It's generally considered easier to start caring for a West Highland White Terrier (Westie) when they are around three months old. At this age, they have typically completed their initial vaccination series, which means they have a stronger immune system and better digestive capabilities, making their care much less demanding.
Why Three Months is a Good Time to Adopt
Newborn puppies receive antibodies from their mother, offering protection against diseases for a limited time. However, this protection weakens after about a month. When puppies move to a new home, the change in environment can cause stress, leading to decreased appetite and other adjustment issues. If they are also vulnerable to diseases like canine distemper and parvovirus due to a weak immune system, they can easily become severely ill. By the time they are three months old, most puppies have received their core vaccinations, significantly increasing their resistance to these viruses and reducing their likelihood of getting sick.
Feeding Considerations
Nutritional requirements and digestive abilities vary across different stages of a Westie's puppyhood. Younger puppies need more frequent, smaller meals. A two-month-old puppy may need four meals a day, carefully portioned to avoid digestive problems like indigestion or diarrhea, as they don't know how to regulate their intake, and eating too little can hinder their development. By three months, they can typically transition to three meals per day. If you are unable to come back during the day to feed them, having them eating an extra portion would not be a big issue. This makes it much easier for owners to manage their feeding schedule.
Potential Drawbacks of West Highland White Terriers
While Westies are adorable and charming, it is important to know they have some potential behavioral downsides that you need to consider before making them part of your family.
Impatience and Stubbornness
Westies have a tendency to be impatient and can easily become frustrated. Although breeding has made improvements over time, they can still exhibit stubbornness. This breed often has a strong-willed, single-minded nature, and usually bonds more closely to one person as their main owner.
Not the Smartest
Westies are not known for being particularly intelligent, ranking 47th in terms of dog breed intelligence. They are sometimes considered to be a bit clumsy, and training them may require patience and repetitive practice. They also have a high level of self-esteem, so over-criticism during training can be detrimental, making it important for owners to invest extra time and patience in their training.
Destructive Tendencies
West Highland White Terriers have high energy and a significant need for physical exercise. It is essential to have an owner who has free time to take them out. If they do not have sufficient outlets for their energy, they may show destructive behaviors, such as chewing furniture and other belongings. Despite being small dogs, they can cause considerable damage if their energy is not properly channeled.
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