West Highland White Terriers, affectionately known as Westies, are renowned for their cheeky personalities, intelligence, and spirited nature. These dogs possess an abundance of character, sometimes even to a fault, as exemplified by Ted, a Westie from Warwickshire.
Ted almost clinched the title of “naughtiest dog in Britain” after an incident described by Victoria Marston: Ted’s family returned on Christmas Eve to find their Christmas tree and presents utterly destroyed. Every gift was unwrapped and chewed, with not a single decoration, biscuit, or satsuma left intact. Ted became known as “the dog who ate Christmas,” highlighting the breed’s capacity for mischief.
The Kennel Club’s description of Westies as “possessed of no small amount of self-esteem with a varminty appearance” hints at their mischievous tendencies, a sentiment echoed by many Westie owners.
The Endearing Traits of Westies
Lachie Stewart, another Westie owner, can attest to the cheekiness of these dogs. His current Westie, Nostie, is the latest in a line of West Highland White Terriers that have been part of his life since childhood. Despite a major veterinary bill after being run over, Nostie’s titanium hip hasn’t stopped her from chasing seagulls and enjoying family outings.
“It’s extraordinary how they’re all so similar in their mannerisms,” Lachie shared. “It’s the way they look at you, their pricked ears, their smiley demeanour, the little skip in their walk, and the way their head goes on one side when you say a particular combination of words.” Nostie’s predictable behaviors, like looking out the car window, hiding before bath time, and doing a “grand-prix circuit” of the house when excited, are common traits among Westies.
The Cesar Dog Food Connection
The West Highland White Terrier, with its smiley face and pristine white coat, is indeed the iconic face of Cesar dog food. The breed enjoys a relatively healthy population compared to other Scottish breeds. While adorable, prospective owners should be aware of their history and temperament.
A Terrier’s Tough History and Independent Spirit
Historically, some hunting men wrongly associated the white coat with cowardice. However, the 8th Duke of Argyll and the 16th laird of Poltalloch championed the breed in the 19th century, valuing their visibility in the heather and the reduced risk of being mistaken for foxes. These terriers were bred to chase and hunt, work underground, and rely on their own intelligence, leading to their independent spirit and inquisitive nature.
Sheila Cleland’s book highlights that Westies are foremost terriers, bred to chase and hunt independently. This inherent drive results in a dog with an independent spirit, an inquisitive nature, and an active body. Early training and establishing a strong relationship with the owner are crucial for managing their determined nature.
Owning a Westie: Considerations for Prospective Owners
While Westies can be very determined, they also like to please their owners. Sheila recommends Westies for experienced dog owners and advises caution for families with small children. When sourced from a reliable, licensed breeder, trained well, and made to understand the owner’s leadership, Westies can make wonderful pets.
In conclusion, the dog featured in Cesar dog food commercials is the West Highland White Terrier, a breed known for its charming appearance and distinctive personality. Understanding their terrier instincts and providing appropriate training and socialization are key to a happy and fulfilling relationship with these delightful companions.
