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
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About the Author
Jeff Cuckson
Author of....
'Mad About Westies!' .. How You Can Have The Healthiest, Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of!
"101 Kind and Positive Thoughts For Westie Owners On Rough Days!' - How to put a ray of sunshine into a Westie Owner's dull grey day
'100 Top Westie Sites!'
'115 Travel Tips For Having a Successful Trip With Your Westie!'
