Advice About Breeders
Top Row?
Bottom row is Lily Miller, Wilson Wood, Ian Wood, and MacKenzie Borah.
"Pet" does not have to mean "poorly bred". Show breeders usually keep only one or two puppies for show and sell the rest as "pets". Often, only an expert eye can tell a difference. These pets have been bred with the same good health, good temperament and good looks as their siblings reserved for conformation show. Do not save money on your pet purchase only to spend it at the vet's office. Look for a breeder who:
To find out if a Westie is the right dog for you and your family, start with the Westie Profiler provided by The Westie Club of America. Before you get that puppy, do a lot of research on the breed and on raising a puppy, as well as on living with an adult dog. Remember, to properly raise an enjoyable dog, expect to spend as much time as you would to raise a child. Westies require time -- YOUR time -- and lots of it. Do not buy if you do not have the time to give!
- Belongs to the West Highland White Terrier Club of America, a regional Westie club (such as ours), or an all-breed club...and has signed a Code of Ethics that you can read.
- Is not making their living from their puppy sales.
- Shows their dogs (the pet-quality puppies are produced with the same level of care).
- Will discuss which medical tests and screenings they have done.
- Will provide references upon request.
- Keeps puppies until a bare minimum of eight (8) weeks (usually until ten to fourteen weeks).
- Sells on a contract and wants the dog back, no matter what age, if you can no longer care for it.
- Does not advertise or sell in public, such as on the side of the road, at trade shows or "flea markets" (most have waiting lists).
- Has only one or two breeds.
- NEVER imports puppies for sale from other breeders.
- Lets you meet their other Westies.
- Allows you visit their home/kennel.
- Spends time with you and expects you to call if questions come up.
- Insists on a spay/neuter contract unless the puppy is show quality and the breeder is involved in the show process (usually as a mentor).
- Plans to follow-up on the spay/neuter contract until you provide proof.
- Interviews you as thoroughly as you would interview them.
To find out if a Westie is the right dog for you and your family, start with the Westie Profiler provided by The Westie Club of America. Before you get that puppy, do a lot of research on the breed and on raising a puppy, as well as on living with an adult dog. Remember, to properly raise an enjoyable dog, expect to spend as much time as you would to raise a child. Westies require time -- YOUR time -- and lots of it. Do not buy if you do not have the time to give!
AKC Registry
You want your pet to be registered with the AKC because this is what most responsible breeders use, and it provides entry to many AKC activities.
BUT DO NOT BE FOOLED!
The AKC is just a registry; it does NOT guarantee the quality of your puppy or even that it is purebred. The AKC registers puppy mill dogs, too.
BEWARE! There are many other registries out there: "registered" does not necessarily mean "AKC"!
WESTIES are a lifetime commitment, and not for everyone! Research before you buy!
BUT DO NOT BE FOOLED!
The AKC is just a registry; it does NOT guarantee the quality of your puppy or even that it is purebred. The AKC registers puppy mill dogs, too.
BEWARE! There are many other registries out there: "registered" does not necessarily mean "AKC"!
WESTIES are a lifetime commitment, and not for everyone! Research before you buy!
