Grooming: The coat should be hand-plucked two to three times a year and shouldn't be washed frequently. When coat gets dirty, it is best to let hair dry and then brush dirt out. Westies do need a trim every now and then to keep them looking tidy, along with regular brushing. The advantage with this breed is that they don't have typical dog odour.

Exercise: Westies love playing with balls and toys and frolicking in garden or backyard. They need regular exercise and are keen diggers. They are likely to wander off and need to be kept in a well fenced area.

History: It is believed that West Highland White Terrier evolved from blends of Scottish Terrier, Cairn Terrier and Dandie Dinmont. They were originally bred to hunt vermin. In late 1800s there was a strain of white Scottish Terriers who were owned by Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch (they were known as Poltalloch Terriers), which were very similar to West Highland White Terriers that we know today. The first recognized show for West Highland White Terrier was held in London in 1907.

Additional Comments:

Westies are steadily growing in popularity and it's no wonder, as they are a handy size to pick up, love people, are generally calmer than other terriers and make delightful and entertaining family companions.

Grooming: Occasional brushing and combing, especially when coat is moulting is sufficient for Huskies. The coat tends to look better when dog is kept outdoors in a kennel.

Exercise: Substantial exercise is essential for these dogs and they are an ideal breed for anyone wishing to be involved in sport of dog-sledging. Huskies are well known for their speed and owners usually exercise them in front of a sledge at least twice a week. An alternative activity is having these dogs run alongside a cycle to burn energy. Siberian Huskys are known to wander and need to be kept in a fenced off backyard.

History: Much of this breed's history is unknown, but it is fairly certain that these dogs remained pure with no outcrosses for centuries. One theory suggests that Chukchis Eskimos had to develop a sledge dog capable of travelling great distances, for their ongoing search for food. Siberian Husky's were greatly admired by early explorers and were used to carry life saving anti-toxins during a diphtheria epidemic in 1925, to Alaskan city of Nome.

Additional Comments:

For anyone who is considering a Siberian Husky as a pet, it is advisable to contact a specialist in Arctic dogs and/or breed society, to help make an informed decision. Because Siberian Huskys do not like to be left alone, it is usually a good idea to get two of these dogs for companionship.