Sadly we lost Statler on October 12th, so our hearts and home are very empty these days.  It happened so quickly, and we made the difficult decision to say goodbye. 

I will be speaking tonight with a breeder who has a Westie litter due around December 10th. My question has to do with the double coat vs the wiry coat.  Both Waldorf and Statler had the double coat, and we loved how soft and thick their coats were.  If the parents each have the double coat, does this pretty much guarantee that the puppies will also have the double coat?  Or is the coat a random outcome regardless of the parents?

Any advice you have about questions for me to ask the breeder tonight are greatly appreciated.  I will also be talking to a Cairn breeder tonight who has puppies available now.  Both have been breeding pups for over 30 years according to the AKC website.  

Does anyone know of the best ways to check out a breeder's validity, success, etc.?  I'm guessing I can ask for references from each?

Thanx in advance for any help you can provide me!  

Jill

Sorry to hear about your little one. 

Diana's groomer is correct. We used to be regulars at Terrier Dog shows in Long Beach and asked the same question after noticing that most of the Cairn and Westie contestants had hard, wiry coats (we never showed any of our terriers).

Cindy, Penny, Katy, and Emmy were never stripped, only clipped, and all have had the softer coat.

Hugs and kisses Annie Biba and Drew xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It's good you should make a list of questions. With both breeders having 30 years experience and checked out on the  AKC website it's a good start. Ask about any health issues in their line or known allergies. Most breeders will be more than happy to help with training tips, diet suggestions and grooming questions.

As for the coat question- Breed standard for a Westie or Cairn terrier is a short soft under coat with a harsher wire outer coat. 

I hand strip and get a very nice outer rough wire coat as the new hair grows in. If you use a clipper or cut the hair with scissors it will be soft as it grows out.    

all 3 of my westies had soft double coats, and that is what I am use to.

good luck with you new little one.

sandi and presley, buster and robin at the bridge

Love, Deb, Emmie, and Angel Kelsie

I'm sorry about Statler. He and Waldorf were real TC old-timers. I know you must miss them both.

Ask to see the litter in person

Ask to meet the dog parents

Make sure the mother is there with the pups

Ask how often the mother is bred/when she was last bred before this 

Look at where the dogs live

Google

If something feels off, don't do it or if it seems too good to be true. 

Col. Potter is now rescuing Westies, Scotties, Norfolks, Norwiches, Schnauzers and other cute little dogs. You can submit an application and keep your eyes open.