Which terrier??Westie or other? Questions

Hi, I'm new to the forums. I am the very proud owner of a three year old Irish terrier who my husband and I adore. Always intended to get two dogs but waited until our Irish was this age before we started looking into getting a second dog because we wanted to get him properly trained up and socialised first.

So we were looking at westies but keep finding conflicting info about them.

Main questions about Westies are,
do they really bark/yap all the time? Our lad only ever barks if there is a noise outside that he's suspicious of or he sees his arch enemy, the neighbours
C. A. T.
There seems to be a lot of health problems associated with the breed. Anyone experience this?

Thats it really. Wondering if there are any small (but not really small) or medium sized terriers that tend to be ok with other dogs, are full of terrier spirit but really friendly with everyone, that I have overlooked. Oh and are happy at being left on their own for short periods of time occasionally. (couple of hours)

(there is always the fab Border but all the Irish and border pairings I've ever come across have fought. Think they are both just a little too headstrong for each other but I may be wrong )

Really appreciate any ideas! Thanks

Hi and welcome to Dogsey

I know that westies have a bad reputation with groomers as being likely to bite, but I do wonder how much of that is because of the 'wrong type of owner' - i.e. not realising that they own a terrier and treating them too much like a lap dog. The ones that I know who are treated like terriers are lovely wee dogs

I also know that they can suffer from skin problems, though no idea how wide spread that is?

Re the borders - is it possible that the borders/irish pairings you know of fight because they are the same age and sex? I think you've been very sensible in waiting until your Irish is a bit older and I would think it less likely that you would have the same problems. Mind you, I'm no terrier expert....

Borderdawn has borders, hopefully she'll be along in awhile to give you her views

I think the cairn terrier is a lovely little dog with far less health problems than a lot of breeds . Also the norfolk terrier is lovely . With any terriers there is always the potential for fighting so maybe a different sex from the one you have would be a good thing :?
Welcome to Dogsey !

I am pretty objective on Terriers. I don`t own one but meet them on a daily basis. Most of the retired people round here seem to go for terriers. Westies seem to have temperament issues. And yes, they can be yappy. Jack Russels seem great as long as they get enough exercise. Norfolks seem a bit stand-offish. There`s a Dandie Dinmont who is gorgeous but rare. Cairns seem to tick all the boxes - friendly, not too prey-driven or manic.

Confused now! lol.

I'm not a Jack Russell fan I'm afraid, no offence to any JR owners, I'm sure yours are lovely but my sisters is a horror and it's put me off.
I've had a quick look at Cairn's before so will investigate further.
If anyone owns a westie, I'd appreciate their opinion.

Thanks for your replies, very helpful

We were really wanting another male but I understand what others are saying about getting a female. Our Irish has had lots of reaccuring skin problems. Hard to diagnose a cause and tricky to treat, bless him. Doesn't seem to bother him much but has to be kept under control. Anyway, I digress!

Gone off the Westies nbow. Do seem lovely little dogs but maybe not for us. Cairn terriers are on the list now.

Don't know anything about Lakelands. Thanks for the ideas x

Just realised I sound like there are lots of breeds I don't like but I like them all really! I love all dogs especially terriers, just haven't had much personal experience with any breeds other than Irish and Borders. Appreciating the advice

If i was not into my Beagles so much my next best breed would be the Border. I have had three male Beagles as long as a couple of them are neutured no probs. I walk with a couple of Borders, they seem to be so much more playful and hardy than Jacks

Beagles are gorgeous I had two borders when I was growing up and for personality they are hard to beat. Really can't fault them s not sure why I'm reluctant to get another. Hmm, definately one to reconsider I think. thanks x

As in any breed its all about the socialisation but in my humble experience i think the terriers need it more. As long as socialised at an early age you have half the chance( Go Borders LOL )

Yeah, I think you're right. A lot, (though not all), temprement (sp?) problems can come from an owner not knowing what a terrrier needs and treating them like lap dogs. Swaying towards the good ol' border now. Still confused, lol. Lots ,more research to be done. It'll be 2010 by the time we get a pup at this rate! x

Don't mind stubborn Lovely looking dogs. I read that Lakies don't enjoy living with other dogs . In your experience is this right?

Thanks for that. So many websites give conflicting info about breeds. x

I vote Cairn obviously;-) great breed. If you want to know any more info on Cairns just ask.

I have a mid-sized (18") terrier mix, may have Irish terrier in him, but not sure. My Sis just got a female Westie baby, who is now 4.5 months old. They get along wonderfully. What I've read about Irish, is that they dont do well with same sex, you'd do well to get an opposite, with whichever breed you choose. I LOVE the Irish, and want one in a bad way, then this boy fell into my lap. Terriers are wonderful, spirited dogs, I'll always have them. The Westie is prone to alot of health problems, but I've never seen temperment issues with them. We spent years looking for the right breeder, her dogs all have wonderful temperments. Annabelle loves all people ant thinks everyone exists for her pleasure. she is always happy to greet new people and dogs, infact, we are trying to get some control with that! lol. My Aunt had a Carin, she was an awesome dog, but very stand-offish. not cuddly or affectionate. and went blind before she was 2. Dogs are what you make of them, breed is important-yes, but training and lifestyle play a huge factor.

Thanks Tori. Sara, I'm biased but I love Irish terriers To the point where I'm starting to think what I am trying to do is find the exact same dog in a smaller package! That isn't going to happen obviously. lol.

Think I am now swaying towards the border terrier (which I know about) and looking into Cairn terriers, Welsh and Norfolk terriers as I don't know much about them. So hard when all terriers are fab.

Our Irish has shredded his bed cushion today and ran rampage round the garden with the contents. Then looked disgusted at the blanket I offered for him to sleep on tonight as if to say (with raised eyebrow) " er, what have you done with my comfy cushion??" . DH is now looking at me like I'm crazy everytime I mention the second dog. lol.

Thanks a lot for the great advice and opinions. Big help. x

After much debate we've decided on the Border. Mainly because I have experience of tham, having grown up with two and knowing people with them now. Thanks to you all for your help. x