If you’ve decided that the West Highland Terrier is the dog for you, your next step will probably be to search for some Westie puppies or find a Westie rescue organization. Rescue dogs are a great option and I have followed that path a time or two. However, today I prefer to start with a puppy. That way, you won’t have to overcome any personality issues or neglect and you are free to ruin the dog at your leisure.
The most important factor at this stage is finding a reputable breeder. In most places you can find five or six in a fifty mile radius. You can find them online, through newspaper ads, or in the phone book. Regardless of how you find a breeder, you really want to get out there and see their facilities. A good breeder Never he meets you in a parking lot somewhere and shows you some puppies that you can have right away. That is the surest sign of a puppy mill operation and you want to run away, not walk, away. With those guys you can’t even be sure of breed, much less health.
The same goes for pet stores, sadly. I’ve had very good luck with pet store dogs myself, but I wasn’t looking for a dog with any particular breed. All he was looking for was a healthy, cute and intelligent dog. However, if you want a purebred dog, you should go to a breeder.
The best breeders often have a waiting list for their dogs, especially if they are producing show quality dogs. You have to decide what you are going to buy the dog for. If you are primarily interested in a great pet and a good companion, any reasonably good breeder will do. If you want to show and especially if you are targeting the higher tiers, you will find that only a few breeders qualify and you will probably be waiting a while.
We got Willow from some neighbors in our complex. His mom and dad are registered, but neither of them has show quality. However, that doesn’t matter, so everyone was happy. It is definitely possible to find people close to you who are raising Westies for fun. You may hear about them almost anywhere once you start looking. Don’t look down on these dogs. If you do not intend to show, the pedigree of the dog is almost irrelevant. What matters is health and intelligence.
How much should I expect to pay? Anywhere from nowhere to heaven. If you find yourself in the right place at the right time, someone might give you a dog. It happened to us, so it’s not impossible. Nor is it usual, of course.
The price you will end up paying for Westie puppies is a local phenomenon. I have heard of puppies that cost as little as $ 100 in some cities. Here at Maple Ridge, people have no problem getting $ 500 for a Westie puppy, and they often charge $ 1000.
So, check your bank account and then start looking for a breeder. Once you find one, pay a visit in advance. This should not be a problem. If the kennel is responsible, they will want to meet you and see if you are good enough to bring home one of their puppies. Never forget that the selection process is both ways.
Good luck on your search. You are embarking on a very rewarding journey and are preparing for at least a decade of delight and dedication.