At what age can my westie have her first litter?

[Suki Wingy]

DISCLAIMER: Since you posted very little info, I have to make assumptions.
I'm guessing she's not show quality because you would have asked your breeder that first. Since you didn't, and you are thinking about it, then that probably means that she's not from a reputable breeder. A responsible breeder would have spayed all the pet quality puppies. Because she's from that type of lines, chances are she'll pass on some sort of disorder, even though she might not show it, or there will be a complication durring pregnancy or birth, in which case you might loose all or some puppies, or even your precious bitch.
The tests to make sure she doesn't (as well as the sire) have any problems that might cause death/complications durring birth or pregnancy are very expensive. Plus C-sections and after birth care can get VERY expensive.
Additionally, letting your bitch come into heat increases the chance of reproduction-relacted cancer, which are also very high.
Finally, breeding dogs carelessly quickly leaves a trail of destruction that we then have to dedicate our time and money to save.
*Only breed if you have a goal in mind as to what you will make better, whether for show or work. (Not to many westies actually work going to ground nowadays)

[kimboe]

Get her spayed. Please

[critter crazy]

DITTO TO ALL THE ABOVE!!!!! SPAY YOUR DOG AND GET A RESCUE!!!!!!!

[Giselle]

Because a friend of mine wanted a Westie, I know that this breed in particular seems to be more susceptible to allergies, bladder cancer, luxating patellas, and eye problems.

In addition, each pure breed of dogs has its own particular hereditary problems; some minor, some impairing, and some possibly fatal. Some may show a very strong hereditary basis and others not much more than a tendency to "run in families." The Westie is no exception. Failure to screen for hereditary problems before breeding often results in the "doubling up" of unfavorable genes, and the results are distressing for the buyer and dog alike.

- The West Highland White Terrier Club of America

http://www.westieclubamerica.com/health/concerns.html

As you can see, there are a wide range of diseases that the Westie, in particular, is prone to. It's up to you the owner to avoid these health maladies. The best way is to screen your dog via blood tests, Optigen ( http://www.optigen.com/), OFA (http://www.offa.org/), PennHip (http://www.pennhip.org/), CERF (http://www.vmdb.org/cerf.html). It should be worthy to note that your dog must be around 2 years to have successfully screened and passed her patellas and hips. So to answer your initial question, you'll have to wait a couple years for those puppies.

If your b*tch passes all these tests, congratulations! You have a very nice healthy foundation for a successful breeding program. Now it's just time to evaluate why you want to breed. In order to "prove" your dog can help improve the breed, you'll need to enter her in either field trials or conformation shows. Or maybe she excells at an entirely different event completely. The point is that she brings something new to the table. She needs physical proof that she can help better the breed, whether it be through her fantastic conformation or her strong work ethic. Being "cute" and "sweet" simply is not enough in this overpopulated world. I truly hope this gave you something to chew on. If you're still interested in breeding, pair up with a REPUTABLE breeder and see if they would like to mentor you. Chances are you'll have to wait a couple months/years to get your hands on a good foundation b*tch, and you'll have to wait even longer to acquire the semen of a good stud dog. For starters, you can attend a local dog show and talk to the Westie breeders or visit: http://www.westieclubamerica.com/teamwestie/rrc.html

Breeding isn't a six-week venture. It's a life-long dedication to the breed.

