West Highland White Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Chinese Crested Dog is originated from Mexico. Both West Highland White Terrier and Chinese Crested Dog are of same height. Both West Highland White Terrier and Chinese Crested Dog are having almost same weight. Both West Highland White Terrier and Chinese Crested Dog has almost same life span. Both West Highland White Terrier and Chinese Crested Dog has almost same litter size. West Highland White Terrier requires High Maintenance. But Chinese Crested Dog requires Low Maintenance
The West highland white terrier originated from Poltalloch in Scotland. So they were initially called as Poltalloch terrier and after that they were called as Roseneath terrier. They were initially used for hunting fox, badger, otter and in killing the vermin like rats.
The breed history says that Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch was the reason for the Westie's white colour. This is because in 19th centuryhe went for hunting with his dogs and accidentally he shot his dog as its colour was as fox. So he decided to breed only white colour dogs.
The Chinese Crested Dog is believed to have its origins in Africa and there are many texts from the 19th Century that feature an Africa Hairless Terrier that resembles the Chinese Crested. However, the scientific and genetic evidence leads to an origin that is shared with the Mexican Hairless Dog. Any way you look at it the dog did not originate in China. The Chinese were very fond of this breed and used them on their ships to control the rat populations. This is probably how they got their name.
There are two types of Chinese Crested Dogs – the well known Hairless, and the lesser known Powderpuff. The Hairless type is better known because they carry the dominant trait and the Powderpuff is recessive. However, this recessive gene is carried by every Chinese Crested Dog so the Powderpuff can show up in all litters even those of two Hairless Crested. Two Powderpuffs will not result in any Hairless in their litters as the Powderpuff does not have the gene for the Hairless.
The “Crest Haven” Kennel was opened by Debora Wood in the 1950’s to breed the Chines Crested Dog. At the same time Gypsy Rose Lee, of the famous burlesque shows, was also breeding Chinese Crested Dogs. The two lines of Crested bred by Americans came together following the death of Rose Lee. Every Chinese Crested that lives today can trace their heritage directly to these two breeding lines. In 1959, Debra Wood founded the American Hairless Dog Club which became a part of the American Chinese Crested Club or the ACCC in 1978. This organization then became the breed’s parent club after AKC (American Kennel Club) recognized the breed in 1991. Prior to this the Federation Cynologique Internationale, recognized the breed in 1987, the United Kingdom (UK)the Kennel Club recognized them in 1981 and the Australian National Kennel Council recognized the Crested in 1995.
The Westie can be said as that a small dog having the talents of the big dog. They are very popular for their obedience. They are also working as therapy dogs and also some in search and rescue teams. The home having Westie will have fun always and be enthusiastic. They will suit them for country or city living, but they like to live with their family. They are well suitable for apartment living, but some training should be given to them for not barking. They can stay in home when you are at work. Westie can be taken to travel, whether it may be long vacation or a short visit.
They are quick learners and so training them is not difficult. Mistakes of them can be corrected patiently since they don't like harsh activities against them. Westie will definitely bark when he sees something or hear different sounds. He will bark on seeing visitors or even other dogs. Sometimes they will bark for very silly things but when given appropriate training in their young stage, they can bark only for alerts.
This is a toy breed and very small. The Hairless and the Powderpuff are two types of the same breed, although they do not look like it. The Hairless type can have fur anywhere on its body, but it will not have much. It will have hair on its paws, tail and head. The Powderpuff on the other hand will have a thick double coat. When discussing the color of the hairless, one is referring to the color of its skin. It can range from flesh to black.
The Powderpuff has a soft, thick, straight double coat. It can have very long hair. The Hairless must have its skin taken care of and protected. Both types of Chines Crested are small in stature with well proportioned, athletic bodies.
The Westie is friendly with children but not all the time. So some care should be taken while they are near children.
They like to chase rodents like rabbits as they are interested in hunting.
They are suitable for apartment living unless they are left alone for a very long time. They love cold weather more than hot.
They can be trained by giving some extra efforts.
The Chinese Crested Hairless version must have its skin take care of much in the same way we take care of our own. It will burn if exposed to too much sun without protection. They can suffer from dry skin, acne, need moisturizing cremes. They get skin allergies as well and it is important to take care of the skin instead of the brushing you don’t have to do.
The Chinese Crested does not suffer from most of the diseases other toy breeds do. They can have ye issues. The Hairless have a “primitive mouth” . They have pointy teeth and poor dentition. This is not true of the Powderpuffs however. Their eye issues include:
The puppy should be fed 3 to 4 times per day as it requires a considerable amount for their growth. Cooked chicken breast and turkey are best for them and also vegetables should be given to them. Beef and chicken should be kept a limit as it will lead to itchy skin and allergies.
The preferable food for the Westie is home cooked. The home food will only contain all the essential nutrients for the Westie.
Eventhough the Westie is suitable for apartment living it is recommended to have a daily walk for him to be active and refreshing.
They should be made to play for atleast 30 minutes per day for their health as to not gain overweight. Grown up children can play with them as they like it.
Like several other toy breeds, it is easy to overfeed the Chinese Crested because it has such a small stature. Feed once or twice a day but never more than one fourth of a cup total for the day.
Luxating Patellas – kneecaps move out of place and cause lameness and arthritis
Legg-Perthes Disease – a hip disorder where blood does not reach the head of the femur. The bone dies, and growth stops.
Canine Multiple System Degeneration (CMSD) – a progressive movement disorder can call falls
This Breed does not need an excessive amount of exercise, but they do enjoy running. They are competitive and athletic, so they can excel at flyball, lure coursing, agility and obedience. They are sensitive and trainable enough to become a therapy dog.