I’m thinking about getting a Westie in the near future but i’m not sure about how to find a good local breeder I can trust. I’ve looked online some but am not sure what to do. Also about how much do Westies typically cost?
Go to one or both of these sites:
http://www.clubs.akc.org/westie or http://www.westieclubamerica.com
ALL of your questions can be answered at the breed club website, and you will be helped to find a local (good) breeder, too.
Please know that Westies are cute but get dirty awfully fast (and often). They like to dig, bark, and chew. You shouldn’t trust one (or any other terrier) around small pets such as guinea pigs, rats, etc. White dogs seem to have a higher incidence of skin problems and allergies. The frequent licking caused by allergies will permanently discolor the fur. There are no cures for allergies and they can be expensive to treat. Westies require regular haircuts to look like Westies, about every 6 weeks, at around $50 per visit to the groomer.
A very similar breed that has fewer skin and allergy problems and looks cleaner longer is the Cairn terrier.
Terriers are not for everyone. 16 years is a long time to be unhappy if you select the wrong breed so never choose by looks alone. Find a breed that you can provide the best home for, without making any major changes in your habits or lifestyle. You should probably research several breeds before you make a decision.
Tags: WestieTags: Westie
Why don’t you try finding one in a shelter or through a breed rescue group first? Petfinder.com has a huge number of such listings. You’d be getting a good dog, it’d be MUCH cheaper than buying one right from a breeder, you wouldn’t have to worry about getting a sick puppy or supporting a puppy mill or backyard breeder, and you’d be saving a life.
Also, remember that just because a puppy is "AKC-registered" doesn’t mean that he’s healthy or comes from a good home life or a responsible breeder. AKC registration means that he’s purebred. That’s it.
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Puggle puppy owner.
Check the AKC website, they usually provide you with licensed and registered breeders.
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Check out the Westie Kennel clubs, breed clubs in your area, and of America – they will usually have rep breeders on the web-site.
Westie Rescues are in your area too…
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Go to one or both of these sites:
http://www.clubs.akc.org/westie or http://www.westieclubamerica.com
ALL of your questions can be answered at the breed club website, and you will be helped to find a local (good) breeder, too.
Please know that Westies are cute but get dirty awfully fast (and often). They like to dig, bark, and chew. You shouldn’t trust one (or any other terrier) around small pets such as guinea pigs, rats, etc. White dogs seem to have a higher incidence of skin problems and allergies. The frequent licking caused by allergies will permanently discolor the fur. There are no cures for allergies and they can be expensive to treat. Westies require regular haircuts to look like Westies, about every 6 weeks, at around $50 per visit to the groomer.
A very similar breed that has fewer skin and allergy problems and looks cleaner longer is the Cairn terrier.
Terriers are not for everyone. 16 years is a long time to be unhappy if you select the wrong breed so never choose by looks alone. Find a breed that you can provide the best home for, without making any major changes in your habits or lifestyle. You should probably research several breeds before you make a decision.
References :
Hi, I would say a good Breeder should welcome you to their home (having nothing to hide) and is what you would call a serious hobby breeder. A good breeder raises no more than 1 or 2 different breeds because there is so much to learn.Their puppies should be well socialized and come with a vet check , first shot and not be let go untill at least 8 weeks of age. A good Wes tie breeder will never breed a westie that has had health or skin problems, or breed a female more than once in a yr.
These are just some of the signs you can look for other than good references from past customers or their vet. StoryBook Westies
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My source is myself and own experience with breeding Westies for 18 years. http://www.westieforsale.com Storybook Westies
Make sure to contact a lot of breeders and ask them a lot of question about their breeding program. Get references from others that have bought dogs from them in the past. Contact these people to find out how well their experience went with that particular breeder. This is the best way to ensure that you buy from a reputable breeder. Good luck.
I saw a many westie breeders on this web page: http://www.pets4you.com/westie.html
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