[Giselle]

Hey there, I won't bash you, don't worry I'm not going to scream SPAY YOUR DOG at you, don't worry. What I will do is try to set you off in the right direction. You obviously have a passion for your dog and puppies alike. That, however, is not reason enough to breed. I don't have the heart to type it all again, but I don't think you *read* my previous post. So here it is again in all its glory

(I boldened the parts that will help you go about your breeding in a proper and well informed manner)

Because a friend of mine wanted a Westie, I know that this breed in particular seems to be more susceptible to allergies, bladder cancer, luxating patellas, and eye problems.


http://www.westieclubamerica.com/health/concerns.html

As you can see, there are a wide range of diseases that the Westie, in particular, is prone to. It's up to you the owner to avoid these health maladies. The best way is to screen your dog via blood tests, Optigen ( http://www.optigen.com/), OFA (http://www.offa.org/), PennHip (http://www.pennhip.org/), CERF (http://www.vmdb.org/cerf.html). It should be worthy to note that your dog must be around 2 years to have successfully screened and passed her patellas and hips. So to answer your initial question, you'll have to wait a couple years for those puppies.

If your b*tch passes all these tests, congratulations! You have a very nice healthy foundation for a successful breeding program. Now it's just time to evaluate why you want to breed. In order to "prove" your dog can help improve the breed, you'll need to enter her in either field trials or conformation shows. Or maybe she excells at an entirely different event completely. The point is that she brings something new to the table. She needs physical proof that she can help better the breed, whether it be through her fantastic conformation or her strong work ethic. Being "cute" and "sweet" simply is not enough in this overpopulated world. I truly hope this gave you something to chew on. If you're still interested in breeding, pair up with a REPUTABLE breeder and see if they would like to mentor you. Chances are you'll have to wait a couple months/years to get your hands on a good foundation b*tch, and you'll have to wait even longer to acquire the semen of a good stud dog. For starters, you can attend a local dog show and talk to the Westie breeders or visit: http://www.westieclubamerica.com/teamwestie/rrc.html

Breeding isn't a six-week venture. It's a life-long dedication to the breed.

Yup! Everything is in bold. Please do read it all.
As well, if your family members want a Westie, please advise them that despite their fluffy, white image, they are TERRIERS at heart. They dig. They bark. They fight. And, boy, are they feisty. Terriers (Westies, included) are notorious for starting dog fights. As such, your family and friends need to enroll the Westie puppy in obedience and socialization classes.

If you want help on finding a mentor, just PM me. I and many others on here have the proper resources to point in the right direction. It would be wise, however, to consider spaying your b*tch and apprenticing under another breeder. I sincerely hope you choose this option.

[Sevaede]

Hey there, I won't bash you, don't worry I'm not going to scream SPAY YOUR DOG at you, don't worry. What I will do is try to set you off in the right direction. You obviously have a passion for your dog and puppies alike. That, however, is not reason enough to breed. I don't have the heart to type it all again, but I don't think you *read* my previous post. So here it is again in all its glory

(I boldened the parts that will help you go about your breeding in a proper and well informed manner)

Yup! Everything is in bold. Please do read it all.
As well, if your family members want a Westie, please advise them that despite their fluffy, white image, they are TERRIERS at heart. They dig. They bark. They fight. And, boy, are they feisty. Terriers (Westies, included) are notorious for starting dog fights. As such, your family and friends need to enroll the Westie puppy in obedience and socialization classes.

If you want help on finding a mentor, just PM me. I and many others on here have the proper resources to point in the right direction. It would be wise, however, to consider spaying your b*tch and apprenticing under another breeder. I sincerely hope you choose this option.

VERY well put!

[wolfsoul]

Hi there, welcome to PT.

I have lots of friend who are breeders, and even my dog will be bred in July. Let me tell you, it's tough. I had to work very hard with my dog and spend alot of money in order to do our sports, but it is important to me that she has titles before and after she is bred. I still work hard with her because she doesn't have a very good ring temperment -- it takes tons of work and socialisation, and TONS of money. I have to travel everywhere, I have to pay for her heath certifications (to make sure she doesn't pass diseases on to her pups), I have to pay for lessons and trials and shows...It'd be a rough life for someone who isn't truly dedicated.

