Considering a Westie as our new family dog...

[Anonymous]

Hi all-

After 12+ years with our beloved Maltese, we are thinking of a new family dog. We are almost certain we'll go with a Westie. Does anyone have a breeder/contact in the area or neighboring states? We did consider a rescue, but we have two children (5 and 3) and most we've found don't allow families with children that young.

Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

We also considered Westies and finally settled on a Tibetan Terrier. You may want to consider these as well. Though Terrier is in the name, they are named Terrier for their size, not any of the traditional Terrier characteristics.

[Anonymous]

PP here- I also recommend starting with AKC website and linking from breed club page. Not so much that it matters whether you have the papers, but for me it was important to work with a responsible breeder who adhered to some reasonable standards.

It may cost more and you may not be able to get one immediately, but you will be promoting responsible practices by spending your money accordingly as it sounds like you are already aware since you are consulting rescue, etc.

[Anonymous]

If you like the Westie look you might want to expand your search to Cairn Terriers. Westies come from the Cairn lines. They used to drown white puppies because their coats were not wiry enough or hardy enough to withstand the Scottish weather as working dogs, but they are otherwise similar. Difference is that Cairns can be more into horseplay with kids and more forgiving of kids' roughhousing. That's my experience.

[Anonymous]

In my experience Westies are not fantastic with little kids. You might want to do some more research, look into related breeds as has been suggested, or wait a few years. In my experience they can be snappy and agressivve despite or maybe because of their small size. They are real terriers and it can be hard to get them to back down. Obedience training a must but really, I think the rescues are right, not the right dog for those ages. Sorry on the loss of your pet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you like the Westie look you might want to expand your search to Cairn Terriers. Westies come from the Cairn lines. They used to drown white puppies because their coats were not wiry enough or hardy enough to withstand the Scottish weather as working dogs, but they are otherwise similar. Difference is that Cairns can be more into horseplay with kids and more forgiving of kids' roughhousing. That's my experience.

I agree with this - cairns are great family pets, very hardy, and very smart/trainable.

[Anonymous]

Not a good choice at all for young kids. Do your research OP. It's not recommended that you leave terriers and small children unsupervised. Are you really up for that? It can be a lot of crating and or baby gates. Terriers are not mellow family pets and can easily get overexcited and agressive when kids run or are loud. They were bred to hunt things that run and sqeal. Don't just think about your kids but other kids who may come to the house.

"Most Westie Rescues will tell you that one of the most common reasons for Westies coming into Rescue is CHILDREN!! Either they are not doing well with existing children or a new baby has come into the home and the humans no longer have the time or patience to deal with the new doggie issues that came along with baby. Westies are not recommended for families with kids under the age of ten, people who contemplate having children during the lifespan of their Westie or Grandparents who anticipate frequently visiting grandchildren.

Westies were bred to hunt and kill small critters that screech, squeal, scurry and run. Many times, the normal activities of children can bring out these instincts. Sometimes families find ways to deal with them; often times, they do not. One very common question is, "How do I prepare my Westie for the new baby?" We are thankful when the question comes BEFORE the baby but sometimes the baby is already there and the question becomes "How do I correct the problems that have come up since we brought baby home." What we would really like to hear is, "I have a brand new puppy and want to make sure it is going to be well-socialized and child friendly. What do I do right now even though I am not even thinking about children at this point." Remember, when you got your Westie, you made a commitment to love and care for this dog for its entire lifetime. It is now your job to make sure that you find a way to live up to this commitment and that you do it in a way that makes all members of your family happy, including Westie.

The answers aren't perfect. For some Westies and some humans, they just seem to "have it together" and there never is a big issue. For many, there are issues and it takes work and commitment to find a way to have both kids and Westies together. All we can do is try to give you some ideas of things to try. We can't guarantee results. Each Westie comes with its own set of traits and behaviors; each human has their perception of how much effort they are willing to expend. Each child presents different behaviors that may create some of the issues."


http://www.wisconsinwestierescue.com/pdfs/westies%20and%20children.pdf

http://www.prodoggroomingsupplies.com/dog-forums/showthread.php?t=16328

http://www.sfbaywestieclub.com/tips_9.htm

http://www.sfbaywestieclub.com/puppywestie.htm
They are tough and agressive and intense little dogs and they do not enjoy small children. Friends tried it twice (loved the look) and ended up giving the dogs to a rescue after having had to keep them completely gated off from the children and from other pets. They are small but they are prone to snapping and biting.

