Hello! I live in the United States - New York. I am interested in making a West Highland Terrier part of our family. A woman in my area has puppies - however, she says that her cousin in Ireland breeds them. THey are born in IReland and then brought over to her ....... is this a usual practice? Aren't Westies as in demand in Ireland? I would welcome any feedback.

Mostly, not always, if someone is exporting/importing litters of puppies they they originating from a questionable source and are being "bulk bred". The small breeds such as Westies are one of the more popular breeds for this practice.

If you want a WHWT then I would strongly recommend you find a breeder in your own country where you can visit them, see the dam and the conditions under which the puppies are raised and have access to the breeder for any future help and advice you may need.

Christine

Welcome to the forum.

I agree with Christine. You would be much better off buying a puppy from a US breeder. Contact the American Kennel Club for a breeder list.
I can only see one reason for exporting puppies 'on masse', I certainly wouldn't buy a puppy in those circumstances.

Leigh

Please, if you are getting a pup from Ireland contact the secretary of the Irish West Highland White Terrier Club Mrs Modwena Johnston tel no 02662-841618 do NOT buy one from Southern Ireland you will find that these puppies come from puppy farms and are not even irish kennel club registered. Modwena has lovely westies and has bred many Irish and U.K. Champions, please take her advice.