A west highland white terrier can make a wonderful pet, but you will need to be careful to choose the right puppy. Even though it is tempting to buy the first puppy you see, especially if it is peering at you from a cage in the pet store, remember that you will have the puppy for ten or more years. If the puppy has a chronic health problem or a bad temperament, those ten years will feel like twenty. So, as you look for your new pet, you should start by finding a good breeder. Good breeders often belong to breed clubs and are active in these organizations. The American Kennel Club can help you locate breeders in your area.
Once you find a breeder with a litter of puppies available, ask if the parents are on the premises. Often, the breeder will only have the mother, but if both parents are available that is even better. You will be able to examine their temperament and appearance. Since each parent passes characteristics on to the puppies, this is very important.
Next, take a look at where the puppies are being raised. If they are in the kitchen or family room, you know they are probably well socialized. If they are tucked away in a basement or garage, they may not be as people oriented. The area where the puppies are kept should look clean and neat. The puppies should have a few toys so that they are used to playing and exploring.
Now, you will need to look at each individual puppy. Make sure they are clean and bright eyed. They should scamper around and play with each other. Check their skin to make sure it looks pinkish and healthy. Westies can be prone to skin problems. If you catch mange from a puppy, it is an experience you will not soon forget. Examine each puppy’s teeth to make sure the top or bottom teeth do not jut out in an under or overbite. While a slight problem with the bite will not hinder your puppy’s ability to eat, it is a major fault if you plan to breed or show your puppy.
If the breeder hands you puppies instead of letting them run around a bit, ask if you can put them down so that you can make sure that they walk properly. If the puppies shy away and cower, they may become timid, passive aggressive adult dogs. However, you also want to make sure the more outgoing puppies are not stubborn and strong willed. Pick up each puppy, turn it over, and cradle it like you would an infant. It should be willing to lie in your arms for a minute or two without struggling to turn over and get down.
Next, ask if the puppies have had their first vet visit. Often, breeders give puppies their first shots and worming themselves. This means that the puppies have not been examined for birth defects such as heart murmurs and hernias, unless the breeder took them to the veterinarian for a health check.
Finally, take a look at the puppies that have come through all of the above tests with flying colors. Pick the puppy that seems the most interested in you and take it home. Your new puppy will give you many years of enjoyment.
