West Highland White Terriers, or Westies, are typically sweet little pets. Their thick white coats and playful natures make it easy to see why so many love them. Still, there are some valid reasons why Westies may not be the best choice for everyone. Let’s examine the reasons why Westies are the worst dogs for some people as pet choices.
Reasons Why Westies Might Be the Worst Dogs
1. Stubbornness
Westies are known to be independent and strong-willed. That makes it pretty tough to train them. They have their own plan and may ignore the command given to them, whereas some breeds are ready to follow the instructions. It is vital to train with consistency and patience; even then, they may not follow the instructions. Hence, it is so hard to train Westies.
2. High Energy Levels
Westies are very energetic dogs. They require much exercise to keep them healthy and happy. So, if you are not an active person, then a Westie is probably not suitable for you. Westies love running, playing, and exploring. They require daily walks and playtime.
Westies get bored if not exercised. A bored Westie can turn out to be destructive; therefore, chewing furniture or digging in the yard can occur. Some owners get exhausted by this high energy level.
3. Barking Habits
Westies are also vocal. They bark a lot, which may be problematic for many people. The dog will be barking out of boredom or when alerting you to something, which will make their barking overwhelming. For an apartment dweller or one who stays in close quarters, this can become problematic since barking may disturb neighbors.
It takes time and patience to train a Westie to curb its barking. It is not everyone’s fortune to afford this. In case you want a more silent dog, then maybe you should not opt for a Westie.
4. Health Issues
Like most breeds, Westies have some typical health problems. Among them, some skin issues, hip dysplasia, and allergies are very common. These issues cause a lot of vet bills and sad moments.
Before getting a Westie dog, be prepared for health problems. Veterinary visits become necessary to monitor their condition regularly. To ensure proper nourishment, diet selection should be made with proper consideration. Such owners are not so many, as this breed is rather difficult to commit to.
See also: What Do Yorkies Usually Die From?
5. Grooming Needs
This type of coat requires regular grooming. Its thick fur tends to become matted if not provided with appropriate care. For this reason, owners of Westies have to comb their Westies several times a week to keep its coat at its best form.
Grooming is pretty time-consuming. Some may find it too much in case they are busy going about other things. Should you not be ready and willing to invest time as well as effort into the grooming process, then this breed is not for you.
6. Territorial Behavior
Westies can be somewhat territorial. They do not really like other pets around, and they don’t appreciate the presence of any new people. Territorial behavior can sometimes spur aggressive tendencies if it isn’t controlled. Socialization is essential, but patience and effort are required on that.
If there already are other pets or you would like to bring some people into the house, it will likely be a messy conflict. Westies may need extra training and a bit of supervision in handling those kinds of situations.
7. Excessive Playfulness
While playfulness is good, it also has its negative side. Westies can get too excited with their games. The zeal can go to an extreme level and may turn unbecoming for people who are small in size or very old.
If you need a quiet friend, then perhaps a Westie is not what you might need. Their playful side needs to be controlled so that all members are protected.
8. Lack of Calmness
Some breeds are very obedient. That is certainly not true of Westies. They are always moving, looking for action. If you need a placid companion to cuddle with, look elsewhere.
Westies require a stimulating environment to live happily. If you are looking for a calm place in the home, forget about the Westie. The animal may disturb that harmony and will create trouble anytime.
See also: Why Do Cats Lick Each Other’s Bums?
Final Words
When you bring a Westie into your home, you have to take into consideration the high energy levels, stubbornness, grooming needs, health issues, and territorial behavior. It all depends on how well the characteristics of the dog match the owner’s standards and way of life; no dog breed is either better or worse.
The Westie is not, however a good choice for those who desire an easier and more laid-back pet dog. A decision can be made based on the above reasons.