Breeding isn't something you do just because some people want puppies; It's a hobby and a passion. My goal is for my dog to create healthy, well-rounded, well-tempered puppies that will go on to be the best they can be and possibly go on to better the breed, themselves. I have researched and understand the risk factors involved. My dog may need an emergency C-section, and she and/or the puppies could die during the whelping. The puppies could be born prematurely, or Visa may not produce enough milk and we will have to take turns staying up and bottle feeding the puppes. The puppies could be born with defects and they would have to be put to sleep. Because my dog is not spayed, she is at risk for cancer, and pyometra (a life threatening condition where the uterus becomes infected and fills with puss). I also have to deal with her incessant annoying behaviour during her heat -- she bleeds everywhere, she smells TERRIBLE (the discharge from their vulva literally smells up the entire house), she acts freaky and screams, she attracts male dogs into our yard (even our 6 foot fence didn't stop a chow from stopping by last year). She is at greater risk for behavioural problems because she isn't spayed. But I do it all because I have a goal in mind.

If you are truly dedicated to your breed and you are willing to spend the time and money and make lots of sacrifices, then maybe you could be a reputable breeder. First I would recommend talking to a Westie breeder. Hopefully your dog came from a reputable breeder (what was the breeder's kennel name?). The breeder can help you with any problems you encounter along the way, and can take a look at your dog's pedigree and possibly locate a good stud. Keep in mind that a stud dog will usually cost you anywhere from $500 and up. Obviously the breeder will really preach that you do health certifications. Here is a list of Westie health problems . At the bottom of the page is OFA's link, it will let you know if there are any OFA/ CERF, etc clinics in your area. You will definatly want to wait until your westie is 2 years of age to breed. OFA won't even certify a dog that is younger than that. The breeder can teach you how to handle your dog in the showring and possibly other sports. If your dog is not show quality, the breeder will probably recommend that you don't breed (as Westies are not often bred only for their working ability these days). The breeder will also not recommend breeding if your dog is unregistered, unpedigreed, not health certified, coming from bad lines, having a bad temperment, having health issues, etc.

Keep all of this is mind -- yes, everyone does start somewhere -- but the responsible people start off by listening to those that are much more experienced than they. I wouldn't be breeding my dog if I didn't have her breeder giving me her first-hand experience.

Hope to see pictures of your dog!

[Sudilar]

Because a friend of mine wanted a Westie, I know that this breed in particular seems to be more susceptible to allergies, bladder cancer, luxating patellas, and eye problems.

Just want to mention what bladder cancer is like. Sudden heavy bleeding when urinating.....constant urge to urinate.......the diagnostic test......bladder cancer results.............total and complete lack of appetite and water consumption.......vomitting anything given by mouth...........continued symptoms.....no food for two weeks.......pacing.....panting..........inability to sleep........inability to walk more than a few steps........look in her eyes..........growing bladder.....................all options to save her gone..................death by euthanasia. It took all of two weeks.


Another note: pray the pups don't have portosystemic shunts!! That's another tragedy to worry about!

[moosmom]

Sudilar,

I couldn't have said it better!!

[lute]

don't even consider breeding her unless you do what's lited below!!!...

wait till she's 2-4yrs old.
genetic tests
vet check-up
shots up to date
register her
find a REPUTABLE breeder that has a nice male that contridicts your westie's faults.
show her in conformation, agility, obiediance, etc.
make sure you have homes for ALL the pups when they are ready to go to their new homes
take back the pups when
be ready to take back the pups if their homes don't work out.
have PLENTY of money stashed away for stuff for the pups such as shots, food, emergancy kit, vet care, etc

i've forgot some of it, but it takes A LOT to have a succesful, healthy litter.

oh, if you just have a cute little pet you want to breed....DON'T BREED HER!!!!!!!
if you still want to breed your "pet" go visit a humane society and just know that a lot of those puppies won't make it out of there alive just becase there are no homes for them....and if you breed you will be adding to this.

if you want cute pups running about your house become a foster parent to a animal shelter or rescue(even a westie rescue). you'll be litterally saving lives.