My fiancee is a dog person and I am a cat person. She is very
allergic to cats and when we get married I have agreed we shall get a
dog. She wants a West Highland Terrier.

My question is whether this is a good dog for someone who is used to
having only cats around the house? I know that terriers are yappy but
can they be trained well otherwise...ie, not to tear stuff apart,
quickly housetrained, etcetera?

I want my fiancee to be happy and I do like dogs generally but I'm
wondering if a terrier might be too yappy for my tastes, especially
for a first dog.

She is not dead set on the Westy but I think she does prefer a scruffy
looking little dog like a terrier of some description. Is there
another breed that might be quieter and more easy-going or is the
Westy a good choice?

Thank you for your suggestions.

Andy.