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Should I get Westie or Silky?







aliciakok
Novice

Apr 27, 2005, 10:55 PM

Post #1 of 19 (2558 views)
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Should I get Westie or Silky? Can't Post

I'm not sure which one suits me as such need your kind advise. I stay in a condo.

I've read that Westie enjoys exercise while Silky requires minimum. I am an active person and would like a mutt that likes fast walks and daily walks. However not a very demanding dog like the JRT who demands for a LOT of walks and will be tempemental if not.

Also grooming scares me!! Silky I read need more grooming than a Westie.

Also Westie's more independent, so can be left in the crate as I willl leave her alone for not more than 4 hrs. Silky I read is very clingy and hates to be left alone.

Your thoughts and advise please.


chrisong
Doggyman

Apr 28, 2005, 12:00 AM

Post #2 of 19 (2549 views)
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Re: [aliciakok] Should I get Westie or Silky? [In reply to] Can't Post

Silky require minimum grooming as compare to westie. Shed less and adourless. Silky is a active dog and they enjoy to go for a walk with their owner.

Any breed don't like to be left alone and especially in crate.


ERN
K9 Maniac


Apr 28, 2005, 12:08 AM

Post #3 of 19 (2546 views)
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Re: [aliciakok] Should I get Westie or Silky? [In reply to] Can't Post

Hi Alicia

I am not familiar with silky.

I would like to share with you my experience with Westie but not to give advice as I am not familiar with other breeds.

I have a 16 months old female Westie.

My westie demands to sleep in my room at night but when I go to work she allowed us to crate her until I come back. But When we are around she wanted free. She is indepedent and will sit beside us quietly whereever we go [inide the house, like Tv room, family hall]. We will play with her when we are free, and mostly in house, other than that she is at her own.

She eliminates at our car porch twice a day. She will give sign like looking at us or look outside, or even ring the bell that we hang at her colar to tell us that she can not control anymore and need to go out at mid night, I also experient it that she just stay at me without making any noise, I realised it when I open my eye.

She is willing to sleep outside at her crate when we was taking care of my cousin's westie, maybe she have the companion.

My cousin have 3 westies which I have taken care for 3-4 months before sending back to him in Penang earlier this year.

I have acquired another male westie which is now with my cousin.

For all the westie that i have taken care, they are all o.k. My westie will bark few times only while waiting to see us when we come back from work.

My cousin's westie barks at bugs at night [I think most dog do], so we have to make sure no bugs especially at night. but she only bark at those big size, they are o.k with ant may be they are too small.


We never send her for grooming. We just trim her hair at the paw and ana and brush her twice a week [1 minutes each] and bath once a week. Westie's hair need to be hand stripped, I do it when I play with her.

Have no regret for the price we paid for her.

Frown

View my photo album

last update, ZEUS & Shiki's 2nd off springs, 16/09/2008. Yes 9.16!

http://s56.photobucket.com/...%20Zeus%20N%20Shiki/

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g192/ERN2/Dogs


(This post was edited by ERN on Apr 28, 2005, 12:21 AM)


ERN
K9 Maniac


Apr 28, 2005, 1:53 AM

Post #4 of 19 (2531 views)
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Re: [aliciakok] Should I get Westie or Silky? [In reply to] Can't Post

HI

Just Like you, I have gone through many rounds of selection process. From totally rejecting all the small breed, I even have rejected 2 minpin puppies offered from I brother, then Yorkie, then Minpin [too late], then JRT, and by chance ended at Westie.

I am going through the same again for my guard dog, Mongrel [afraid to get a very cowardly dog], Rottie, GSD, Bullmastiff, AST, TRB... Rottie still my dream but afraid that I can not handle him.

Frown

View my photo album

last update, ZEUS & Shiki's 2nd off springs, 16/09/2008. Yes 9.16!

http://s56.photobucket.com/...%20Zeus%20N%20Shiki/

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g192/ERN2/Dogs


aliciakok
Novice

Apr 28, 2005, 2:03 AM

Post #5 of 19 (2530 views)
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Re: [ERN] Should I get Westie or Silky? [In reply to] Can't Post

Hi Ern,

Do they shed and smell easily....like what Chris said? Thanks.


