| Westies are fun loving and spirited, and have a | | | | one.Socializing your Puppies Before They Go To |
| sense of humor. There is no question that the | | | | New Homes:A good breeder will ensure that pups |
| West Highland White Terrier is a versatile and | | | | learn to interact with humans in different age |
| remarkable breed. To know more about them1) | | | | brackets, especially children. They will often invite |
| Attend Westie shows | | | | neighbors children in to play with the pups, but |
| 2) Westie Club meetings | | | | under supervision.Pups should also be socialized to |
| 3) Local kennel club meetings | | | | deal with new situations although for health |
| 4) Talk with local breeders and Westie owners | | | | reasons, it is risky to take a puppy out in public |
| 5) Have patience and never buy impulsively | | | | until it has had its second set of shots. Ways to |
| ...Westies are beautiful animals which make good | | | | prepare pups to dealing with new situations is to |
| family pets and are good earth dogs. Westies can | | | | put them into different locations, or give them |
| also work as hearing dogs, therapy dogs and | | | | new and odd toys.Choosing a Male or |
| tracking dogs.What Do Westie puppies cost?The | | | | Female:Temperamentally, there is very little |
| price of a companion quality Westie puppy varies | | | | difference between sexes in Westies. Each has its |
| significantly depending on where you live. The cost | | | | pros and cons. There is a crossover and always |
| averages less than $100 per year, which is not a | | | | the exception to the rule. Spayed and neutered |
| lot compared to the annual maintenance cost of a | | | | animals do not have many of the negative |
| Westie.Westies have small litters (average is 3.5 | | | | characteristics of their sex.Males can be easily |
| puppies per litter). Stud fees, shipping, | | | | trained to use an urination post in the garden, thus |
| pre-breeding tests, veterinary expenses, | | | | keeping the garden healthy and odor free. Many |
| occasional Caesarian sections, vaccinations, | | | | fanciers find the males to be more affectionate. |
| feeding, and toys are all costly.Money from the | | | | Females are slightly smaller, are not as strong, |
| sale of puppies does not cover all of these | | | | and are therefore easier to walk and |
| expenses, let alone the time invested for good | | | | carry.Choosing a Puppy or Adult Westie:The |
| care and socialization. Young adults and rescued | | | | advantage of getting a puppy; aside from its |
| Westies cost considerably less and usually make | | | | irresistible cutenessis; is that you can raise it by |
| wonderful pets.Do Westies Make Good | | | | yourself from the beginning, and participate in its |
| Gifts?Many people try to buy puppies as | | | | training and socialization every step of the |
| Christmas gifts for children or other family | | | | way.The disadvantage is that training a puppy |
| members. Most breeders do not recommend this. | | | | requires a great deal of time and patience. Busy |
| A better idea is to give Westie related gifts, | | | | families should keep in mind that puppies cannot |
| leashes, grooming tools and then bring your puppy | | | | be left alone for more than a few hours at a |
| home when all the excitement has died down.It is | | | | time. They need plenty of trips outside, frequent |
| generally not a good idea to surprise someone | | | | meals, and lots of interaction with people.Adult |
| with a living, breathing gift, even if you are | | | | Westies, whether purchased directly from a |
| positive that the individual wants a puppy and a | | | | breeder or adopted from a rescue group, can be |
| Westie puppy in particular. That individual should | | | | ideal for people who want a Westie with fewer |
| get the joy of picking out his/her own puppy or | | | | needs. Mature Westies tend to be calmer; some |
| young adult. A book with lots of pictures or a toy | | | | are already house-trained and know some basic |
| Westie make a wonderful presentation and can | | | | obedience.The key to the decision is the lifestyle |
| also be beautifully gift wrapped too.Weaning and | | | | of the adoptive household. If there are lots of |
| Feeding Pups:Good breeders will make sure their | | | | people around, and they are able to keep a puppy |
| pups go to new homes with a small supply of the | | | | active and clean up after it, then a puppy may be |
| food they are used to, plus fairly detailed | | | | the best choice.However, if there are constraints |
| instructions about times and amounts to feed the | | | | on cleaning up, exercising or lengths of time the |
| pup. Ask about what brand of Westie food they | | | | Westie must be alone, an older pup or adult |
| use and why they use that particular one. If they | | | | Westie may be better choice.Jeff Cuckson is |
| make their own Westie food, ask them about the | | | | Author of "Mad About Westies!" package which |
| ingredients and why they have included each | | | | includes 3 exclusive bonuses. |