were separated into two: the Skye terriers and the Dandie Dinmont terriers. The Dandie Dinmonts were categorized as a separate breed. The Skyes included the Scotties, the Westies, and the Cairns. In the year 1912, the Cairns receive their official name based on their excellent ability to hunt down vermin such as otters, foxes, and badgers that were hiding in cairns. However, it was in the year 1913 when they received the official recognition from the American Kennel Club. The Cairn terrier is one heck of an agile little dog that is very appropriate for the whole family. This breed is playful, prying, and is always ready to join the fun. If you are still not convinced, just reckon how Dorothy was entertained and accompanied by this type of dog.

Some Information Regarding Cairn Terrier Pet Dogs

If you are thinking of getting a Cairn terrier pet dog, then you need to know some information about it first. Why? Well, knowing the right information about anything will help you in the long run. This is especially true when we are talking about a pet ownership. Before you get a Cairn terrier pet dog, you need to be sure that you know what you are getting yourself into. You need to know how to take proper care of your cairn terrier pet dog and you also need to know what to expect when you are getting one. Thankfully, there are a lot of sites on the internet which can provide you the necessary information. To save you some time, however, here are the basics: Originally bred in the Scottish highlands, the Cairn terrier is the smallest of all terrier breeds. You should not let the size deceive you when you are getting a Cairn terrier pet dog, however. The Cairn terrier was first bred because of its working ability. You know what this means? This means energy. A Cairn terrier pet dog has a lot of energy to spare. They can gain a lot from taking brisk walks daily. However, you should know that they do best when they have a fenced-in yard to play in. This way, they get more room when they play. Their high energy also means that they arent really suitable for apartment or condo living. If you live in such places, then having a Cairn terrier pet dog is not for you. Their energy may also put them in danger. This is the reason why you need to make sure that a Cairn terrier pet dog stays in one area. Their natural instincts tell them to dig and run and these activities may lead to accidents if unsupervised. There are, however, a lot of positive things that can be said about a Cairn terrier pet dogs energy. For one thing, it makes the dog fun to play with. It can play for hours on end, giving you the companionship that you want. Another positive with this energy is the fact that this energy can be channeled into good purposes. A Cairn terrier pet dog is naturally inquisitive and is always willing to participate in a new adventure. This means that a Cairn terrier pet dog can be easily taught to do tricks. They learn tricks very fast and thrive in obedience training. You need to make sure that your Cairn terrier pet dog is trained properly since untrained ones have a tendency to be destructive when they are bored. Let us talk about the proper care for a Cairn terrier pet dog. One thing you do not need to worry about is its coat. The Cairn terrier pet dog was not bred for the beauty of its coat. The coat of a Cairn terrier pet dog is weather resistant and sheds little to no fur. Because of this, it can be a great indoor pet. Being the smallest of terrier breeds, however, makes Cairn terrier pet dogs especially vulnerable to various health problems. Care must be taken when feeding it as it can gain weight quite rapidly. A Cairn terrier pet dog is also especially sensitive to fleas. However, you can be sure that this is one of the best breeds around.

Finding Boston Terrier Dogs for Sale

People think that finding Boston terrier dogs for sale would be a very easy task. However, people need to know that theres more to finding Boston terrier dogs for sale than looking in the phone book or in the classified ads. For one thing, the breeder often reflects the quality of the pet. Today, many of the Boston terrier dogs for sale are bred by puppy farms which exist solely to breed and sell pet dogs. These puppy farms are profit-oriented and are therefore natural breeding grounds for animal cruelty. It is often the case that the puppies born in these farms are taken away from their mothers as soon as they are big enough to sell. They are often malnourished as a result of the cost-cutting methods of these farms. When you are trying to find Boston terrier dogs for sale, you need to look for a breeder who genuinely cares for the animals. This will assure you that the animal is well taken care of and will survive more than a few weeks in your care. Another reason to look for this type of Boston terrier dogs for sale is genetics. When you buy from a puppy farm, all the owner cares about is the profits. As long as a puppy looks good enough to be sold, it is sold. A great dog breeder, however, knows that breeding goes far beyond determining the appearance of a dog. When you are looking for Boston terrier dogs for sale, you need to look for a breeder who knows that breeding also determines the temperament of a dog. When you go looking for Boston terrier dogs for sale, you need to find a pet that would suit your temperament. While a low-class breeder would tell you to buy a dog because the puppy looks cute, a great dog breeder would tell you to buy a specific dog because it fits your personality. When looking for Boston terrier dogs for sale, you need to find a seller who does not ask you how much you are willing to pay but asks you what your qualifications are. When you are looking for Boston terrier dogs for sale, you need to find a breeder who will not push the dog towards you but will truly take the time to know if you are fit to own a dog. When you are looking for Boston terrier dogs for sale, you need to look for a seller who would be willing to take back the dog if you somehow neglect it. Do not go for sellers who will exchange the puppy for cash and then walk away. A great breeder will leave you with a way to contact him or her in case you change your mind. Another way to find the best kinds of Boston terrier dogs for sale is to look for the proper documentation. Often, true breeders will be able to provide pedigrees that can trace back the lineage of a puppy. Through this, you know that you are buying the best. Looking for Boston terrier dogs for sale may seem like a daunting task at first, but with the right attitude and information, you should be able to get the best puppy for you. By following the tips in this article, you can make hunting for Boston terrier dogs for sale the best thing you have ever done.