ERN
K9 Maniac


Apr 28, 2005, 2:44 AM

Post #6 of 19 (2525 views)
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Re: [aliciakok] Should I get Westie or Silky? [In reply to] Can't Post

All dog shed, just some tend to be seriuos.

I dont have experience with other breed in house so I cant say whether Silkie or westie shed more. However I do agreed with many books that say westie shed little to none.

I do found some hair around the corner but for me it is not material, Maybe the hair droped when I brush her, as I seldom found hair in my room where she sleep. My friend's mongrel which I am taking care shed more than westie, I have to wash the tray everyday. My westie's tray dont even need to be washed for the whole week.

As to odor, at the end of the week before bath, my westie still smell good. My cousin's westie [I took care of her from the age of 3 months to 6 months] I dont sence any smell on her. My friend's mongrel, smell badly after 4 days from bath. [that is my tolerance level].

Have a closer look at the breed that you are comparing, visiting friends with the breed is the best. Different ppl have diffrent tolerance with regards to small and dust. A smell good to others maybe disastrous to you. I am very particular with small, ther is one type of bodyodor that make me headace inmediately when this ppl pass by. That tells how particukar I am with regards to smell.

My westie is having 2 months vacation in Penang, otherwise i can show it to you. I will only bring them back in mid June.

Frown

View my photo album

last update, ZEUS & Shiki's 2nd off springs, 16/09/2008. Yes 9.16!

http://s56.photobucket.com/...%20Zeus%20N%20Shiki/

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g192/ERN2/Dogs


aliciakok
Novice

Apr 29, 2005, 12:13 AM

Post #7 of 19 (2512 views)
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Re: [ERN] Should I get Westie or Silky? [In reply to] Can't Post

Yeah! Will love to meet yr Westie. Let me know....

I'm still indecisive....maybe when I drop by on May 8th and meet other owners of the two breeds...I can decide.


ERN
K9 Maniac


Apr 29, 2005, 1:21 AM

Post #8 of 19 (2510 views)
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Re: [aliciakok] Should I get Westie or Silky? [In reply to] Can't Post

you posted 2 questions, smell and shedding. both you can see/fell outside its habitat.

I also took care of 1 GR for 3 months, also in door, he shed a lot and I fell sick.

Frown

View my photo album

last update, ZEUS & Shiki's 2nd off springs, 16/09/2008. Yes 9.16!

http://s56.photobucket.com/...%20Zeus%20N%20Shiki/

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g192/ERN2/Dogs


ERN
K9 Maniac


Apr 29, 2005, 10:16 PM

Post #9 of 19 (2498 views)
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Re: [ERN] Should I get Westie or Silky? [In reply to] Can't Post

sorry typo error, you cant see it outside their habitat.

t.q.

Frown

View my photo album

last update, ZEUS & Shiki's 2nd off springs, 16/09/2008. Yes 9.16!

http://s56.photobucket.com/...%20Zeus%20N%20Shiki/

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g192/ERN2/Dogs


Gus-Gus
Canine Addict

May 1, 2005, 12:32 AM

Post #10 of 19 (2487 views)
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Re: [aliciakok] Should I get Westie or Silky? [In reply to] Can't Post

Hi. I'm glad to see that you are doing lots of research before getting a dog. There should be more potential dog owners like you.

I have limited contact with silky terriers so I know nothing about their temperament. I can only comment on their hair and smell issues. Silkies do not shed but they need to have their hair cut regularly or it will get tangled because.... it's silky. Westies don't shed either but they need to have their hair stripped. Cutting westie hair will not only make the coat look awful, it will also cause problems with the skin in the long run. I have westies and I speak from personal experience. I hand strip them myself. I understand from ERN that a professional groomer hand stripping a westie charges over RM200 for the job and it takes 2 days. Most groomers do not hand strip because it is either too time consuming or they don't know how to hand stip.They will try to convince you that it is not necessary to hand strip and that only show dogs are hand stripped. This is not true. Whether the westie is being shown or is a house pet, the hair should be hand stripped.

