hello,

my family and i are looking to buy a white west highland terrier for my grandma who recently lost hers after 15yrs, she was obviously devestated so we thought for a xmas present we would buy one for her. we would be grateful if you can give us tel numbers for breeders in the noth east of england that maybe able to help us.

thanks

Hi! I'm afraid you won't find a reputable breeder willing to sell a puppy as a present for a third party, especially at Christmas. This is the very worst time for a puppy to be homed, unless the owners have a very quiet household without noisy celebrations.

Most people want to choose their own puppy, so far better to give your grandma a card saying "IOU - one puppy for you to choose when you're ready" than land a possibly unwanted puppy on her.

Please be aware that most good breeders will not sell pups for Christmas presents, neither will they sell them as a 'surprise' because they will want to meet all members of the family who will be involved wit the primary care of the dog.

Are you even sure that you grandma wants another dog at this time? You do not say how old your grandma is but as Westies can often make 15 years of age, will she still be able to cope with the demands of a dog as years go by?

It might be a better idea to give your Grandma a card for christmas with an IOU inside for a Westie pup, that way, if she definately wants one, she can be involved in the search and choose her own little companion.

*edited* SNAP!! posted at the same time as Jeangenie

Really your grandma needs to be involved in this, is she able to keep up with a boisterous young puppy?  or would she be better off getting a young adult, either from a breeder (some breeders run on promising pups ;) ) or from rescue, I'm sure there must be a West Highland White rescue organisation or two ;)