Rescue Canine-1-1: Boston Terrier Dog Rescue

The following article provides some questions most people are assumed ask about the organization and its endeavors. Answers are provided after each question. Just what is Boston Terrier Rescue? This is an association devoted to housing abandoned or unwanted Boston terriers. They set emergency rescues and conducts appropriate adoption of these terriers to their permanent homes. However, the network does not house Boston terriers that are already in poor health, aggressive, old, and/or are disease-carriers since they will not be even suitable for adoption afterwards. The least the BTR will do is to advise the owners of such terriers on better options. Why are these dogs being rescued? Most dogs that are rescued by the network were simply unwanted. Most owners would admit that they were unable to provide their pets with the attention, time, and level of activity that are appropriate for this lovely little dog to thrive and be healthy. There were cases when life situations or jobs made it hard for the owners to keep their pets with them. They considered the abandonment of the terriers as the easy or even sole option. Can the adopted dog be used for breeding? The association will definitely disapprove of the idea! In fact, they firmly advise every new owner to have the dog strictly as pets. As part of the placement process, Bostons are being spayed or neutered to avoid reproduction. Moreover, most of the rescued terriers are not excellent strains of the breed standard. More often, they do not have a record of ancestry or pedigree that can be consulted before the breeding process. May I adopt a female terrier? Most Boston terriers that are being abandoned are males aging between two and six since most owners think that the female variety is more affectionate. Surprisingly, the male variety is a responsive and sweet companion given proper attention and care. However, since all rescued Bostons are spared as breeders, the gender of the dog should not matter at all during the adoption. Appropriate placement shall be executed by BTR. Is there a charge if an owner surrenders a Boston? There are owners who volunteer themselves of paying their dogs' medical requirements, which also include spaying or neutering. Likewise, donations assist in the expenditures that cover the dogs' preparations for placement in a new home and with a new owner. If I adopt a dog, will I be charged for it? Apparently, owning a dog requires the owner to be financially capable for health care expenditures and even for the registry of Bostons. How does the adoption process happen? The procedure can be summarized as follows: 1.Screening a.BT Rescue filters potential owners by filling out extensive application papers for adoption. b.Possible owners' financial capability and lifestyle are being researched by the network. c.Application forms are screened between 7 and 10 days. 2.Approval/Disapproval a.Once the application is approved, a dog that is available at the time shall be presented to its new owner. b.Otherwise, the application shall be placed on a waiting list. If circumstances make the application possible, the new owner is notified later on. What must be done to help? The answer depends on the clientele. 1.For Breeders Breeders are advised not to sell their Boston Terrier to anyone if the new home will be inappropriate. Instead, have good homes reserved for them and plan litters. Also, if breeders do not have a competent and proper breeding program, reproduction should be avoided. 2.For everyone else Be informed about the special nature and various mental and physical requirements of Boston Terrier. Then educate others about these things. It should be made clear to everyone that Bostons do not fit the lifestyle of just anyone and everyone. If possible, look for breeds that may warrant a new shelter. Moreover, donations are greatly appreciated for they usually assist in the placement process of the dogs. BTR runs entirely on the dedication of volunteers. Report an unwanted Boston. Rescue an abandoned canine! Dial Rescue Canine-1-1!