On the issue of smell. All dogs smell but male dogs smell more than female dogs because of the testosterone. They have to make their presence smelt. You can bathe your dog more often if the smell bothers you. Westies do not do well from being bathed too often. The natural oils in their skin is important in preventing skin problems. For westies, frequent brushing is better than bathing and the brushing does reduce some of the smell. Personally, I don't mind the smell of my dogs. Human BO is worse by far.

I love westies because they have lively personalities but they can be bossy, wilful and possessive. They want to be the centre of your universe and are not happy sharing that position with anyone else. They may not be physically demanding but they can be emotionally demanding. My westies were all fine if it is just me and them but once another human being or dog came in, if the human being didn't pay them enough attention or if I paid the other dog more attention than the westie "allowed", there was trouble.

If dog hair is a problem for you (as it is for me because I suffer from allergies), you should avoid short haired breeds because they shed. Dogs like chihuahuas, labradors, german shepherds, miniature pinschers, cocker spaniels all shed.

Are you looking for a dog that is pure bred (so that you know what you are in for in terms of breed characteristic) or are you looking for a dog that has certain characteristics (hair and smell being important Smile). If it is the latter, might I suggest you take a look at PAWS or SPCA? The many dogs there and some of them are not short haired (though most of them are). You could meet one with whom you'd just click.

Whatever you decide, whatever breed or no-particular breed you get, all the best of luck. Whatever dog you get, I'm sure you'll both be very happy because it has been a well researched decision.


"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated" Mahatma Ghandi.


ERN
K9 Maniac


May 3, 2005, 4:40 PM

Post #11 of 19 (2475 views)
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Re: [Gus-Gus] Should I get Westie or Silky? [In reply to] Can't Post

Hi Gus Gus

Welcome back. You have been missing for quite some times.

Frown

View my photo album

last update, ZEUS & Shiki's 2nd off springs, 16/09/2008. Yes 9.16!

http://s56.photobucket.com/...%20Zeus%20N%20Shiki/

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g192/ERN2/Dogs


Gus-Gus
Canine Addict

May 3, 2005, 6:24 PM

Post #12 of 19 (2471 views)
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Re: [ERN] Should I get Westie or Silky? [In reply to] Can't Post

Hi ERN. Been busy. Sorry to hear that you've had to send your Yuan Yuan and other westie (sorry, forgotten name) to Penang until June. I'd be so miserable without my Monty so I know it's hard for you. June will be here soon.


"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated" Mahatma Ghandi.


Alyssa
Member


May 23, 2005, 12:30 AM

Post #13 of 19 (2433 views)
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Re: [Gus-Gus] Should I get Westie or Silky? [In reply to] Can't Post

I am curious.....is it hard to train a westie??? and may i know wats other characteristic of a westie???thanks


Gus-Gus
Canine Addict

May 23, 2005, 12:48 AM

Post #14 of 19 (2429 views)
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Re: [Alyssa] Should I get Westie or Silky? [In reply to] Can't Post

it's not a matter of training a westie but getting it to do what you want when you want. westies learn very fast when well motivated - as with any dog - but they are not biddable dogs. if they feel like coming when you call, they'll come. if they're not interested in responding, you can call all you want. if you want a 'goody-goody' dog that is easy to train as well as obedient then don't get a westie.


"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated" Mahatma Ghandi.


Alyssa
Member


May 23, 2005, 12:51 AM

Post #15 of 19 (2427 views)
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Re: [Gus-Gus] Should I get Westie or Silky? [In reply to] Can't Post

well, hehehe,,,truthfully.....it sounds more and more like me...hahaha......

i'm considering actually....for a westie........anything else that i should be aware of....i mean its better to get advice for ppl who own one...rather me getting infor from online...but i did do a bit of research on a westie.......i'm living in a apartment...will that be a problem?? does it bark alot??


