The chiweenie isnt as tough as the other one who might be part terrier. A first aid kit can be stored in your car or in a small pouch that can be placed in your hiking backpack. Good luck! Hi Carla. Because of their strong prey drive, its important to keep them on leash when hiking so they dont chase after a darting squirrel. These dogs have a high self-esteem, and hold themselves with an air of confidence and assertiveness. Theyre curious and love to proudly check out every site and smell with much excitement (all the while holding their heads up high). A tibeterian terrier is also a great hiking companion, altough if you wanna keep the fur long be prepared for lots of brushing ? They are not stubborn, but may express their independent nature on occasion by demanding "What's in it for me?". You may have to wait six months to a year to find the right Westie for your family. If your dog does not prefer walking on a leash, a front-hook leash is recommended. I love hearing that you take your littles out on the trail It seems normal to me to hike with any dog, no matter the size, but its true that I encounter people shocked that a small dog can hike more often than not (like 90% of the time it seems). If the trail is too steep or your Westie is exhausted, he wont keep going. Make sure you have enough time or money for regular grooming though if you get a longer haired dog. They are considered intelligent, active, high-energy, and loyal to their owners. Some do but they MUST be supervised. When we takes walks she pulls like crazy until I start running. Have fun! They can provide a safe place for your dog on the go. They can almost always be counted on to bolt after wildlife, as well as disregard your beckoning calls to come back, which is why they need to be kept on a leash during outdoor excursions. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. While these dogs are generally healthy, they can suffer from severe digestive disorders. Hi Edward. These fun-loving and intelligent dogs have no problem keeping up on the trail, however they can be domineering, and at times snippy towards other dogs or passerbyers, so be aware of this if youre taking your Corgi on a popular trail. I am so thrilled to come across your blog! Watch out for signs such as a bright red tongue, rapid panting, dizziness, or vomiting. Puppies which have been kept clean during their formative period should be easy to housebreak. January 17, 2017 By Jessica Rhae 44 Comments. Its extra important to use a harness that rests on their breast bone, instead of their throat, when walking or hiking with a Pomeranian. He was born Nov. 2018. They are determined and willing to try new things without hesitation.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pawesome_net-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',103,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawesome_net-medrectangle-4-0')}; Westies are known for their joyful presence and tactile intelligence. How many adventures have you been on with Bajas? They like to go with you. City life often means apartment living and you might think this would make owning a dog difficult. Westies really do love exercise, so if youre lucky enough to be one of their humans you can guarantee that youll be spending plenty of time exploring the world together. Large eagles/ hawks /owls would not think twice about taking an eight pound poodle out for a rare dinner treat. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Here are some frequently asked questions that will help you decide if a Westie is the breed for you. The Beagle is a popular dog due to its ideal size, gentle demeanor, and friendliness towards children. Ive always want a dachshund so I was SO excited to see them top the list! Im so excited to learn that small doesnt mean fragile some breeds can do just as much as a larger breed. Also, if you like to travel a lot, a small dog is more likely to be accepted by dog-friendly hotels that have a weight limit. Its no wonder my Dachshund Chester immediately took to things like running 3-5 miles with me, hiking, and generally spending time in the outdoors. This Belgian breed originated in the 16th century, and hilariously holds the nicknames little black fox or Tasmanian black devil due to their mischievous, inquisitive, and impulsive nature. Related: 17 Westie Mix Breeds You Will Loveif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'pawesome_net-leader-1','ezslot_11',107,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawesome_net-leader-1-0')}; You may come across a variety of critters while hiking, such as ticks, black bears, and fleas, which are harmful if they find their way to your Westie. At the end of the 20th century, the small white Westie became a fashionable dog. So if you fancy giving one of these a try, make sure to check in with your vet first. In addition to the standard and miniature Dachshund sizes, the unofficial tweenie Dachshund size falls somewhere in-between in size and weight (12-15 lbs). Have fun! However, I would bring a long leash and tie one end to a tree or something while you go about your