what are the implications of not being able to register a litter of westie pups due to our bitch being caught accidently at 8 months old. What do we tell potential owners, can they breed, show or register them? Are they worth considerably less because of this?

are they worth considerably less ???  :rolleyes:

she could actually die if she goes ahead with the birth :(

The KC will not register a litter if the dam is under 12 months at the time of mating, so no, potential owners will not be able to show or register the puppies, nobody can stop them breeding but the puppies could not be registered either.
Rather than worry about how much the puppies are worth (or not) I would worry about the health & welfare of your bitch who is  still very much a puppy herself & may not be mature enough to raise a litter herself.

Cost should be your very last consideration.  Your bitch's welfare and that of the puppies that you are responsible for producing should be your first concern!
If this has only just happened because if so your Vet can help her with an injection.  Was it another Westie that accidentally caught her?  Please register and let us know.

Hi, yes as others have said, the KC will not register the puppies. The new owners will not be able to register, show (unless at companion shows) or breed registerable, showable puppies from them. So yes, they are worth considerably less. As your bitch is still only a puppy herself, if the mating has only just happened I would take her straight to the vet to discuss the options.

Received:

"When I say worth I meant on the line of are the pups classed in the league of a heinz 57. Oh they are all healthy & mother is doing really well  considering. martin"

If the sire is the same breed, then they can be sold as purebred but unregistered.
If the sire is a different breed, then they are crossbreeds - if that's the case, I hope he wasn't any bigger than the bitch or you may well have whelping & rearing problems.

It sounds like the pups have been born already Anwen

And if the sire was the same breed - some accident!

Wonder why this guest does not want to register?

Because they would like advice but do not wish to be hung,drawn and quartered?

Sorry Admin, but I think that would be too good for them!! :rolleyes: 
Think it's time that I became a political candidate for the "Protect dumb animals from irresponsible humans" party!!
           

Think they call themselves PETA but they also "protect dumb carrots" too :P

Admin you now have me a bit confused, is this a new rule, should we tell guests that they can't post twice but should put further questions or answers through you? In stead of telling them that they should register.