Some Facts about the Boston Bull Terrier Dog

The Boston terrier is a well-muscled and compact breed. This is not really surprising since the Boston terrier was first bred by people who wanted to use them in dog fights. Now some people may read all sorts of implications from such a violent past. Some people might think that the Boston terrier dog would make a bad pet because of its aggressive nature. However, you should know that as a pet, the Boston terrier can actually be pretty mild mannered. The temperament of the Boston terrier can be described as enthusiastic as it often loves to play. Most people comment that the Boston terrier actually has a great sense of humor. Another characteristic that people find delightful with this breed is the fact that they are intelligent and are very much easily trained. This fact is also enhanced by the dogs natural curiosity and love for learning. Of course, people who own pets know the importance of training. Having a well-behaved pet increases the enjoyment for you both. Having a well-behaved pet means that you can have more fun with that pet. One thing that owners have noticed with a Boston terrier is the fact that it can be very sensitive to the tone of a persons voice. This may be described as a sort of emotion detector. Because of this sensitivity to the tone, a Boston terrier will be able to respond to how you are feeling when you are talking. This means, however, that you need to take care when training your dog. You need to make sure that anger and frustration do not find their way into your voice. They also make excellent watchdogs as they do not bark indiscriminately. This means that you wont wake up in the middle of the night because your Boston terrier saw a butterfly. There are some cases, though, when a Boston terrier will not bark at all. Regarding the living conditions, Boston terriers can do well enough without a yard as long as they get regular exercise. This means that they are suitable for apartment living. However, you should also know that they are very sensitive to the extremes of weather. This means that you should keep it in a place thats neither too hot nor too cold. Unlike other terrier breeds, the Boston terrier is an average shedder. This means that you should be wary of keeping it indoors as it can shed fur over your floor. We all know how much of a fiasco that can be. Bostons have a variety of common health problems. They easily get overheated when they are pushed too hard. As said before, they can also be sensitive to extreme weather and any weather thats too hot or too cold can leave them with breathing difficulties. Skin tumors and heart tumors are very common with this breed. So you need to bring the dog to a vet regularly. Another disorder you should watch out for is a skull defect. If a Boston terrier is badly bred, it often develops a bone defect that prevents the brain from growing. This, naturally, will lead to a retarded dog.

Major Concerns with a Border Terrier

If you want to have a small but sturdy pet dog, then the Border terrier might be for you. This pet is no delicate lapdog. The Border terrier pet dog is full of fun for the whole family. Before getting a Border terrier pet dog, however, you might want to consider some of the major concerns regarding the breed. This will help you weigh the pros against the cons and will let you reach a decision that would be best for you. Here are some concerns regarding Border terrier pet dogs: 1) Temperament when people talk about terriers, they all comment on the same behavior using different words. Some people say that their dogs are feisty. Some say that their dogs are stubborn. Some people would prefer to use the word impulsive. The point is, they all describe the same behavior. A terrier is inherently dynamic in its behavior. It is part of what makes a terrier, a terrier. The temperament of the Border terrier pet dog may be quite surprising, if not outright shocking for most people because of its size. For such a small dog, a Border terrier pet dog sure packs a lot of energy. 2) Aggression - Border terrier pet dogs are not really as aggressive as other breeds. However, its instincts as a terrier would still urge it to run after anything smaller than it. This means that if you own a cat or even a pet rabbit, you cannot have a Border terrier pet dog. This also means that you cannot trust a Border terrier pet dog out of its leash. If it even sees something running, it will take off, leaving you yelling uselessly. This, of course, can cause accidents to happen. In order to make sure that your Border terrier pet dog does not get hit by a car, you need to keep that pet on a leash outside. 3) Escape it is recommended by many experts that Border terrier pet dogs should be kept in a fenced-in yard to let it have some roaming space while making sure that it is safe. However, you should know that Border terrier pet dogs are clever escape artists. Even if a Border terrier pet dog is within a closed in fence, you should try to keep an eye on it. 4) The noise - Border terrier pet dogs will bark at practically anything that catches their attention. Because of this, you need to properly train them to bark only when needed. You should also be quick to stop them if they are barking inappropriately. For this reason, you should not really get a Border terrier pet dog if you live with very close neighbors and if you work during the day. An unsupervised Border terrier pet dog is sure to keep barking all day long. This, of course, may draw complaints from your neighbors. 5) Independent thinking what people love about Border terrier pet dogs is the fact that they can learn very quickly. This is because of their inherent curiosity and toughness. However, the same qualities that make them prize-winners can also make them very stubborn when they want to. You have to be consistent with your commands and show the Border terrier pet dog that you mean what you say. In doing so, you will be training the Border terrier pet dog properly.