[BuckeyeMom]

Hello! We bought a house in Lake Deaton a few days ago and will be moving down in June. We would like to get a West Highland White Terrier puppy after we are settled in our new home. Does anyone know of Westie breeders in Central Florida? Thanks in advance for any responses.

[panamachica]

We're relatively new to The Villages too. Don't know of any breeders here but have had 4 Westies and what a great choice for a dog. I'd like to know of any breeders too.

[KathieI]

I found a breeder for Miniature Schnauzers here in central FL by googling it on the internet. Just be sure to visit their facility to make sure that they are breeding healthy, pure bred dogs. I was very lucky that the breeder I found in Dunellon is a top notch breeder of schnauzers and I got a beautiful little girl from him 3 years ago and would recommend him to anyone.

[Taltarzac725]

Florida Westie Breeders - About Us

I found this by Googling but do not have any knowledge about these people. I did not know puppy prices were this steep.

[pbkmaine]

If you Google this name, you will see some Westie rescues available for adoption.

[KARENNN]

That is a wonderful site! Here is the direct link...
Adoptable

[jbdeb114]

Welcome to the Villages and you will absolutely love it here!

Why don't you try shelters around the area? There are a LOT of dogs that need loving homes and many are pure bread if that is what you want.
Here is the link to the Humane Society of Sumter County where we got our sweet new addition. (not sure what he is but he sure is cute!) Many of them are looking for their 'fur-ever' home so please consider shelters.

Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County, Inc.

Thanks.

[KathieI]

To all those posters who are recommending we adopt rescue dogs even those organizations that claim to have pure breds,,, I'm sorry, I would love to but I have such severe allergies to almost all dogs except those that don't shed and I once rescued from a Schnauzer rescue and apparently the pup was not pure bred and I developed a severe allergy attack and had to give him up. That totally broke my heart more than anything, I cried for days. It was so hard to love him for a few short weeks and give our hearts to each other and then have to give him up. I will not put myself or another wonderful doggie through that again so I have to go to full bred breeds because of health reasons (and emotional also). But I thank you for your suggestions.

[jebartle]

I know of two owners that have found their Westie as a rescue!

[gomoho]

BuckeyeMom - welcome to The Villages and TOTV. You will quickly learn a simple question will result in move advice than you'll know what to do with. Just remember most of it comes from kind hearts - keep what is worthwhile and forget about the rest.
Oh, and don't let you new puppy poop on other people's lawns (you might want to do a search on that topic to understand where I am coming from with this) Congrats on your new home.

[Phanatic Luvr]

A good idea is to go onto the American Kennel Club website and search Westies from there. You will be able to b connected with breeders all over the country, through that site I believe.

[Rbgold]

Try Breeders.NET: Dog Breeders Search Directory - plug in your zip code and breed you are interested in. List of breeders changes from time to time as new litters become available. Good luck with your new home & future new addition!

[Nipper]

I owned two wonderful Westies and also adopted a dog from a Westie Rescue in Virginia. I would guess there are Westie rescues in Florida as well. Very often they have puppies.

[redwitch]

You might try going to local dog shows and talk to breeders there. Talk to other terrier (non-Westie) breeders and see who they recommend for Westies. If you've never dealt with a breeder, be sure they're not puppy mills -- check the breeding lines (little to no inbreeding); talk to the breeder (if they don't ask you questions to make sure you're a good owner, walk away); get any warranties in writing; if you don't want to show, ask for non-show quality puppies (usually much cheaper and just as much fun).

Here's a link for the Central Florida AKC. http://www.centralfloridakennelclub.com/ There's an all-breed show in June.

I know of a couple of Westie owners (one dog 18 mos; one pup 3-5 mos. -- brothers) in Hemingway. I'll try to find out who that breeder is although I'm somewhat hesitant if the bitch is being bred that frequently. (I prefer two years between breeding a bitch but some breeders think 18 months is fine.)

[lovsthosebigdogs]

Originally Posted by redwitch

You might try going to local dog shows and talk to breeders there. Talk to other terrier (non-Westie) breeders and see who they recommend for Westies. If you've never dealt with a breeder, be sure they're not puppy mills -- check the breeding lines (little to no inbreeding); talk to the breeder (if they don't ask you questions to make sure you're a good owner, walk away); get any warranties in writing; if you don't want to show, ask for non-show quality puppies (usually much cheaper and just as much fun).

Here's a link for the Central Florida AKC. http://www.centralfloridakennelclub.com/ There's an all-breed show in June.

I know of a couple of Westie owners (one dog 18 mos; one pup 3-5 mos. -- brothers) in Hemingway. I'll try to find out who that breeder is although I'm somewhat hesitant if the bitch is being bred that frequently. (I prefer two years between breeding a bitch but some breeders think 18 months is fine.)

Red has great advice. Thank you. Also, here is a breeder list from the Westie Club of America. They can't give you a recommendation for a quality breeder, BUT if a breeder ticks them off too much they can be asked to leave the parent club. Here is a link to the list Westie Club of America
Scroll down to Florida. Be sure to interview and go visit; don't just take the first one that has available puppies.
I am very excited for you- coming to TV AND having a new baby in your life. I believe in rescue and have 2 rescue dogs myself, however I also have a breeder dog and think it's a personal choice and people have many different reasons for making their choices. Only you know which way you want to go. If you want to go rescue, you CAN get a full bred Westie from the regional Westie rescue. Sometimes with moving to a new place there is so much upheaval and so much to do that it's difficult to find the time for all that a new baby needs. An adult dog or an older puppy that you might be able to get from rescue might make a quicker, easier adjustment to your new home. Dogs find themselves in rescue for many reasons. Many times its the owner, not the dog's fault. Here is the link for Florida Westie rescue if you decide to check there first Sunshine State Westie Rescue
Whatever you chose, I wish you luck in your home and with your new family member. Welcome to TV.