Description: Can come in various shapes and sizes from chunky to leggy (if kept slim) and petite.

Temperament: They are terriers and need firm but kind initial handling, especially the males. In general they are friendly, outward going and good with children who respect them.

Advantages as an agility dog: A great crowd puller. In my first ever proper competition the judge took over the microphone from the announcer when we got a fourth to say ‘well done especially as she is a Westie’.  ‘Westies don’t do agility’! Nobody has told Mabel this.  She is also clever and eager to please but quiet on the starting line. She is good on contacts (my learner isn’t though he pops off the ‘A’ frame above the line.)

Disadvantages as an agility dog: Has to compete on equal time with the longer legged dogs.  I’ve suggested to  judges that they cut their legs off at the knees and try running at the same rate – but they won’t have it.

Rating out of 10 and why: 8/10 – can be a back breaking time having to bend down.

Examples of dogs that have done well in agility: Mabel (pictured) is ground breaking, we believe.

What's it like to live with as a pet: The Westie is a happy dog -  very loving (also of our bed) and has a real sense of humour.

Would you buy another one for agility? Yes, I already have!