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!
webmaster@madaboutwesties.com
What you feed your dog is really SO important for... Read More
If you are seriously considering keeping fish as pets or... Read More
House rabbits are a perfect pet for many people, regardless... Read More
Preparing yourself and your household before, during, and after your... Read More
So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the... Read More
Puppies and dogs, as mentioned, are social creatures. When they... Read More
Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More
Everyday someone asks me, "How do you start a pet-sitting... Read More
Nervous cats hide from people, they do not readily present... Read More
Continued from part two.Epilepsy/seizure disorderWhen your Boxer is between 2... Read More
Pet ContainmentIf you just recently became a pet owner or... Read More
"Mom, can we get a puppy?" Who hasn't heard that... Read More
Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More
Buy or Adopt - That is the question.If you intend... Read More
Beautiful as they are, Boston Terriers have some genetic traits... Read More
Westies dogs' owners delight in the companionship their dogs give... Read More
A new puppy is a joyous addition to any home.... Read More
Our dogs are now, more than ever, a very important... Read More
Every month I am approached by dog owners of my... Read More
Buying a new dog is more than simply finding the... Read More
In most cases you should not be too concerned about... Read More
As pets go hamsters are fairly easy to take care... Read More
Boxer dogs are an all around great breed, especially skilled... Read More
Let's take a look at the different stages, but before... Read More
Guide for training a dogSo you can use a guide... Read More
cleaning help near Bannockburn ..In most cases you should not be too concerned about... Read More
Author of Keep Fleas OffStill using all the chemicals you... Read More
Top five dog breeds for homes with children* Beagle *... Read More
Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling in a joint. The... Read More
Bringing home a new puppy, ushers in a wave of... Read More
As we love to have a comfortable place to sleep... Read More
We have a long history with domesticated animals and even... Read More
Fleas belong to the insect order Siphonaptera. They are common... Read More
It is hard to get an early diagnosis of lyme... Read More
Ever had a hankering for a certain breed of dog?... Read More
Every year, many cat owners decide to get their cat... Read More
You may wish to consider a chinchilla as a possible... Read More
Lots of folks are picky about their vet, and for... Read More
What is Canine Distemper?Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease... Read More
Wolves are magnificent and majestic creatures that have shared this... Read More
If your life is so busy you literally only have... Read More
Dog's come in all shapes and sizes ? out of... Read More
Uh-oh, it's that time again. The dreaded vet visit, and... Read More
Caring for a kitten is a lot of work. With... Read More
Was he the world's greatest horse trainer of all time?... Read More
Did you know that your goldfish can live for over... Read More
Our Charlie's dog health was a very important issue to... Read More
The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More
Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog... Read More
For some 25 years I have alerted the public to... Read More
Pet |