We are considering getting a westie puppy but need some info on the breed in general,are they good around children my youngest is 8 yrs,what are there coats like to look after,how much do they eat etc any info would be appriciated
Thanks Sally

Hi Sally they do need grooming like any dog really and i wouldn't say they cost that much to feed myself, well compared to my bullmastiff they're like rabbits, feeding wise.  Their good around children aswell.

Warm regards Susan

Although I an 53 I was brought up with westie's, my mum still has them and now the great-great grandchildren are still getting the love that we got from them, the worst problems that I can remember was that they had a predisposision to bad skin problems, but I always thought that this came from some lines, but it was not only the back street breeders that had this problems because my mother always had the best lines that were around at the time, so choose well

Hi
I have two children 8 and 12 and we have a westie pup he is 6 months old now and I can say he is terrific with the children,we bought our pup for showing and for a pet my eldest daughter wanted to get in to showing and it has been really good for her we go to ring craft club every week and she has made lots of new friends there and has given her lots of confidence and also hopefully keep her out of trouble now that shes coming up to be a teenager!!
As for grooming the westie coat it does take up a lot of time as i say we show ours and this is the part that takes up time as we have to handstrip him but as a pet I know lots of people just get them clipped  at there local groomers,As for feeding we where given a welcome pack from our breeder and have carried on with this food its James wellbeloved dry food and he has 2 - 3 feeds a day as well as his coats milk at bed time (Like having a baby!!)

If you do decide to purchase a Westie all I would advise is speak to lots of breeders I rang around lots before I felt comfortable with ther breeder we got ours from I was on trhe phone to her for nearly 2 hours she answered all my questions and had all the answers to them, some people just where in it for the money.
I am still in contact with my breeder now in the end we had to travel 200 miles to collect him but it was well worth it he is a joy to have in our family my wife had a westie when she was growing up so this was our first choice when deciding .good luck hope this helps,if you need any more help please email me.

John