West Highland White Terrier – Important facts to choose the right breeder
Do you want a Westie as a pet? What are your expectations? What do you know about the breed? You take a while to know these answers. Knowing your motives and being educated enough about the breed is key to getting the right dog for you. It will also guide you in choosing the right breeder from among the many West Highland White breeders out there.
Your breeder must:
1. Be a member of the following: the West Highland White Terrier Club of America, a regional Westie club, or an all-breed club. Membership in all of these organizations is ideal, but not a strict requirement. It indicates that they are committed to knowing all there is to the breed and the responsibilities attached to it.
2. Be concerned about what kind of buyer you are and to whom you are selling your dogs. This is a good indication that the breeder is not looking for a quick win, but is genuinely concerned about doing the right thing for both the dog and you.
3. It will allow you access to the puppy to be examined by a veterinarian. The vet is a trusted third party who can give you the real situation regarding the puppy’s health. He also gives you, and the breeder, security about the puppy’s condition at the time of sale.
4. Willingly give you references about their client list, names of other breeders, and the vets that treat these dogs.
5. Be knowledgeable about the breed, because buying a Westie is not the end. You’ll still need expert advice when it comes to issues like health, eating, or even socializing. A dedicated breeder who will remind you to return the dog, in case you decide not to keep it, later on.
6. Being able to show him a kennel that is clean, puppies that are friendly and playful.
7. Provide you with a complete record of the dates and types of vaccinations and deworming performed, feeding instructions for your puppy.
8. Provide you with a written contract and/or terms of sale for the puppy.
9. Give him a “blue paper”; this is the application to register the puppy in your name with the American Kennel Club (AKC). If you are not available during the time of the sale, request that the breeder indicate on a signed and dated payment receipt that the request 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 a lot of sense to have a good relationship between you and your breeder.
(Disclaimer: Any information contained on 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 intended to be a substitute for advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should Do not use the information contained herein to diagnose the health of any animal. You should always consult and verify with your own veterinarian or veterinarian.)
I hope you found the article useful to you.
good health and happiness
