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!
webmaster@madaboutwesties.com
Although many horsemen and trainers extol the virtues of the... Read More
I would like to write a few words about my... Read More
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not cheap. On average you... Read More
If you're like me, then you don't really have the... Read More
As a parent, you want to be able to give... Read More
Vitamins for Pets - How Essential Are They?A vitamin supplement... Read More
If your life is so busy you literally only have... Read More
Because your dog lives with humans, he's going to have... Read More
If there is an art to getting horses to load... Read More
Bringing home a new puppy, ushers in a wave of... Read More
Have you ever dreamed of living with a bobcat or... Read More
Beautiful as they are, Boston Terriers have some genetic traits... Read More
The first thing to do when searching for a lost... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
Contributed with the help of Karen L Overall of the... Read More
Cats need only be provided with decent shelter, food and... Read More
What you feed your dog is really SO important for... Read More
Chihuahua Training is Easy! You may be wondering if Chihuahua... Read More
Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing dogs.... Read More
Which kind is your pet? The pooch who is the... Read More
If Your Dog Suffers From Arthritis, Consider The Natural Alternative:Rimadyl... Read More
Five years ago this August a funny little puppy came... Read More
Even a cat that compulsively cleans itself can benefit from... Read More
Is your bird a seed only eater? Did you know... Read More
If you are seriously considering keeping fish as pets or... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More
a) GrowlingIf your rabbit growls or grunts at you, she... Read More
Good filtration is the prime priority in the discus tank.... Read More
My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More
When Lucky was starting to show signs of aging, we... Read More
I was doing some research on dog health when I... Read More
Studies have shown that regularly petting a dog brings a... Read More
Chocolate. Who can resist it?Your dogs health depends on it!... Read More
Do you own a horse? If so, then you have... Read More
All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during... Read More
Stingrays will eat a wide variety of foods. Maintaining a... Read More
As there are certain health issues that affect only the... Read More
If you're like me, then you don't really have the... Read More
It is important to choose a sugar glider breeder carefully.... Read More
The cat backs up to the door, lifts the tail... Read More
Author of Keep Fleas OffStill using all the chemicals you... Read More
Preparing yourself and your household before, during, and after your... Read More
While "late is better than never," sooner is better than... Read More
A major part of a horse's diet is hay or... Read More
He will be there by your side, as your loving... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
Piranhas are unique creatures that have gained popularity not just... Read More
If you're reading this I think it's safe to assume... Read More
You love your dog. You would do anything for your... Read More
Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses.... Read More
Pet |