Assuming all puppies have been inspected by a vet and have been given a clean bill of health. How do you then pick a Westie pup from one of my litters?
First to consider would be male verses female. Have you thought much about this? There are a few things I have noticed with the dogs I have owned but I realize that what I say will not be true for all males and all females. I have found the male dogs to be more loyal and laid back about life and I have found the females to be more cuddly and more inquisitive about life. Females will cost a little more the first year because a spay operation is more costly than a neuter operation, I do however, charge the same amount for males and females because I believe both make equally great pets.
All of the above things you can decide just looking at photos of what appeals to you – but more important than appearance is personality. The personalities of pups really start to show at around six weeks of age. Some pups are more trusting than others, these lay on their backs and are happy go lucky types. Others are more shy and quiet, sometimes because they are the runt of the litter but this is not always so. Some pups are full of spit and vinegar – these are the ones who growl at the vet when they are only seven weeks old when she takes their temperature. There always seem to be a ‘smart’ one – the one you know who will figure out how to go upstairs to the bedrooms first – this may not always be the same as the pack leader. Some pups are more people orientated than others – often these are the smarter pups – these are the ones who watch your face intently trying to read you at an early age. Some pups are more affectionate than others and you can tell this at young age too – these are the little guys and gals who love to lick your face and are happy to be held longer than a pup who is all set to go off exploring.
There are many types of personalities in puppies. With love and a firm hand in some cases and more encouragement in others, all puppies will make great lifelong companions. But it is good to think about personality when you are buying especially if you plan on only having one dog in your life. If you have young children around – you will want a milder mannered unafraid rough-and-tumble dog. If you pick a smart dog be prepared to pull your pup out of tight squeezes as she explores her environment.
All puppies are wonderful but there can be a certain puppy that will just mesh with your own personality so please take a little time and consider what it is you really are looking for in your new little buddy.
Diane Haskell
Please feel free to if you think I could help you choose a pup.
FAQ
Should I get a second dog?
Advantages of owning TWO dogs:
More exercise as dogs chase each other around and play together.
Company for the each other when left alone - genuine affection for each
other.
Fun of watching animals interact with each other - terriers can be so fun to
watch tugging on a toy and hiding and jumping on each other providing hours
of entertainment.
Advantages of owning ONE dog:
More socially acceptable - a neighbour wouldn't mind if a person brought one
well-behaved dog over to a bbq for instance.
The dog is more in tune with the human family and more likely to be obedient
because the other dog does not distract him.
Time and costs - everything is doubled two coats to brush out, two annual
check ups at the vet (probably not at the same time) twice the kibble, twice
the amount of poop to pick up in the garden etc.
Easier to walk one dog on a leash.
Will the puppy get along with my cat?
My puppies have NOT been socialized with cats. If would be best if you could find a breeder who also had cats in the house. If you decide you want a pup from me it would be best to get one as young as possible and closely monitor the relationship. A full-grown terrier could kill a cat. Terriers love the thrill of the chase and so it would be better if the cat were used to dogs and unafraid. A cat could also do serious harm to a young pup such as scratching an eye – it wouldn’t hurt to keep both the cat’s nails and the pup’s nails trimmed as their relationship develops.
Should I choose a same-sex terrier as a companion for my present terrier?
There is a high rate of same-sex aggression in terriers. This can be reduced if both dogs were spayed or neutered at an early age.
It would be best to choose a dog of the opposite sex as a companion for your terrier or choose a dog from one of the milder personality groups such as the hounds.
Each dog grouping is unique and there is no way to tell whose personalities will and won’t mesh. In our house my most high-energy terrier is the best of friends with my son’s beagle.
