Socialization is particularly important in the early weeks of the pup’s life. It is generally concluded that this period, which extends from approximately the fourth to the twelfth week, is the optimum time for the dog to develop social attachments. If pups are raised in kennels with little human contact during the period of socialization, subsequent training for specialized tasks is generally quite difficult.  Generally, group housing of compatible animals is the least stressful type of confinement and, therefore, should be provided wherever possible.  That’s why we have a Doggie House that gives our dogs full run of their home with doggie doors to go outside to eliminate in their dog runs.  Those runs are cleaned three times daily and sterilized.  All of our Westies get exercise in the larger fenced area you see on our website.  We raise Chloe and Darby in our home and my daughter and family are raising Sprinkles and Cordy in their home.  The other four females live in the Doggie House.

Responsible Breeding 

A puppy you purchase from Down South Westies comes with a loving, caring dedicated person that will stand behind your new best friend forever.  You have to wait some time to get a pup from us, but you will discover it is worth the wait.  We have a long waiting list!  Responsible breeders, who may or may not be show dog breeders, are knowledgeable about their breed, perform applicable health checks and certifications on their breeding dogs, socialize and evaluate their puppies, and stand by the dogs they sell. We choose to breed dogs based on their genetic compatibility.

Showing Your Westie 

 Check out these links:

 www.akc.org/dic/events/perform/getperf.cfm 

http://www.westieclubamerica.com/breed/standard.html 

We do not show Westies.  There are no active clubs in our area and we do not desire to drive to distant locations for dog shows.  We simply raise Westies out of love and a desire to better the breed.  However, we are talking with a  trainer/handler to work with one of our pups in the show ring.

If you receive a pup from Down South Westies, we are here as a resource to our new owners, supplying information and general guidance if it is needed. We are concerned about the welfare of that dog for the rest of its life, so we want to be sure it’s the right home for that pup.  We do not sell pups to just anyone.  Getting money for the pup and getting it out of our house is not our priority as it is with pet shops, brokers, or un-responsible breeders. We ask potential companion buyers lots of questions.  If you are on our wait list, before our pups are due, we get in contact with you to be sure you are still interested.  If still interested, a $100 deposit will reserve your pup.  Be sure to read “Terms Of Purchase” on our website and see the questions we ask.

If at any time we can answer a question, feel free to email us westies@downsouthwesties.com or call Thomas or Linda, 601-626-8887.

Some Favorite Links:

VeterinaryPartner.com   If you have a vet question, here are two sources for your questions.  They usually reply within 48 hours or less.

Mar Vista Animal Medical Center  

World Wide Pet Names Project    Find a name for your Westie!  

     Great For Kids!