My westies

The Westies in my kennel correspond to a very specific ideal:
they are strong dogs with a good head, a compact but functional body with excellent angulations.
I love dogs that when they move are light and fluid and cover good portions of the ground with wide strides.
This is how I begin to choose breeding stock to use for selection. Genetic testing and show aptitude complete the picture and make me choose in dog over another.

The breed’s distinctiveness also lies in its character:
being a terrier, the Westie is a dog full of energy, always ready to throw itself into any new endeavor with its own childlike enthusiasm, yet balanced and suitable for family living.

The breed standard is the “Bible” to be inspired by in selection, and that is what I try to do by striving to ensure that selection does not compromise the dog’s health, mobility and general well-being.

What is the breed standard?

The breed standard is a detailed and accurate description of the physical and behavioral characteristics that an “ideal” dog of a specific breed should possess. It is a fundamental document compiled and approved by national and international dog bodies, such as the FCI (International Kennel Federation) or ENCI (Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana), which serves as a guide for us breeders and judges.