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
Got a mischevious mutt on your hands? Then you may... Read More
You Must Be The Alpha DogFirst, let's take a look... Read More
My wife and I have been married for 32 years.... Read More
On the surface playing Frisbee with your dog may seem... Read More
Cute cat names? Max is popular, Lady a favorite for... Read More
Do you want a long and healthy life for your... Read More
Dogs have been known as man's best friend for decades.... Read More
There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats... Read More
Let's face it ? Fido and Fluffy are an important... Read More
Adopting a dog is a lot of fun, but it... Read More
Imagine being on a horse and he bolts. You pull... Read More
Should you seriously consider buying a dog health insurance policy?... Read More
West Highland White Terriers began their history as the undesirable... Read More
This is an 11 step guide to setting up a... Read More
Cryptorchidism is peculiar to male dogs and a condition present... Read More
Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog... Read More
Much has been written about the Discus, or Symphysodon aequifasciatus,... Read More
Aggression behavior in a dog is a normal form of... Read More
Do you have a home robotic vacuum cleaner? They are... Read More
Let me begin by saying that I am not an... Read More
Interacting with a pet bird outside of it's cage is... Read More
The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have... Read More
For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides... Read More
As dogs grow older, their senses become less sharp and... Read More
Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing... Read More
discounted street lights everlast induction lighting Pete's produce ..Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
If you have ever tried to take a picture of... Read More
The treatment for heartworms is different for cats and dogs.... Read More
Many pet owners often wonder if it's worth it to... Read More
There are thousands of local and online Pet Stores but... Read More
Ringworm is an annoying, highly contagious fungal disorder that is... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
Dog DoorsWhen we think of dog doors, we think of... Read More
Cat arthritis is not a very common ailment among healthy... Read More
Pets are many things in many ways but they are... Read More
Of course, we humans use shoes to protect our feet.... Read More
My two therapy dogs, Nikki and Benny, bring joy to... Read More
Teaching your puppy crate training is the first and best... Read More
Shock CollarsAre you at a loss as to whether or... Read More
Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover.... Read More
How to Deal With Anxiety in Your DogAnxiety in dogs... Read More
Pet DoorsAre you considering installing a pet door for your... Read More
If you are keen on breeding Goldfish, you should know... Read More
A pet can be as important a member of the... Read More
Just say the word cancer and any of a host... Read More
Dogs need mental and physical stimulation. They're also very inquisitive... Read More
Like us, birds need variety in life. To be happy... Read More
Losing your cat is a worrying experience, use these 'How... Read More
Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who... Read More
Why The Food You Give Your Dog Matters!If you're like... Read More
Pet Pet |