Gus-Gus
Canine Addict

May 23, 2005, 7:25 AM

Post #16 of 19 (2421 views)
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Re: [Alyssa] Should I get Westie or Silky? [In reply to] Can't Post

Westies can live fine in an apartment but some advice on that too:

1. keep your windows and all outside access LOCKED. Westies like to climb on to window sills and anywhere where they can look out and see the world - the higher the vantage point, the better. To keep your Westie safe, make sure the windows and balcony are secured. Westies can also squeeze through the smallest holes so don't assume that they can't get through grills. Westies can get carried away barking at birds and try to take flying leaps at them.

2. take your Westie for lots of walks and outdoor activities because they are very mentally active dogs need a lot of mental stimulation.

3. Play games with them for at least an hour a day. They need intense playtime. A good game to play with them is to get an old t-shirt, tie knots in it and play tugging games with your Westie. All my Westies love their Tugga-Tugga.

Westies don't like to be left alone for long periods of time. If your westie will be left without human company for more than 6 hours a day, reconsider getting a westie. Westies like to have humans around, even if the human isn't doing anything in particular.

Hope this helps. Incidentally there is a westie advertised for sale in the dogs and puppies for sale section of this forum.


"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated" Mahatma Ghandi.


Alyssa
Member


May 23, 2005, 8:11 AM

Post #17 of 19 (2414 views)
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Re: [Gus-Gus] Should I get Westie or Silky? [In reply to] Can't Post

Thanks so much for the advice....and i am curious too...as u know we r living in Malaysia...so called, an muslim country....do u have any problems with bring ur dogs around???

And, may I know how much an average do u spend on ur dog??? a month ?? Thanks


Quote
Incidentally there is a westie advertised for sale in the dogs and puppies for sale section of this forum.


Would love to get it so soon...but not now...I am moving to my new place....i have to settle down first, then only get a most probably a "westie"Frown..cant wait....


(This post was edited by Alyssa on May 23, 2005, 8:14 AM)


Gus-Gus
Canine Addict

May 23, 2005, 12:09 PM

Post #18 of 19 (2408 views)
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Re: [Alyssa] Should I get Westie or Silky? [In reply to] Can't Post

Monty doesn't go out as much as we would like. We try to go for Jungle Trekking in Bukit Gasing (details in the Events section of this forum). I also take him for a walk around the neighbourhood and for playdates at a pet shop - 6th Sense in Sri Hartamas - to socialise. I like that pet shop because they only sell accessories and food for dogs. No pets are sold there. They offer dog grooming as well as dog sitting services. One of my friends sends her dog there for grooming which is how I got to know of the shop. Generally I dislike pet shops that sell pets.

I don't take my dogs to shopping complexes or anywhere which is crowded. This is because Malaysians are not intelligent in their approach to dogs - they make silly barking noises at my dogs or stamp their feet or shout and yell - all of which equate to being threatening gestures whether to a dog or to a human being. This does not only apply to Muslims/ Malays - I have seen this type of idiotic behaviour from lots of people.

I'm not entirely sure how much I spend on my dogs a month. If you budget RM250-300 month for your dog's food as well as vet fees and put aside what you don't spend, you should be ok in the event of a doggy emergency. At one point, I had 2 dogs whose combined daily medication came up to RM10. That is RM10 a day BEFORE food or any other expenses. Eventually Angus died of old age but Venus is still around and she still needs her daily medicine. It is costly but my dogs give me lots of pleasure and I'd rather stay in and enjoy their company than go out partying.

Yes, it is better to sort out your living arrangements before getting your dog. As I posted in your other thread about keeping a dog in an apartment, check that you are allowed to keep a dog in the development or you may find yourself in trouble with the management committee.

I hope this helps.


"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated" Mahatma Ghandi.


leecy
Ultra ALPHA


Oct 28, 2005, 8:28 AM

Post #19 of 19 (2249 views)
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Re: [Alyssa] Should I get Westie or Silky? [In reply to] Can't Post

Alyssa

so how is it? got ur dog already? Smile






Regards,

Yang

 
 




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