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It is almost entirely up to YOU! |
PERSONALITY
Some dogs were bred to retrieve, and others to sit on the lap of royalty. Westies were bred to "go to ground" and kill
critters the size of a fox and smaller, working in packs with humans. Because of this, Westies:
- are vocal (they bark and "talk");
- dig, and chase small critters moving quickly in front of them;
- are best for owners who can provide firm, yet loving, guidance;
- require fenced areas or leashes when outdoors;
- play hard and often growl during play;
- are HIGH ENERGY and tend to stay that way for many years;
- are smart and tenacious;
- do not respond well to harsh corrections; and
- are excitable!
HEALTH
All breeds come with health issues specific to that breed, and Westies are no exception. Like people, dogs can have a wide
range of health problems: some hereditary, some environmental, some minor, and some severe or even life threatening. The following
are some of the more common health issues that Westie breeders are concerned about and try to avoid (to the extent possible)
in their breeding programs:
- Allergies and skin problems;
- CMO (Craniomandibular Osteopathy);
- Copper Toxicosis;
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease;
- Addison's Disease;
- Westie Lung Disease;
- Luxating Patella; and
- Pyruvate Kinase (PK) Deficiency.
See www.westieclubamerica.com (access health) for details on these and other Westie health issues. Buying from a responsible breeder lowers the likelihood
of major health issues.
FUN FACTS AND GENERAL CARE
- The average life span of a Westie is twelve to fifteen years.
- The adult weight of a Westie will typically be anywhere from fifteen to twenty-two pounds.
- Westies may be housebroken at around six (6) months, if YOU do a good job!
- They require frequent brushing to minimize shedding and to prevent mats.
- They require regular teeth cleaning to promote good lifetime dental hygiene (which lessens the frequency of expensive teeth
cleaning visits at the vet's office).
- They require frequent nail clipping.
- The Westie coat is maintained by hand-stripping every one or two weeks (for show) or by clipping every four to six weeks
(for a pet to resemble the proper look).
- Some like to fetch and some prefer their owner do all the fetching.
- Some may like to swim (but extreme care must be taken because even an experienced Westie swimmer can easily drown)!
- They never totally grow up.
- Their high physical and mental energies require a release, or they will find their own mode of release and you may not
like it!
FOOD
You will find many different opinions on the subject of what to feed your Westie. Keep in mind that dogs sometimes have
allergies and sometimes these allergies have a food-based component. It is best to feed a premium dry dog food only (better
for the teeth) and to maintain your Westie on the same food (do not switch around as you would with a cat).
BREEDERS
"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. Do not save money on your pet purchase only to spend it at the vet's office! Look
for a breeder who:
- 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 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 (most have waiting lists).
- Has only one or two breeds.
- NEVER imports puppies for sale from other breeders.
- Lets you meet their other Westies.
- Lets 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 at www.westieclubamerica.com. 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.
AND BEWARE!
There are many other registries out there: "registered" does not necessarily mean "AKC"!
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WESTIES . . . a lifetime commitment, and
not for everyone! Research before you buy!
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