When it comes to figuring out West Highland White Terrier pricing, it’s important to remember that a puppy isn’t a one-time purchase to be played with for a while then forgotten about.
A dog or pet of any kind is a long-term commitment and will cost far more than the original purchase price to ensure a happy and healthy life.
West Highland White Terrier Pricing: Expenses You’ll Expect
Adorable, fun-loving, energetic, loyal companions, West Highland White Terriers (Westies) can be the ideal pet.
Although they will go after a squirrel, their temperament and size make them great companions, plus they rarely shed, so you don’t need to worry about cleaning your home or car as frequently as with other dogs!
Westies are lovely puppies who offer a balance between cuddles and independence, although it is important to get your puppy trained as early as possible since they can be stubborn.
Once you’ve got the training in place, you’ll have a companion who will love and protect you because, despite their size, Westies are great guard dogs.
But how much will a West Highland White Terrier actually set you back? Putting aside the price of the dog for a minute, it’s important to consider other expenses that might arise over your pet’s lifetime to prepare you for the commitment of taking on a pet.
1. Food
Since Westies are fairly small dogs, with adult males weighing in at approximately seven to 10 kilograms, you shouldn’t need to worry about spending a fortune on dog food.
That said, you should be careful scrimping too much you get what you pay for, and ensure your pup is getting all the nutrients they need should come before getting a cheap deal.
West Highland White Terriers are prone to several skin allergies, so it is important to factor this into anything you feed your pooch.
Generally, we avoid giving our Westie the following, and you should, too:
- Beef
- Corn
- Wheat
- Soy
- Garlic
- Food with artificial Colors, flavors, and preservatives
If you’re ever in any doubt as to what your Westie should be eating, speak to your vet.
They can help you establish a meal plan based on your pup’s requirements.
2. Grooming
As West Highland Terriers rarely shed, they can develop matted, dull fur if not groomed often enough.
You can do most grooming at home with a good quality bristle brush, strong comb, and slick brush or by hand-stripping the fur to remove dead fur or skin cells.
Your Westie will also require the occasional clipping to avoid matting. We recommend bringing your Westie to a professional pet groomer, ideally, one who specializes in West Highland Terriers.
Although, in theory, you can do this yourself with a pair of thinning shears, nail clippers, and scissors.
If you do choose to complete all your Westie’s grooming needs at home, be incredibly careful not to cut the fur too short.
That is because it can increase the chances of your Westie developing skin conditions that can be expensive to manage and very painful for the dog.
If you’re not 100% confident in your abilities, it’s best to bring your Westie to a professional, even if it seems expensive.
3. Veterinary Visits
When you’re considering West Highland White Terrier pricing, it’s important to factor in future veterinary costs to ensure your puppy can be as healthy and cared for as possible, even in old age.
Many dog breeds have particular ailments they suffer from, and for West Highland White Terriers, these tend to be skin-related, as well as a couple of neurological conditions that can cause shaking and difficulty walking in older Westies.
If you get your pooch from a respected breeder, they should be able to give you a family history for your puppy, including any health conditions their ancestors suffered.
This should help you budget for any future vet bills.
They may also be able to give you some pointers on early signs, so you know what to look out for to achieve an early diagnosis and the medical treatment your fur baby might need.
4. Training
While Westies are renowned for being loving and trainable animals, they can also be very stubborn and independent, meaning some owners need a little helping hand in convincing their pup to behave.
Common criticisms against the breed involve their determination to chase smaller animals, particularly rodents, and their love of barking at everything.
These traits are due to their breeding as hunting dogs, but while they’re understandable, your neighbors might not be so thrilled.
Therefore, when considering a Westie, you would want to think about getting a professional trainer involved, at least to start with.
Conclusion
So, those are some things to think about when considering whether or not you’re ready for the financial investment a West Highland White Terrier involves.
If you’re prepared to pay grooming, veterinary, and proper training costs, plus any other unexpected expenses, like toys and bedding, then you might just end up with the best friend you could ever want.
Plus, if breeder costs are too expensive, Westies can be found in shelters across the country, where you can pick one up for as little as $300.
Better still, by adopting rather than buying, you’ll have fewer bills to pay because the shelter has usually done vaccinations and neutering, and many dogs are already fully trained before you take them home! Perfect!
