West Highland terriers are famous for their spunky, friendly, and loveable personalities. These small dogs make excellent pets as they are easy to train and eager to please. When you get ready to purchase a West Highland terrier, you need to do your homework. Choosing a reputable breeder is as important as choosing a puppy. You want to make sure you are adopting a healthy, good natured dog.
When you begin your search for the perfect puppy, there is at least one type of place you probably should avoid. Puppy mills are notorious for mass-producing dogs of all breeds. Although you might pay a cheaper price for a dog purchased from a puppy mill, you may not be getting the best deal or the best puppy. Because puppy mills have so many dogs, they may not keep meticulous records. This could lead to inbreeding and genetic abnormalities that may continue to rage through a dog’s bloodline.
Another disadvantage associated with puppy mills concerns a dog’s socialization skills. Most puppy mills don’t have the manpower to give dogs and puppies individual attention. This may result in a slew of puppies which have only been handled minimally at best. Puppies which have not been socialized to humans may be harder to train and more difficult to bond with.
Instead of purchasing your new pet at one of these establishments, you should carefully research and consider all of the reputable breeders in your area. Most breeders should be well-known among local veterinarians, and you can also ask for the names and numbers of references before you decide to purchase a puppy.
Don’t be afraid to visit various kennels and ask questions. Your first impression should be a good one. Are the kennels clean, and do the dogs have adequate shelter? Are there plenty of fresh water and food available? Do the dogs have large areas to romp about? Do they seem friendly and accustomed to people handling them? Does the breeder welcome your visit and your questions? All of these points are important to consider when making a decision about where to purchase your dog.
Once you’ve decided which breeder you want to use, you need to become familiar with the characteristics and problems that can be found in West Highland terriers. When you are ready to adopt your puppy, you should examine the male and the female for the following characteristics. Male terriers are typically around eleven inches tall, and females are usually an inch shorter. These dogs have compact bodies and are sturdily built. Their bodies should be proportionate, and a dog that doesn’t appear to have a well-proportioned body is not a dog that you should look to as a sire or dame of a puppy.
The eyes of a West Highland terrier should be dark and wide-set, not light-colored and close together. The ears should be small, wide-set, and alert, never low, round or close-set. If you are planning to show your terrier, you do not want to purchase a puppy that has a wheat color mixed in with the standard white coat. This is considered a fault at dog shows.
Not all dog breeders will give a certificate of guarantee, but if you are paying top dollar for your puppy, you should expect to be issued one of these. There are many genetic abnormalities that can occur in any dog breed, and West Highland terriers are no exception. Obviously, not all dogs will have even one of these problems, but you can certainly ask your breeder about the health of their dogs. Some of these abnormalities include atopic dermatitis, which is an environmental allergen that can cause hair loss; copper toxicosis, which is an accumulation of copper in the liver that can be toxic and fatal; craniomandibular osteopathy, which is a benign tumor on the lower jaw; globoid cell leukodystrophy (GCL), which is a genetic disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord; and juvenile cataracts, a genetic eye condition.
Your puppy will become a new member of your family. It is important that you choose a puppy that is not only cute and loveable, but also one that is healthy, so that you both can enjoy a long, loving relationship together.
