In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are few rules or laws governing who may breed dogs, and then advertise Westies for sale. Both ancestry and the breeding environment will affect the quality of the Westies offered for sale, and some breeders are a lot less careful about these details than others. Never buy the first Westie you find, from the first breeder you come across advertising Westies for sale. Take the time to learn about both the breed and the breeder to avoid an expensive mistake, and the heart-breaking loss of a dog due to health problems.
Because of the inbreeding required to produce specific size, shape, talents, and coats, all pure breeds are prone to genetic defects. Westies offered for sale in the purebred market are no different. First educate yourself about the health problems that often occur in Westies, and then be prepared to question the sellers about the steps they have taken to avoid them. Westies for sale from a conscientious breeder will come with clear records of their ancestry up to three to four generations, and will often have undergone genetic testing to find possible defects.
'Backyard Breeders' are individuals who purchase Westies with the plan to breed them at home, and then offer Westie puppies for sale to offset their expenses. 'Puppy Mills' breed their dogs with the goal of having each bitch produce as many Westies for sale in the least possible amount of time. Neither type of breeder is likely to know or care about the eventual health of the dogs they offer for sale. The Westies for sale at pet stores, or other retail establishments, usually come from one of these sources. All three should be avoided. There are home breeders who are avid hobbyists, and are conscientious about the dogs they breed. There are also respectable kennels that ensure that the Westies they offer are well cared-for. Westies for sale from these sources are what you are looking for.
Westie puppies for sale from a reliable breeder will not be timid or shy, small or sickly, or under eight weeks old. They will have their papers, shots, worming, and be well-socialized. The Westie breeder should provide references, a warranty contract against defects, and even advice about care.
West Highland Terrier Breeders who have been conscientious about the breeding and care of the Westies they offer for sale will not hesitate to let you take the puppy to a veterinarian for a preliminary checkup. They have done their jobs well, and have nothing to hide.
There are many reputable kennels, and knowledgeable hobbyist breeders who love their Westies, and will want the puppies and dogs they offer for sale to go to a good home. Good breeders will ask you as many questions as you ask them. If they want to know if you have a fence, if the Westie will be left alone during the day, or if you have raised other dogs, don't be offended. These are the breeders who care enough to give your Westie puppy a good start in life.
(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
This is a very controversial topic which has a lot... Read More
Do you make a lot of trips to the vet's... Read More
Buy or Adopt - That is the question.If you intend... Read More
No one knows your dog better than you, and as... Read More
Gain some insight into how your favorite feline actually feels... Read More
Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who... Read More
I would like to address some of the statements I... Read More
As I listen on my long drive to my grandpa's... Read More
Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More
I am a dog lover by nature. I have just... Read More
Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog... Read More
An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More
You've made up your mind, it's the American Pit Bull... Read More
This has been one of the most rewarding adventures I... Read More
We have all grown up with at least one hero... Read More
Now that my services have expanded into the "matchmaking" business,... Read More
Buying a purebred dog is not something that should be... Read More
The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have... Read More
Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More
While excitement and anticipation will be at the top of... Read More
A dog crate is a necessity for your dog, through... Read More
My two therapy dogs, Nikki and Benny, bring joy to... Read More
Uh-oh, it's that time again. The dreaded vet visit, and... Read More
Show an uninformed dog lover a photo of a Westie,... Read More
The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More
The most important things in dog training are consistency, keeping... Read More
A German Shepherd puppy can become a very welcome member... Read More
They may seem to be bold explorers - sniffing at... Read More
As pets go hamsters are fairly easy to take care... Read More
Ever had a hankering for a certain breed of dog?... Read More
You are ready to bring your Boxer home? First, you... Read More
Pug puppies make wonderful pets. Pugs are very affectionate and... Read More
Did you know that more than one million north americans... Read More
What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the... Read More
a) GrowlingIf your rabbit growls or grunts at you, she... Read More
Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with... Read More
Every day we are looking for ways to make our... Read More
Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More
Which parrot is right for me? This is a question... Read More
My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More
In a recent discussion about pet safety, the services provided... Read More
Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing dogs.... Read More
There is nothing more adorable than a new puppy. Large... Read More
Puppy development and growth is very exciting. After a puppy... Read More
You can't imagine the kind of varieties of Goldfish there... Read More
In most cases you should not be too concerned about... Read More
Having a pet is an experiance that I think everyone... Read More
You can look at westhighland terriers and know if it... Read More
According to recent statistics, an astounding 65% of all U.S.... Read More
Is your home safe for your Furr Kids? It might... Read More
Dog training is not rocket science and is not as... Read More
The first thing to do when searching for a lost... Read More
None of us likes to be bitten by mosquitoes and... Read More
Owning a dog is a serious responsibility, one that should... Read More
While "late is better than never," sooner is better than... Read More
In horse training or natural horsemanship, Approach is nothing more... Read More
Gone are the days of boring bird cages. Today's bird... Read More
Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More
Many people think cats are asocial, but in fact they... Read More
Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed... Read More
A few years ago, before I decided to stay home... Read More
There is a dangerous problem that horse owners should be... Read More
The pet food industry, a billion-dollar, unregulated operation, feeds on... Read More
We have a long history with domesticated animals and even... Read More
Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More
Is your bird a seed only eater? Did you know... Read More
Pet |