We are looking for a new family member.  We have 2 young children (4 & 7) and are interested in purchasing a Westie. 

Our questions are : 1) Are they suitable to have around young children? If not can anyone recommend another breed, roughly about the same size? - my kids are used to and very good around other dogs as parents have a border collie,

2) What questions should we be asking when buying? 

3) Can anyone tell me what we might expect to pay?

We want to make the right desicion and make sure the dog is right for all the family.  We don't want to show or breed and don't mind a slightly older dog.  We can offer a loving home

Hello there,

All dogs can be good with children if you raise them properly and ensure that the dog is not harrassed by the children. Any child under 6 or 7 years old can tend to treat the pup as a toy and mishandle it. As a result, you may get a dog that snaps when it is being handled.

Westie breeders are probably the best people to answer your question. I have found Cavaliers to be fab dogs and very calm and tolerant with children.

As for any breed, you need to speak to the breed secretary or your vet and find out what health checks the dam and sire need to have. Also, you will want to ensure that the pups are raised indoors in a family environment and that they have plenty of toys and mental stimulation in their first 8 weeks of life. Ofcourse, they will need to be KC registered and the breeder must charge the average for the breed.

Also, speak to the breed rescue places as there are sometimes smaller dogs up for adoption through no fault of their own. Sometimes a well-balanced and child-friendly adult dog is much better for young children.

All the best,
Patty