FAQs | The West Acres | Westie Puppies For Sale

The West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terriers, affectionately known as Westies, are charming and spirited small dogs known for their iconic white coats and lively personalities. Originating from Scotland, these terriers were bred for hunting rodents and small game, and today, they are beloved companions and family pets.

TRAITS + CHARACTERISTICS

QUESTIONS ABOUT US

QUESTIONS ABOUT WESTIES

Traits and Characteristics:

Appearance: Westies are small but sturdy dogs with a compact build and a distinctive white coat that is weather-resistant. Their bright, almond-shaped eyes and erect ears give them an alert and lively expression.

Temperament: West Highland White Terriers are confident, friendly, and outgoing dogs with a lively spirit. They are known for their affectionate nature and love being part of the family.

Trainability: While Westies are intelligent and eager to please, they can also be independent and stubborn at times. Consistent training with positive reinforcement techniques is important to channel their energy and prevent behavioral issues.

Activity Level: Despite their small size, Westies are active and energetic dogs that enjoy playtime and short walks. They thrive on mental stimulation and enjoy participating in activities with their owners.

Why Choose a West Highland White Terrier?

Compact Size: Westies are small dogs that are well-suited for apartment living or smaller homes. Their size makes them easy to handle and transport, making them ideal companions for individuals or families living in urban areas.

Lively Personality: West Highland White Terriers are known for their cheerful and playful demeanor. They bring joy and entertainment to their families with their lively antics and affectionate nature.

Low Shedding, Hypoallergenic Coat: Westies have a hypoallergenic coat that sheds minimally, making them suitable for allergy sufferers. Regular grooming and occasional baths are necessary to maintain their coat and keep them looking their best.

Typical Height, Weight, and Lifespan:

Height: West Highland White Terriers typically stand between 9 to 11 inches at the shoulder.

Weight: Westies generally weigh between 15 to 22 pounds.

Typical Lifespan: West Highland White Terriers typically live to be 13-17 years old.

SEE OUR PUPS!

Common Questions About Us

Is The West Acres a puppy mill???

Nope! Our whole family has westies, but we only have four (one male and three females). We pride ourselves in being responsible breeders who not only take great care of our pets' health but provide them a loving, happy lifestyle.

What are your adoption fees?

Our fees are the same for M & F and can be found on our PUPPIES page! This price is before delivery costs, which are detailed below!

What are your requirements for new owners?

We prefer to send puppies to homes where the new owners have previous experience with pets, preferably dogs, and have ample space in their home and/or neighborhood for the puppies to play after they've grown. If you have no prior pet experience but are willing to learn, we are happy to help you out with a few tips and tricks to get started on the right foot. Raising a puppy is a large but equally rewarding responsibility!

How would my puppy be delivered?

Here are our three delivery methods:

1. Meet Us! ( $200 max ) : If you are in or able to come to the area we would be happy to meet you in a convenient location for both of us within two hours of our home, max, including MCI Airport in Kansas City ($200), and DSM in Des Moines ($200)! This fee is to cover our time and travel to and from the destination. We always enjoy meeting the new owners in person as well! This service does not include a travel kennel, but does include health papers and a goodie bag for your new puppy!

2. Flight Nanny ( $950 - $1350 ), availability can vary: We do have the ability to deliver puppies to destinations across the continental US escorted by a third party flight nanny. We have utilized this professional flight nanny service for over 20 years with only the most positive experiences! They put together an anxiety-free itinerary for your puppy to travel, and can meet you right at your local airport! The puppies travel with the flight nanny in-cabin either in their lap or under the seat in front of them! (this service is heavily dependent on the schedule of the flight nanny.) The quoted price include both our trip to the airport, all flight nanny fees, and the pet-in-cabin ticket! The flight nanny will use and keep their own travel kennel, but this service does include health papers and a goodie bag for your new puppy!

3. White-Glove Delivery ( $1500 - $2000 ), flexible days of the week with varying availability: This delivery service brings your puppy directly to you, typically by commercial airline, escorted personally by one of us from The West Acres! The puppies travel with a member of The West Acres Family in-cabin either in our lap or under the seat in front of us, always nearby and close to someone they know! This is a great way for your puppy to travel 100% stress-free and also a great chance to meet us in person. It's as simple as picking up a loved one from the airport, and being located in the Midwest, our flight times are minimal to almost everywhere! The delivery fee covers all delivery expenses, including health papers, your travel kennel, pet-in-cabin tickets, and much more. This service offers, but is not limited to personal delivery of your puppy to an airport near you or even a specific address.

Do you offer a health guarantee?

Yes! Please see our HEALTH GUARANTEE or more details!

Do your westies have skin allergies or other known health issues?

Nope! We have spent 30 years selectively breeding our pets to have no skin allergies or known genetic issues. This takes a lot of long-term work and planning but we've made every effort we can to make sure our bloodlines are healthy, happy, and bright!

How much do Westies weigh?

Our Westies are anywhere between 13 lbs and 19 lbs., so that is a good gauge for our puppies as adults! This can vary depending on whether they're male or female and also their parents!

Can I pick up my puppy in person if I come to you?

Yes! If you are in or able to come to the area we would be happy to meet you in a convenient location within two hours of our home, including MCI Airport in Kansas City or DSM in Des Moines! This fee is a $200 maximum. We always enjoy meeting the new owners in person as well!

Can you hold my puppy for longer than 8 weeks?

