i bought a westie bitch when she was a tiny pup, i had to go to chatham for her, i thought i was going to see several pups and mum, but when i got there i only had the choice of one puppy and was told they didnt have mum, i had to make the choice if i wanted this pup or not, i said yes because we had travelled so far any way, we only paid £3.95 for her, i was told the kc papers would be sent to me as soon as they were avaliale, they did eventually arrive, but i was shocked and disapionted, they wernt english kc papers, what i recived was irish kc papers, i didnt know what to do, so i registered my dog with the dog lovers reg, but i saw on this sight what was said about this, not very good, i love my dog so much, but im thinking have i got a true westie, she is almost 11 month old, she has a slightly curly coat, whith is soft and fluffy, she is quite tall at 11inches, but what worries me is that she is irish, have i bought from a puppy farm, she was bad tempered when i got her, but ive been able to brake this with the love and respect i give her,i had heard people go to chatham and buy, but all does not sound well does it, im sure she is a true westie though, she looks full westie, but like i said is big and curly, will i be able to mate her with a good male westie and start a good blood line with future pups, i fear not.sheryl

Hi there,
I don't know much about the various UK dog registrations. But it sounds as if everything is definitely in a suspicious muddle. If I understand you correctly, you paid three pounds 95 pence for her. Doesn't sound like someone was on the up & up.

Regardless, it sounds like you have a wonderful dog for yourself. She's a Westie and they are strong willed at times. Terriers run true to type. Just enjoy her and don't worry about breeding her. Not all dogs have to be bred to "improve the lines." There is a lot of work & responsibility involved in breeding dogs. You can always get into the training & obediance work with your dog. Just give her lots of love and don't feel guilty about anything.
toodles

HI, if you received Irish KC papers surely you can transfer the ownership to the English Kennel Club. I am not certain, but I surely, if you buy an IKC reg dog it can be transferred. By the way 11" is not too big for a Westie, the breed standard states -around11". Unless the coat is hand stripped it will be soft, but should not really be curly. It does sound like she has come from some sort of puppy farm or irresponsible breeder, so would not be the ideal type to start breeding from really. Dont feel bad about anything, your puppy was lucky you came along and gave her such a happy home.