I Am Debating Between Getting A Havanese Or A Westie?
Filed under Care & Training Q&As
I have done the research online, now I’m wanting personal experience from owners of either breed. Both are adorable and have major pro’s, now I’m mainly looking for any con’s to help make my decision.
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Westies are terriers, so they are intense dogs. The love digging, killing small animals, digging, barking, digging, destroying things, running, and digging. They are whirlwinds of activity and an under stimulated terrier will leave a wake of destruction in their path. Even if they are properly stimulated they will still dig (terrier comes from Terra, latin for earth.) Plus there’s the coat care. Terriers have a wiry coat that should not be clipped or shaved, but stripped. Stripping is an extensive and long process. Groomers do do it, but it costs a lot. They don’t shed their coat, stripping removes the dead hairs. When you shave them, the dead hairs don’t fall out, and the dog can develop follicular dermatitis.
Havanese are great also. But they too requrie a lot of grooming. Havanese are a cording dog, so if you stop brushing them their hair will start to cord like a Puli or Komondor. Some people want their hair to cord, others like them fluffy. If you don’t want them to cord, brushing them regularly (like daily) will stop it. If you do want them to cord, there’s a whole set of new difficulties you’ll face. Like a mildewy coat if not properly dried, and sticks caught in the cords. Apart from the coat, they’re great dogs. They are a breed that fits into the category of “velcro” dogs, meaning they want to stick next to you no matter where you go. They always want to be with you. Some people like that, others think it’s annoying. The Westie is a more independent dog, if you don’t want a velcro dog.
Hope I helped.
I am raising a havanese right now. They are good dogs. They have long hair though and require more grooming than a westie. Havanese are good first (or not first) family dogs and they love kids. Westies are not really a kid person (have raised a westie when i was younger) havanese are much friendlier. They can both make good pets. Look in books or on the internet and talk to your family (or yourself) and choose which one you think would be best for you and your family.
Consider these questions as which dog you choose
* where do you live? (lots of land or little land)
*backyard?
*kids?
*first dog?
*experience?
*how much grooming will you accept?
I had a westie last year, but sadly we had to put her out of her misery
I loved her to death. She had a disease where she would lick and lick and lick and her skin got all crusty and she lost lots of hair. This disease is very common among westies, especially if they are overbred. I’m crying now. 
Our breeder was arrested for similar cases.
I think that if you do decide to get a westie, get one from a trusted breeder.
Both breeds are affectionate and intelligent. It’s really hard to decide. Hope these topics help you,http://xrl.us/bepjbbhttp://xrl.us/bepjbf
I personally love Havaneses than Westies. They are so sweet but they require more grooming. However, I’m totally sure about this, I think that Westies have more health problems than Havaneses.
Westie! Can I sujest a 2 names for a female westie… Mysti or snowy