business. They are assertive, proud, energetic, and prone to helping themselves to their own adventures, whether you choose to come along or not. So i decide 2600 is the limit fot my lovely pom. Ive learned that Dachshunds arent the only small dog breed that are good at hiking and love it. Being properly equipped before setting out on your adventure is essential. Will be glad if you can email me your experience with small dog in high mountain (above 3000 meters). Originating from Germany, Miniature Pinschers, or Min Pins, (810 pounds) are well-balanced, sturdy and agile dogs. The Alaskan Klee Kai (10-15 lbs) was developed in the 1970s in order to create a companion-sized LOOKING version of the Siberian Husky (its a breed unto itself though itsnot a miniature Siberian Husky). Generally, a smaller dogs is better if you live in a small space and they are less expensive to feed. Hi, we have a Pomeranian (Guimauve) thats coming up on 2 years old. What has been your favorite adventure with Bajas? Until they have had all their vaccinations they wont be going outside at all, and even after they start to do so, its a good idea to use play as the primary form of exercise. I never want my buddys size to prevent him from joining me on an adventure, because I intend to include him in my life as much as possible. Schipperkes are really cool little dogs; met a pair of them a few months ago and they seemed really fun. They like to share in your activities. Yes, they like to be clean. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Its best to only increase one thing at a time longer with same steepness one time and same length but steeper the time after that. Of course not all of these activities will be suitable for every West Highland Terrier, particularly young or senior dogs or those with health issues. They can easily hike for over four miles daily, as their endurance is incredible. However they do not shed profusely and their hair is easily vacuumed or removed with a lint brush. Night at home, she sleep more than usual, but normal again at following day. My chihuahua LOVES to hike. Good luck with your blog, love the name! "Crate for safety!". Learn how your comment data is processed. Yes! Owing to their terrier background, they thrive on the extent of their agility and never back down from a challenge. Leaping over down trees, running back and forth inside of hollow down trees, swimming in deep mud puddles, treeing squirrels. Young adults and rescued Westies cost considerably less and usually make wonderful pets. They make for agile dogs on the trail as they are excellent climbers and jumpers. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. I would look at the K9 SportSack. Typical representatives of their breed are tough and can cover short distances quickly. It is generally not a good idea to surprise someone with a living, breathing gift. Ive been hiking with my miniature Dachshunds for almost 20 years and writing about hiking with small dogs for over 10. If your Westie is not given enough time for outdoor activities, he tends to bark and dig aggressively. While running keep an eye on your pup for any signs that they might be overtired or in pain, and make sure to reduce their activity if this is the case. Cats? The price of a companion quality Westie puppy varies significantly depending on where you buy your dog. My first love was a 75 pound Boxer. Tired they were not . The West Highland White Terrier can be trained to perfect sports such as tracking, agility, flyball, and obedience competitions. Originally bred in private by an individual owner, this breed was not released to the public until 1988, making it relatively new and rare. Also of note: my recommendation would be the same for any type of hound or terrier. Specifically, I look to dog influencers, because like many adults and most children, puppies make me feel better. Shes tackled sections of the Appalachian Trail here in Georgia, and she always gets a lot of comments about her stamina from other hikers. Two health concerns a hiking owner should be aware of with their Beagle is their proneness to certain spinal disk diseases, as well as a condition called Funny Puppy, which can result in weak legs and a crooked spine. However, persistence pays off. Im sorry for your loss but glad to year that Cactus got many fun, adventurous years with you. Every situation is unique. For more serious cuts or reactions, take your Westie to the vet. Just pop the lightweight device on their collar and use our app to fetch their data each day to see how theyre doing. For most Westies the MountainRock Backpack in size Medium and the PeakStone Backpack in size Medium are suitable. The animal-based protein in these products provides superior digestibility, optimal nutrition and great taste. The high level of energy displayed by Westies is one of the foremost reasons to make your pup a hiking companion. Thats when I felt confident we could do it. Mine dogs have been to 14,500 feet (4,419 meters) with no problems at all. They can make good obedience dogs with proper training. You will want to feed your dog a premium