West Highland White Terrier - Picking the Right Breeder

Do you want a Westie as a pet? What are your expectations? What do you know about the breed? You take time out to know these answers. Knowing your motives and being sufficiently educated about the breed, is key to getting the dog that's right for you. It will also guide you in picking the right breeder, from the many West Highland White breeders around.

Your breeder should:

1. Be a member to the following: the West Highland White Terrier Club of America, a regional Westie club, or an all-breed club. Membership to all these organizations is ideal, but it's not a strict requirement. It does indicate that they are committed to knowing all there is for the breed, and responsibilities attached.

2. Be concerned about what kind of buyer you are, and to whom they sell their dogs. This is a good indication that the breeder isn't after a quick profit but genuinely concerned in doing what is right for both the dog and you.

3. Will allow you access to the puppy, so you can have this examined by a veterinarian. The veterinarian is a reliable third party who can give you the real situation with regards to health of the puppy. It also gives both you and the breeder, the assurance about the condition of the puppy upon sale.

4. Willingly give you references about their clientele list, names of other breeders and the veterinarians who provide care for these dogs.

5. Be knowledgeable about the breed, because buying a Westie is not the end of it. You'll still need expert advice when it comes to such problems as health, feeding or even socialization issues. A dedicated breeder who'll remind you to return the dog to them, should you decide to not to keep it, later on.

6. Be able to show you a kennel that is clean, puppies that are friendly and playful.

7. Provide you a complete record of the dates and types of vaccinations and worming done, feeding instructions for your puppy.

8. Provide you a written contract and/or conditions of sale for the puppy.

9. Give you a "blue slip"; this is the application to register the puppy in your own name with the American Kennel Club (AKC). If its' not available during the time of sale, request that the breeder state on a dated, signed receipt of payment that the application will be sent to you as soon as possible.

Your relationship with the breeder of your West Highland Terrier is not a one time sale, it continues until the death of your pet; it makes great sense to have rapport between you and your breeder.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.

Good health and happiness

Jeff Cuckson
webmaster@madaboutwesties.com
Want To Know How To Have The Healthiest,
Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You
Have Ever Dreamed Of! Then Visit NOW!
http://www.madaboutwesties.com

---

How to Groom Your Horse

Grooming means taking care of the physical maintenance of the... Read More

Horse Training Equipment: The 6th of 6 Keys To Developing A Partnership With Your Horse

The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More

Pet Vitamins are Essential for Your Dogs Health

Vitamins for Pets - How Essential Are They?A vitamin supplement... Read More

The Pros and Cons of Vaccinating Your Dog

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That's become the burning... Read More

Herbs For Your Dog

Herbology, basically, is the use of herbs in the treatment... Read More

Christmas Gifts For Cat Lovers

The act of offering Christmas gifts is always enhanced if... Read More

Saving Ginger From Being Put To Sleep ? Part 1

A family, including three dogs and a cat live happily... Read More

Caring for an Older Cat - Cat Health and Cat Care

Cats are living longer lives thanks to dedicated care from... Read More

Which Parrot is Right For Me?

Which parrot is right for me? This is a question... Read More

Adopting A Dog

You know what it's like. You see a cute curly... Read More

A Reference Guide for Symphysodon Aequifasciatus (Discus)

This is general information on Discus, a member of the... Read More

How To Toilet Train Your Cat

Tired of cleaning the cat box? Here are some tips... Read More

How to become Top Dog - A Dog Owners Guide to Sanity

Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner... Read More

Correcting a Dog Behavior Problem - Jumping

The first thing to realize when you are training a... Read More

Your Kids Want a Pet, You Dont Want To Pet Anything

"Mom, can we get a puppy?" Who hasn't heard that... Read More

How To Get Your Horse From Pulling Back While Tied

Some people have horses they don't dare tie. Why? Because... Read More

Natural Approaches to Dealing With Pesky Fleas

Problems with Commercial Flea Killers & TraditionalFlea Bite Treatments***Chemicals that... Read More

The Importance Of A Proper Correction

There are headstrong dogs that know too well that a... Read More

Training Your Dog to Sit

Training your dog to "sit" is probably the first thing... Read More

Boston Terrier - Special Concerns For This Adorable Breed

Beautiful as they are, Boston Terriers have some genetic traits... Read More

Preparing for Your New Pet

Getting a new pet can be a lot of fun.... Read More

Teach a Dog To Swim

You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More

West Highland White Terriers - Make Your Westie Famous

The West Highland White Terrier or Westie, has it's origin,... Read More

Parrot Keeping

Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing... Read More

Pet Adoption: The Right Choice

Pet adoption is a fabulous option if you're seeking a... Read More

Good Dog Care Is Vital

Dog careAccepting responsibility of your new pet friend is truly... Read More

Cute Cat Names ... And How To Find Them

Cute cat names? Max is popular, Lady a favorite for... Read More

Puppy Training that is Safe for Your Puppy

Puppy training can and should begin the day you bring... Read More

Quality Dog Food Is Essential For The Health Of Dogs

Dog food is very important for the health of dogs.... Read More

Chocolate And Your Dogs Health -- What You Should Know

Chocolate. Who can resist it?Your dogs health depends on it!... Read More

A Horse Training Secret From The 1800s To Teach A Horse To Drive Without Lines!

Horse owners who are history buffs may recognize the name... Read More

Achieving Dog Training Success With The 18 Donts Rules

A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More

West Highland White Terriers- Fascinating Facts

West Highland White Terriers began their history as the undesirable... Read More