Yes, we can! We are aware that everyone has their own unique schedule and we are willing to coordinate ours with yours as much as possible! We are able to hold puppies up to 10 weeks of age, but to guarantee the puppy has a home we do require full payment by the time a puppy reaches 9 weeks old. If we do not receive payment by that date, your deposit will be forfeited and the puppy will be placed with a new family.

What food should I feed my puppy?

We've been feeding your puppy Purina Pro Plan High Protein Puppy Food DHA Lamb & Rice Formula. This is by no means the only option, however, if you do choose to change food it's typically best to change what your puppy eats slowly over time rather than changing the food in one sitting.

Do your puppies have registered pedigrees?

Yes! All of our puppies are registered through America's Pet Registry, Inc. (APRI) only. These pedigrees can be traced back to seemingly endless generations. We have carefully developed our bloodlines over the years through quality breeding practices, and we are very proud of the bloodlines we have today!

Will my puppy have any training when it arrives?

Yes! The pups always have access to an outside area they can venture into as they start to become more ambitious!. By 8 weeks, they'll have the very basics of crate training and will know not to go to the bathroom in the areas they eat/sleep, but may not be able to differentiate the actual outdoors from being in the rest of the house for a while.

How much does it cost to reserve a puppy?

We charge a $600, nonrefundable deposit to reserve a puppy for you. This amount will be credited toward your total due! This deposit is made via PayPal, and guarantees that your puppy will be held under your name until you are able to pick him/her up! If you are interested in taking this step, please contact us at the information provided below!

How will I make my final payment?

We have options! If we meet in person, cash it typically the most economical option. If you are more comfortable with PayPal and are willing to pay their transaction fee, we can accept payments through their platform at any point in the process! If we are not meeting in person, or your final payment is due before we meet in person, PayPal will be the acceptable form of payment. We unfortunately cannot honor personal checks.

Are there any "The West Acres Reviews" that I could read?

Yes! Check them out on our home page or on our Facebook Page! We also encourage potential families to feel free to reach out to the families we've placed puppies with before. The best way to do this is to visit our Instagram and search through our posts to find them!

What toys, supplies, or other things do you recommend for a new puppy?

We have a whole list! Check it out HERE.

Common Questions About Westies

Are West Highland White Terriers good with children?

Yes, Westies are generally good with children when properly socialized and supervised. They have a playful and friendly nature and enjoy being part of family activities.

Do West Highland White Terriers require a lot of grooming?

West Highland White Terriers may have a coat that requires regular grooming if kept long to prevent matting and maintain its appearance. Weekly brushing and occasional professional grooming are recommended.

Are West Highland White Terriers prone to any health issues?

Like all breeds, Westies may be susceptible to certain health conditions. Although we do genetic tests for the most common issues, regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help maintain their health.

Do West Highland White Terriers bark a lot?

Westies are alert and vocal dogs that may bark to alert their owners of potential intruders or stimuli. Early training and socialization can help manage their barking tendencies.

Are West Highland White Terriers good for first-time dog owners?

Yes, Westies can be suitable for first-time dog owners with proper training, socialization, and commitment to meeting their exercise and grooming needs. Their affectionate nature and small size make them appealing companions for many households.

Are West Highland White Terriers prone to digging?

West Highland White Terriers may exhibit digging behavior, as they have a strong prey drive and were historically bred for hunting rodents. Providing them with appropriate outlets for their energy, such as interactive toys and supervised digging areas, can help redirect this behavior.

Do West Highland White Terriers get along with other pets, such as cats or smaller dogs?

Westies can coexist with other pets, including cats and smaller dogs, especially when properly socialized from a young age. However, their terrier instincts may lead them to chase smaller animals, so supervision and training are important when introducing them to other pets.

Are West Highland White Terriers good watchdogs?

Yes, West Highland White Terriers are alert and vigilant dogs that make excellent watchdogs. They will bark to alert their owners of approaching strangers or unusual sounds, making them effective guardians of the home.

Do West Highland White Terriers require a lot of exercise?

While Westies have moderate exercise needs, they still require daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Providing them with opportunities for physical and mental activity helps prevent boredom and behavioral issues.

Are West Highland White Terriers prone to separation anxiety?

West Highland White Terriers are social dogs that thrive on companionship and may experience separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Gradual desensitization to being alone, along with providing them with interactive toys and mental stimulation, can help alleviate separation anxiety.

Are West Highland White Terriers good for allergy sufferers?

West Highland White Terriers are considered hypoallergenic dogs, which means they produce fewer allergens than some other breeds. However, no dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic, so individuals with allergies should spend time with a Westie before bringing one into their home to ensure they do not have a reaction.

Do West Highland White Terriers require special grooming for their white coats?

While Westies have a white coat that may show dirt more easily, regular grooming such as brushing and occasional baths can help keep their coat clean and white. Additionally, regular grooming can help prevent matting and maintain the health of their skin and coat.

Are West Highland White Terriers prone to barking?

West Highland White Terriers are known for their alert and vocal nature and may bark to alert their owners of approaching strangers or unusual sounds. Early training and socialization can help manage their barking tendencies and teach them when it's appropriate to bark.

Do West Highland White Terriers have a strong prey drive?

Westies have a strong prey drive due to their hunting background, and they may instinctively chase small animals such as squirrels or rabbits. Proper training and supervision are important to prevent them from chasing smaller pets or wildlife.

Are West Highland White Terriers good for apartment living?

Yes, West Highland White Terriers can adapt well to apartment living as long as their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met. Providing them with daily walks, playtime, and interactive toys can help keep them happy and content in smaller living spaces.