quality food found in pet stores. I am looking for a backpack carrier that is roomy and well ventulated. However, these small hunting dogs are no scent hounds. Can I train him not to dig? Hi Del. What advice would you give to someone who wants to take their dog on camping and hiking trips? My friends chihuahua also loves long walks and is a parkour champion. Public settings contain numerous variables that cannot be predicted, and they could cause harm to you or your puppy. Their hunting background means that they are sturdy on the trail. Bajass beautiful shots are a powerful distraction, in part because of their unfathomable construction. The primary health concern a Dachshund owner should be aware of when hiking with their pup is their predisposition to spinal problems, such as IVDD. When did you start taking him on mountain adventures? Regular brushing will reduce shedding to a minimum. I've owned 3 of my own, shared in the lives of thousands of others through their owner's stories, and have been studying the breed for over 10 years. That being said, its always been a challenge to find a dog backpack or carrier that is comfortable to hike in and also lets you carry some regular hiking stuff like water and snacks. SUSTAINABILITY Through those examples, and my research, Ive discovered that Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Pomeranians are pretty good hikers too. That being said, they are generally friendly and welcoming of guests, and these busy-body dogs love to be involved in their household events. The MountainRock Backpacks and PeakStone Backpacks by TARIGS have plenty of room for your dog and everything you need. Many do; however, some Westies are too independent to be held for long periods. You may want to read this article I wrote about the distances small dogs can hike though. Westies possess numerous likable characteristics. This breed is remarkably athletic, and will do its best to keep up at all times, likely out running, out balancing, or out jumping you. However, those trips were done near latter part of the hiking season so they had time to get in shape for it. This breed is predisposed to both breed specific AND non-breed specific health concerns, such as hernias, Addisons disease, liver disease and westie jaw. Westies are the perfect small dogs to use as company for a hike due to their thirst for an adventure outdoors. Ive been bring her to 1700 meters above sea level, and she seems ok. Yes. Dog backpacks are true all-rounders. People are also so shocked to see a fit pug on the hiking trails as everyone assumes they should be fat and lazy. The Corgi is a herding dog through and through, and loves games that involve chasing and agility. Then its time for a break in the dog carrier backpack. A definite advantage of dogs with longer hair though is that they dont get cold as easy. In general anyway. Your article has settled several debates in our household. They can be skittish and shy around strangers so need a lot of socialization. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Cairn Terriers are very intelligent and curious. Whether on a hike or a bike ride. Why Can Westies be Good Hiking Companions? While they did sleep during our 2-hour drive back home, they were ready for a game of tug and fetch as soon as we walked in the door! This is highly dependent on adult supervision and the age of the children. Are you considering adding a West Highland White Terrier to your family? Also, your Westie should not walk long stairs and climbs by himself. other people or critters coming up to me. Do Westies like to swim, go on boats or hike? There are many reasons someone might prefer to own a small dog rather than a large one. MEASURE YOUR DOG. Westies can get along with other animals under the right circumstances. Money from the sale of puppies does not cover all of these expenses, let alone the time invested for good care and socialization. They are clever and inquisitive, however, despite their desire to please, they have an equally strong (and at times impulsive) desire to chase. We are just wondering what to set as a limit for him. We are now planning a 5 mi hike tomorrow! But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Yes, they may dig; they were bred for going to ground so digging is natural for terriers. However, if they do not receive the exercise they need, they tend to be restless. No; but they are energetic. Shes about 10lbs. Please fill out the form The right size with the data of your pet. Then you need a dog backpack for Westie. Leashes are essential for your safety, the safety of your dog, and the safety of other people and dogs. That being said, the Mini Schnauzer is generalized as being tough, alert and spirited, yet obedient to command, with a friendly demeanor and an often aloof attitude towards those outside of its direct circle. Fortunately ensuring they get the right amount of exercise is easy with the PitPat app. The Beagle (18-25 lbs) is a medium-sized scent hound, developed in Britain to track and hunt hare. Do you have any recommendations? To get answers, I sent yehaug a few questions over email. My