Hi

Just need some advice please. I am searching for a Westie at present and have been speaking to a lot of breeders about them and just wondered why the price of them differs so much.

Don't get me wrong I am not having a 'pop' at anyone I was just curious.

A lot of breeders on CD are advertising at about £450 but breeders I have spoken to are charging £650 - why is there such a big difference in price?

Many Thanks for any comments

Traybabe

It all depends on whom the puppies' parents if they are champions then the puppies will cost more than a dog that has never won anything. It also depends on the owner of the puppies I have know quite a few people who charge £450 for a puppy and then someone who charges £800 just because they know that some people will pay it. I'm sure if you asked what the parents show history is, if any, and then you can see for yourself whether the price that they are charging is because of the parents or just because they can.

Sarah xxxx

Traybabe,

I am not 100% sure but I thought I gave you some breeders details.

What I would say that you are going to pay between £500-£600 for a well bred westie. I would not expect much more than this.  Nothing to do so  much with the champion lines but that fact the breeder knows the lines and that they are healthy lines. The breeder has reared them properly. Has not used Harry from along the road but selected hopefully the most suitable stud dog for that bitch. Spares no expense on anything.

Westies have very small litters compared to a lot of breeds. Anywhere between 2-6 , 4 being the average. 

What I can say is westies are a favorite of the puppy farmers and back door breeders so you are best to following good advice, IE buy from Recomended breeders only. Breeders affiliated with the Breed club ( and check that they are by calling the secretary)  If you can buy from a good well know breeder then pay the extra £50 you will be glad you have honestly.

I trimmed a westie at the weekend and the owner thought they had bought from a good breeder, the dog was about 18 inches. ( 11 inches is the standard)  thing was about 2 times the length of a standard size.   Poor people really. They have not bought a westie at all. Paid the price of one but never got one.

Please get in contact with a few good breeders and wait on a list if need be. The show season is ending so a lot of show breeders take a litter over the winter time as it doesnt affect the show season for them.  Now might be the time to really start your search.

Good luck

Traybabe - I would expect to pay £550 to £600 for a well bred westie. Please remember that westies are prone to skin problems (the vets bills for which can cost several thousand pounds - I speak from experience!!) so it is very very important to get a very well bred westie from a reputable breeder (whose credentials you have checked out).

Please also ensure you get pet insurance just in case. A good breeder should give you free insurance to start off with. Pet insurance needs to be the type that will cover a condition for life not just for one year.

Good luck in your search for a westie.

Ailsa