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Click on a question to view the answer.
1. How large does a Westie grow to?
2. What is the definition of a registered breeder?
3. What's the difference between a "Limited
Register" Westie and a "Main Register"
Westie's papers?
4. Are Westies easy to train?
How large does a Westie grow to?
The average height is approximately 28cms (11 inches). Although no
weight is given in the Breed Standard, the
average weight as determined by knowledgeable breeders is
around 8 to 10kg. Male and Female dogs are generally the same
height, but Females normally weigh less than
males.
What is the definition of a registered breeder?
A breeder who is bound by a Breeder's Code of Ethics, a
contract with the Australian National Kennel Council,
or its affiliated state bodies (eg. Dogs Victoria).
This contract legally binds breeders to register every
litter of pups bred by them and that they are only
to breed purebred dogs (along with other stipulations).
For further information in regards to purebred dogs,
their breeders and the purebred database please contact
Dogs Victoria www.dogsvictoria.org.au
and/or the ANKC www.ankc.org.au.
Dogs Victoria require all new applicants who apply for a breeder's
prefix to pass an exam on breeding practices, that
also covers ethical standards and genetics.
What's the difference between a "Limited Register"
Westie and a "Main Register" Westie's papers?
A dog with Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) Limited Registration papers is still
a purebred dog, however it does hold some restrictions.
Limited registration is designed for dogs that are going to be pets and / or dogs that are not going to be used as breeding animals. Not because there is anything necessarily wrong with them, but because either the breeder or the owner has decided that they will not or should not produce puppies. A dog with Limited registration papers still a registered purebred dog! The only difference is that if the dog is used for breeding his or her pups cannot be registered. The dog cannot be entered in conformation (Championship) shows since this is a show case of breeding animals only. They can enter and gain points and titles in activity related events, such as obedience trials, agility, fly ball, etc.
Limited registration came about because some breeders were withholding registration papers from pups that went to non-breeding homes. Most of these breeders were not trying to be fraudulent or mean, they were just trying to protect the breed and their breeding lines against puppy mills and back yard breeders. Limited Registrations allow breeders selling non-breeding dogs to the public to still provide pedigree papers without the risk of compromising their blood lines.
Full Registration is for breeding dogs and those that are being actively shown in the conformation ring. If you are not a breeder and you are not planning on showing your dog, you do not need full registration on your dog. The only difference between Limited and Full registration is that with Full registration, the papers that you get are blue instead of orange, and if your dog has pups, they can be registered with either Full or Limited registration.
Limited registration can be changed to Full registration by the breeder once the dog has meet whatever criteria the breeder has set forth to do so.
Are Westies easy to train?
Each Westie differs. Westies are very intelligent
and eager to please, however when you bring a new
Westie puppy home, you must be stringent on what you
do and don't allow. Yes they are cute, (especially
when they are puppies) but remember that you have
a future of 12-15 years together and sooner or later
that cute factor just doesn't cut it anymore. Westies
are known to be stubborn, so you must be even more
so. They are certainly opportunists and if there is
even a slight hint of leniency to the rules, they
most certainly will take advantage of it. The best
way to distract your Westie from misbehaving, is simply
to have something better on offer for them, usually
a food treat or favourite toy will work. A Westie
will always look at a situation and want to know what's
in it for them, so use the rating scale of what gets
your Westies attention and what items holds their
attention. For food orientated Westies, always keep
a selection of favourite treats. The bigger the distraction,
the better your treats must be.
Westies love being amongst the happenings, so to reprimand
them, simply isolate them away from the activities
for a period of time (10-20 minutes). It will certainly
have them thinking about repeating that action again.
But all in all your Westies behaviour is dependant
upon how much time you put into training them and
continue to reinforce the rules. Consistency is the
key, so you need to be consistent if you expect your
Westie to be!
About 10 Westies have held obedience titles in Australia since
the formation of the West Highland White Terrier Club of Victoria in 1978. These dogs
are no longer living, but records can be obtained from the
governing body in the said States, namely South Australia
and Victoria. Many Westies hold obedience titles in America.
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