Dachshunds are always leashed for this reason. Required fields are marked *. And if its cold they need clothes. There should be a childrens movie about him. A bear bell could be a valuable addition to your hiking expeditions as they scare off any wildlife in the way. A book with lots of pictures or a toy Westie make a wonderful presentation and can be beautifully gift wrapped! Stud fees, shipping, pre-breeding tests, veterinary expenses, occasional Caesarian sections, vaccina-tions, feeding, and other supplies are all costly. There were many other dogs at the top of the mountain too. The Outward Hound PoochPouch Front Dog Carrier might also be an option if you dont mind wearing the pack in the front and your regular hiking back in the back. Westies are known to run for as much as a half marathon as they have energy in spades. West Highland White Terriers are almost always in a good mood and have a great personality. Indulging in the rigorous physical activity gives your Westie a chance to explore new sports and spend quality time with you. Patience encouragement, praise, and rewards such as treats or play may be required to train new behaviors. Tumbles are expected while hiking with Westies, and precaution is therefore important. Historically, terriers value their independence and dont love obedience. I wrote an article on dogs and altitude sickness. Our little boy is a Jackhuahua, or Jack Russel/Chihuahua mix who has had surgery on both back legs to correct hip dysplasia. We love our mini poodle! The stubbornness makes the little charmer especially lovable. West Highland Terrier puppies do not need as much exercise as adults, and care should be taken not to over-exercise them as their bones, muscles and joints will still be developing. Its all about how you want them to be and if you value their health as much as yours, theyre great hiking and trekking companions and love to snuggle in the sleeping bag at the end of a long day (especially after some cheeky bbq). Theyve just built up endurance over that time. But exactly how much exercise does a West Highland Terrier need? Cairn Terriers look very similar to Westies, but usually have a cream to almost black coat. They are known to be brave, adventurous, light-footed and fast, and at times carry a certain air of importance in their demeanor. Do you think its ok to bring my 4 years old pomeranian to high mountain , will she suffer altitude-sickness ? All of Bajass images are taken atop gorgeous mountains in Europe, which the tiny dog appears, impossibly, to climb before posing in the brisk air for a quick, relaxing video. I took care of him when she went out of town which was a lot. I love hiking, but never would have thought to bring my families little dachshund on a little hike. Often all the way.How did you train him to be so brave? I agree. If she had, I would have taken her on a shorter hike the next time. Its true that its more of an exception though. They are curious and thereby enjoy exploring new activities. If the adult in charge has taught the children proper respect for the puppy's rights and care of the puppy, Westies and children can be a happy combination. The name Corgi literally means dwarf dog in Welsh. Its important to build up their stamina and fitness level gradually, so start with shorter distances and slowly build up to those long distance runs. And don't forget a good quality collar and leash. If youre considering taking your Chihuahua along for a hike, its important to note that theyre prone to loose knee joints (luxating patella). Westies are also prone to breed-specific diseases. https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/is-it-ok-to-take-my-dog-for-a-long-hike. Aside from this, the biggest disservice you could do to your Schipperke is withholding physical exercise and overfeeding, as this can in turn lead to joint and skeletal problems. A very insightful piece, thank you. However, with a lot of training, they could be mostly reliable off leash or at least the chance that they would come back to eventually could be more reliable. I know the stereotype exists because I hear so many shocked comments when we are out hiking. Westies were originally trained in Scotland for hunting and killing vermin, fox, rats, and badgers. There are only 1-2 small pockets on that one so you cant carry much else but its comfortable to carry. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. They can not get out! Some of what I share is researched facts; some of it is stuff Ive learned through living with pets my whole life; and some of it is just good ol opinion. Friendly and bright they will either love sport or prefer to stay closer to home. They are independent-thinking hounds that have a high prey-drive so they wouldnt think twice about running off on their own. But, eventually, they were ok with that longer distance multiple days in a row. We had a family group of 8 and she continually ran from the front to the back of the group and back. Thats awesome! I know several people that hike with small dogs. How have you conditioned your dogs to hike steep terrain? That little gal is one tough cookie. Now i have plan to climb a mountain high 3200 above sea level. This must be an adult's responsibility. Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions. He walks the most of the way himself. This can lead to too much excitement for a Westie and may lead to unintentional consequences. However this may mean quite a bit of additional grooming for the outdoorsman who wants to take his/her dog along. I used to not like small dogs but then came to realize it wasnt the dogs I didnt like, it was the owners. Before getting into the car at the end of your hike, check your pup for ticks and carry a tick remover with you. Im assuming hes the exception to the rule, but our pug Percy is an absolute bruiser on the trails and will think nothing of a long weekend in the Lake District, covering between 20-25km per day. The bottom line is that every dog is individual but its not likely. I have so much love for terriers, but the wire coat gives me such an awful contact allergy. You still want to take your Westie on bike tours, hikes and city trips? Due to this, they can be extremely obedient dogs and excel at dog sports if they are trained early on. From then on, the Malcolm family bred with the floral white terriers, especially Cairn terriers, until the West Highland White Terrier was created. The West Highland White Terrier is an intelligent dog and has a high sense of self-esteem, which makes him stubborn sometimes. While Im working, I cant hold a leash so I need one that can go off leash. Have you been looking for a fun activity for your West Highland White Terrier? We enjoy a lot of outdoor activities so need a dog that will be able to join us. They ARE hunters but I think terriers can be trained to be off leash more easily than hounds. Dogs? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pawesome_net-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_12',109,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawesome_net-large-mobile-banner-1-0')};Use the first aid kit for injuries that can be dealt with immediately. Can he go on back to back hikes of 15+ km or multi day trips? MODELS There are a few scenarios where I feel ok giving them a bit of off-leash freedom though like fenced dog parks, the beach where I can see for miles, and very wide dirt paths where we are the only ones around. While you re climbing freehand over the obstacles, your dog sits safely in the backpack. Books, toys, a crate, a pen, feeding dishes, grooming tools, etc., all take time and money to acquire. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Dont let their long bodies and short legs fool you into thinking these sausage dogs cant keep up on the trails. So a small, short haired dog seems like the absolute best option for me. It can surprise people what some small dogs are capable of when given the chance. Dont forget: Tag us on your adventures! As far as the back-to-back hikes, it can certainly be done. If at all possible, that behavior should be discouraged. Therefore, it is important to have control over your pups whereabouts at all times during the hike. In general, the word jolly is often used to describe the Westie, making them fun adventure companions. Often you are allowed to take your dog free of charge on public transport if he is transported in the backpack. Each breeder handles prospective buyers in his/her own way. Add toy poodles to this list! From feisty Fox Terriers to pampered Pomeranians, theres a small dog out there to steal your heart. YouDidWhatWithYourWiener.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. Tips to Follow While Hiking With Your Westie, Westies were originally trained in Scotland, 13 Common Health and Skin Problems to Watch for in Westies, What You Should Look For In A Good Westie Shampoo. ABOUT US Try visiting the local dog shows and read up on the breed. As you can see, big dogs are not the only ones that are great for hiking and adventuring. Therefore, if you are looking for a hiking buddy, your pup is the best option! Just in case, you should read my article on it though https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/dog-altitude-sickness-hiking/. Well get back to you as soon as possible. This kit should be equipped to aid both you and your dog if the need arises. They have high energy levels, and this increases the amount of exercise they require.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'pawesome_net-medrectangle-3','ezslot_7',102,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawesome_net-medrectangle-3-0')};if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'pawesome_net-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',102,'0','1'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawesome_net-medrectangle-3-0_1')};.medrectangle-3-multi-102{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. If your dogs internal temperature gets too high, it could lead to heatstroke. West Highland White Terriers are persistent, robust, outgoing and stubborn dogs. However, due to a tendency to be darters, its important they be kept on a leash and work extra hard on recall training.