Buying a West Highland White Terrier Puppy
What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.
Essential Documents
- Heath Certificates (both parents)
- Signed AWF Puppy Contract
- KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Microchip Registration Certificate
- Temporary Pet Health Insurance
- Vaccination Certificate
A good breeder will:
- have socialised and habituated the puppy
- provide a supply of food
- provide a blanket smellng of Mum
- follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding
Official BVA/KC Health Schemes
- DBRG recommends that all dogs should be visually examined by an ophthalmologist for inherited eye disease before breeding
DNA Tests Relevant to Breed
- Craniomandibular osteopathy
- Globoid cell leukodystrophy
- PKD – Pyruvate kinase deficiency
Other Tests
- Putnam scoring for patella luxation
Brief explanations and other diseases that may be more common in the breed – if in doubt then consult your vet for guidance
Useful Links
Official Health Schemes
The BVA/KC eye testing scheme is available for all breeds, and checks for many inherited abnormalities that can cause progressive blindness or pain
DNA Tests Relevant to Breed
- Craniomandibular osteopathy
– abnormal bone growth, usually in lower jaw - Globoid cell leukodystrophy
– progressive, fatal disease of nervous system - Pyruvate kinase deficiency
– causes anaemia through damage to red blood cells
Other Diseases
No current health scheme or DNA test available for these diseases:
- Allergic skin disease (atopic dermatitis)
- Hormonal diseases
(various, particularly Addison’s disease and diabetes mellitus) - Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
– insufficient tear production, can lead to eye infections and ulcers - Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
– painful disease of the hip joint in young dogs - Liver disease
(various) - Luxating patella
– abnormal kneecap causing pain and lameness - Pulmonary fibrosis
– progressive lung disease, often eventually fatal