Best Pet Articles
Search

Scottie & Westie - This Mistake is Perfectly Understandable

Web Search

Show an uninformed dog lover a photo of a Westie, and they'd identify a Westie as a white Scottie. This mistake is perfectly understandable, since they do have similar physical attributes and both originated from Scotland.

There are a lot of postulated theories about these similarities. However, one valid assumption is that centuries ago, a generic terrier was once a native to Scotland.

Over the years, different breeds came about from interbreeding, locations, the conditions and human requirements, which resulted in the different breeds. So when you compare the modern Westie to its' two closest relatives, the Scottie and the Cairn, you'll see more similarities than differences.

Here are just some of the differences between a Scottie & Westie.

A Westie is usually between 12-15 inches tall terrier with a straight and erect tail, about 5 - 6 inches. This breed has a two inch white double coat, while the outer coat is hard straight hair the under coat is soft.

They possess a black button nose and pointed erect ears. Their deep chests and muscular limbs give the westies the agility and power that was required in the original line of work for their breed. They were originally developed to hunt for vermin in the mountains of West Scotland.

The shorter Scottish Terrier is about at 10-11 inches tall. The coat of a typical Scottie is hard, wiry, weather-resistant and a thick-set, cobby body which is hung between short, heavy legs. Unlike the westie, they come in different colors; black, brown and bindle.

Another difference is that their noses are larger compared to the westie, although sometimes, you'll come across a Scottie that has a button like nose. The Scottie's ears and tail are pointy and erect.

How does the American Kennel Club (AKC) describe the standard gait of both breeds? The Westie's movement is free, straight and easy, and it's a distinctive gait, not stilted, but powerful, with reach and drive. Their overall ability to move is usually best evaluated from the side, and topline remains level.

The gait of the Scottish Terrier isn't the square trot or walk desirable in the long-legged breeds. Their forelegs incline slightly inward because of the deep broad forechest. Movement should be free, agile and coordinated with a powerful drive from the rear and good reach in front. When the dog is in motion, the back should remain firm and level.

You won't make a mistake of choosing a pet from either breed, for they are popular not only for their looks but also because they're loving, intelligent, affectionate and loyal dogs.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.

Good health and happiness

Jeff Cuckson
webmaster@madaboutwesties.com

Want To Know How To Have The Healthiest,
Happiest and Most WellBehaved Westie You
Have Ever Dreamed Of! Then Visit NOW!
http://www.madaboutwesties.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Longer Living, Healthier Pets Boost the $5 Billion Market for Pet ...
MarketWatch - 12 hours ago
NEW YORK, NY, Oct 10, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- At the center of robust global animal health product growth, the US market for pet medications is ...
Longer Living, Healthier Pets Boost the $5 Billion Market for Pet ... International Business Times
Controversial Stevia May Be Wild Card in $3 Billion Sweetener Market MarketWatch
Controversial Stevia May Be Wild Card in $3 Billion Sweetener Market International Business Times
all 15 news articles


Couple's hearts, home always have room for pets on the mend
Arizona Republic, AZ - 55 minutes ago
The pets return to the Humane Society for adoption. Leo, a 3-month-old Shar-Pei stray, is her current foster dog. He was bitten in the eye - the ...


Social Release: PetSmart(R) Offers Top Costumes, Toys and ...
MarketWatch - 3 hours ago
PetSmart Dog Fashion Expert Rashell Cooper says, "Pets are members of the family, and just like kids, they'll sport the latest trends in costumes this ...


Musicians, singers unite to help pets
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - 10 minutes ago
Watch "Iron Chef"-style culinary competition, enjoy food booths and live music at this festival, which benefits the Cal Recreational Sports Development ...


Hyper Dogs Make Bad Pets, Great Life-Savers
CBS 5, CA - 6 hours ago
"They make terrible pets," said Marin County Fire Capt. Jim Boggeri. East Bay SPCA Shelter Supervisor Lenny Deets adds: "Rambunctious, high-energy escape ...
Unwanted Bay Area Dogs Become Life Savers CBS 5
all 2 news articles


Church celebrates blessing of the pets
Marco Island Sun Times, Fl - 10 hours ago
By Daniel Winningham / daniel@misuntimes.com Members of San Marco Catholic Church brought animals of all sizes - mostly dogs - to the annual pet blessing ...
Beach church hosts pet blessing MiamiHerald.com
all 2 news articles


Hard times trigger more pet abandonments
MLive.com, MI - 12 hours ago
Such drop offs are evidence that the economic woes in Michigan are hurting not only its residents, but also their pets. The number of pets abandoned or ...


Economic uncertainty doesn't damper people's dedication to their ...
Beaufort Gazette, SC - 4 hours ago
Another vet, Frank Murphy at Aimant Animal Hospital,agreed that costs associated with taking care of pets are rising. He said increasing pet medication ...


Stuff.co.nz

Exotic pets pose health risks
Globe and Mail, Canada - Oct 7, 2008
So your son is begging for a pet turtle. Before you cave in, consider the salmonella it packs along with it. Reptiles, monkeys, rodents and other exotic ...
8 Pets That Pose Major Health Threats to Kids U.S. News & World Report
Exotic animals, domestic pets pose risk for children: study AFP
Pets 'could trigger fatal diseases' The Press Association
KOAA - ChattahBox
all 421 news articles


Blessings for pets
Macomb Daily Journal, IL - 3 hours ago
By Lainie Steelman Msgr. Richard Pricco blesses the animals during the St. Paul Catholic Church's St. Francis of Assisi Pet Mass. ...

Pets - Google News

home | site map | SubArticle
© 2008