Our Dog Dody

Today I will introduce a special member of our family and tell you how he came to live with us.

The Story of Dody McDuff
Once upon a time there was a West Highland White Terrier (Westie) dog named Woody. His owner accused him of biting and turned him over to the Society, even requesting he be euthanized.
Joe and daughter, Barbara went to the Humane Society to make a donation. While there they saw the little white Westie dog and it was love at first sight. They had strict orders not to bring a dog home (by Joe’s wife!) They were determined to convince her to get the little Westie, but she didn’t want a male dog, or a white dog, or an adult dog. She preferred a puppy! She finally went to see him and began to soften. He was a cute little dog who appeared to be a gentle.
On February 22, 2005, we adopted Woody and decided to change his name. First we tried “Poogan” after the legendary Poogan dog at Poogan’s Porch restaurant in Charleston, SC. Joe wasn’t comfortable with that name, so we tried “Scruffy.” I wanted a Scottish name since the West Highland dogs originated in Scotland. Joe didn’t like McGregor or the other Scottish names.
While we had company visiting, they mentioned their friend or relative named Dody. Joe immediately said “that’s a cute name!” so we tried out Dody, thinking since it ended in a “y” like Woody it would be easier for him to change. Sometimes we would forget and revert back to Woody. I really preferred “Cody”, but Joe didn’t and you see who won out. Woody adapted to his new name “Dody” easily.
Our neighbors who have four children showed us some storybooks about a Westie dog named “McDuff” who looks exactly like Dody. So we named him “Dody McDuff!”
Dody was 7 years old when we rescued him in February 2005. We have found him to be a sweet, gentle, docile dog, great with people all ages. Only problem we have is his habit of sometimes biting other dogs! We wish we had named him “Tuffy!”
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The West Highland White Terrier (Westie) is a small well-balanced hardy looking terrier, exhibiting good showmanship. They are elegant looking with a beautiful, shiny white coat and bright, button eyes, shaggy eyebrows and a black nose. An intelligent dog who learns quickly West Highland White Terriers love human companionship and will play with their family indoors or out. Their size makes them great for an apartment but they are just as at home in the country. West Highland White Terriers make great companions for children of all ages. They are one of the most popular breed of dogs today.

Country of Origin: ScotlandHistory: They were developed in the high mountains of west Scotland and claims ancestry to the Scotch Terrier. West Highland White Terriers were originally bred to hunt vermin. Sir Edwin Landseer painting of 1831 "The Breakfast Party" features several Highland Terriers. In the later 1800s there was a strain of white Scottish Terriers who were owned by Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch and were known as Poltralloch Terriers. They were very much like the West Highland White Terriers of today. They were at one time cross bred with Cairn, Scottish and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. In 1917 the AKC ruled that Cairn Terriers could be registered if they carried West Highland White Terrier blood.
Other Names: Poltalloch Terrier
Height: 10 - 11 inchesWeight: 15 - 22 lbs
Colors: All whiteCoat: Double coat, harsh straight, wiry outer coat and soft, close, furry undercoat.
Temperament: West Highland White Terriers are active, assertive, fun-loving, well-behaved, light-heartedWith Children: Yes, make excellent playmates for children because they can withstand rough play. With Pets: Yes, but teach them when they are young to tolerate cats.Special Skills: Family Pet
Watch-dog: High Guard-dog: Low

Care and Training: The West Highland White Terrier is easy to train and should have basic training. They needs regular brushing two to three times a week to help keep their white coat clean. Monthly bathing. Minimal trimming if they are just a pet. If you plan to show them, they will also need trimming, plucking and stripping of the coat. Learning Rate: High, Obedience - High, Problem Solving - Very High
Activity: Indoor & Outdoor - Very HighLiving Environment: At home in the country or the city the West Highland White Terrier will do well as an apartment dweller if they are walked several times a day though they will always enjoy having the freedom to play in a yard. West Highland White Terriers do best with human or canine companionship.
Health Issues: Healthy and robust. Some problems with skin allergies, patella luxation, hernias and cranio mandibular osteopathy (lion jaw), deafness and congenital heart disease.
Life Span: 15 + yearsLitter Size: 2 - 5
First Registered by the AKC: 1908AKC Group: Terrier Class: Terrier