How about a nice golden retriever or lab that will really enjoy the kids and be gentle with them? Terriers and small children are not nearly as likely to be a good combo.

[Anonymous]

Have you spent much time around Westies?

http://www.westie3.fatcow.com/EDU/Children.htm

Friends have Westies that they have had since puppyhood, so lots of socializing and no abuse and I wouldn't consider having them in a house with children. Their temperments and what they were bred to do are not a good mix with an environment where kids move fast and make noise. Their personalities are really something, they do not give up or back down. They bite easily and can really do a surprising amount of damage for such a small dog. Do you have other kids over to your house? Is there a chance you might have another child? Do you have other pets? Westies are super aggressive towards small animals. They can be really good pets for older children, like middle school and up. A friend had one when I was a child. I think if you spend time with real live Westiees you might shift your focus. I grew up with dogs and going to dog shows and those dogs are something else entirely. The personality is way different than their appearance.

[Anonymous]

I agree that a Cairn might be better than a Westie but in my experience terriers are not a great mix with kids as young as yours OP.

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/cairnterriers.html

Are you looking for a sturdier version of a small white dog like a Maltese? Are you willing to consider medium or larger breeds? They can often be more "forgiving" of kids and more easygoing.

[Anonymous]

OP here-Yikes, we've spent time around Westies and have never had any issues. Considering all the comments, anyone know a fantastic Maltese breeder? I was young when I purchased our 1st dog---pet store. I know, I know!

Thanks for all the Westie wisdom. I greatly appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

OP, I was one of the PPs. They can be great pets, just with older kids who don't run around. There was just a thread yesterday about a Yorkie suddenly becoming aggressive as their DD became a toddler. THe movements and noises of little kids really stress little terriers out. They look so cute but they are fierce little dogs.

It may be possible to find a good Westie breeder who breeds for a more mellow temperment. A Westie isn't so likely to want to play fetch or do tricks or things little kids like to do with their dogs though.

It sounds like you want a purebred but if you are open to a shelter dog, they have behaviorists work with the dogs and match them very carefully to families with children. Maybe a dog like a cockapoo or something would give you the fluffy toy look and be a little more rough and tumble? A Maltese is so delicate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I was one of the PPs. They can be great pets, just with older kids who don't run around. There was just a thread yesterday about a Yorkie suddenly becoming aggressive as their DD became a toddler. THe movements and noises of little kids really stress little terriers out. They look so cute but they are fierce little dogs.

It may be possible to find a good Westie breeder who breeds for a more mellow temperment. A Westie isn't so likely to want to play fetch or do tricks or things little kids like to do with their dogs though.

It sounds like you want a purebred but if you are open to a shelter dog, they have behaviorists work with the dogs and match them very carefully to families with children. Maybe a dog like a cockapoo or something would give you the fluffy toy look and be a little more rough and tumble? A Maltese is so delicate.

Maltese are quite small, and sometimes sizing with dogs gives rise to an "inferiority" complex. Is hair vs. fur important to you?

[Anonymous]

I'm one of the PPs. Best small dog for children, in my experience, is the Boston Terrier. They are not beautiful but they are saintly, hardy, and can play around with kids without getting hurt. They forgive transgressions (falling on top of them, grabbing) where many dogs would retaliate. They can handle a more sedentary day if need be but will fetch and run. If you can give up pretty in favor of reliable, have a look.

I can't recommend designer mutts, both because they are often from puppy mills and because there is no guarantee that offspring will get the best characteristics of the parents' breeds. I've found this to be true of horses as well-- I'll have a training client say that a certain cross will have the calm temperament of one breed and the athleticism of the other, and end up with a clumsy but crazy baby.

[Anonymous]

We have two Westies and two kids. The Westies were with us first. They put up with a lot from the kids, and we've never had any issues.

[Anonymous]

My in-laws have two westies are they are a NIGHTMARE. They bite, they fight, they are ill-tempered. This has a lot to do with training (or lack thereof) but I do not think their temperment is family-friendly.