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
Natural preventative pet care isn't a new thing but it... Read More
Do you have a puppy that jumps on you, company... Read More
While your friends and family are amazed that you're raising... Read More
As much as you love the sound of your new... Read More
In the animal kingdom there is a pecking order. Richard... Read More
Betta fish, also called Siamese fighting fish are one of... Read More
Itch, itch. Scratch, scratch, scratch. Does that sound familiar? Hopefully... Read More
Many dog owners find themselves frustrated, deeply concerned and even... Read More
Vitamins Can Increase Your Dog's Life Span!There is evidence to... Read More
Is your dog or cat tormented by ear infections? Do... Read More
Many people don't realize that their dogs, just like human... Read More
As I listen on my long drive to my grandpa's... Read More
He will be there by your side, as your loving... Read More
Is your dog up to dirty no good again? Did... Read More
The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More
Do you have some adult discus fish and want to... Read More
Potty Training Your Puppy:Make sure you feed your dog at... Read More
Now that you're dog has shown you so much love... Read More
Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with... Read More
My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More
If you are keeping tetras, chances are you are breeding... Read More
Goldfish HealthcareYou would think that it's unfair that such a... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
The treatment for heartworms is different for cats and dogs.... Read More
Find a vet, if possible, who specializes in small animals... Read More
Many different skin problems can arise in the aquarium. thankfully,... Read More
Horse training can be a relatively mysterious subject to people... Read More
Grooming means taking care of the physical maintenance of the... Read More
I'm sure you're aware of the bad reputation Pitbulls have.... Read More
If you've ever watched as a cat "flipped" over fresh... Read More
Most of the diseases that threaten goldfish can be cured.... Read More
With ancestors who were a breed of tenacious terriers, most... Read More
Bringing home a Pug can change our life, but it... Read More
Even the most dedicated cat lover has little patience with... Read More
You've probably had a day or two when you felt... Read More
Vitamins Can Increase Your Dog's Life Span!There is evidence to... Read More
Almost every dog owner will have to use some sort... Read More
Do you really get the fullest amount of enjoyment out... Read More
Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't... Read More
Wether it be on a vacation to your favorite resort,... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
Just as humans allergies can show up as a sneeze... Read More
Dogs are descendent of wolves. To study the psychology of... Read More
Cats need only be provided with decent shelter, food and... Read More
Glassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear to... Read More
'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what... Read More
Dogs need mental and physical stimulation. They're also very inquisitive... Read More
None of us likes to be bitten by mosquitoes and... Read More
Studies have shown that regularly petting a dog brings a... Read More
If Your Dog Suffers From Arthritis, Consider The Natural Alternative:Rimadyl... Read More
So you'd like to know how to build a dog... Read More
It's been weeks since you went riding. Now you have... Read More
The American Humane Society estimated that last year alone; fifteen... Read More
What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the... Read More
The large animal organizations and the public money.It is said... Read More
Gain some insight into how your favorite feline actually feels... Read More
Pets are many things in many ways but they are... Read More
I would like to address some of the statements I... Read More
I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community.... Read More
Training your dog to "sit" is probably the first thing... Read More
You've made up your mind, it's the American Pit Bull... Read More
Behavior can be a huge iisue with our pets. If... Read More
The benefits of feeding live food to fish in a... Read More
If your feline friend could speak your language, here a... Read More
We are all busy these days and I know it's... Read More
Hi,I'm Janet CombsMy mother bred and raised Bichon Frises for... Read More
Pet |