My wife and I are keen to buy two West Highland terriers, either dogs or bitches. We are not intending to breed so a pair from the same litter would be quite acceptable

Welcome to the forum.

Please have a look at our West Highland White Terrier information.You will find details of breeders and breed clubs. I am sure that someone there can recommend a litter to you.

Personally, I would advise you to think very carefully before purchasing two puppies from the same litter.Although it may seem like a good idea at first, you can encounter many problems. I am sure that Irene or WestieLover will share their knowledge on such matters with you

Leigh

I would not buy two from the same litter, this can cause problems with socialisation not just with westies, but, with any breed, you really need to train them seperately and walk them seperately to begin with. If you wish two I would advise buy one now, or when a litter is born, then buy another in a years time that way one will be housetrained and socialised, I am sure others will agree with me, if you let me know whereabouts you are I could possibly pass on some phone numbers of breeders for you to try and find a pup, some breeders will not sell two pups together.

Agree with Irene other than I would leave at least 18 months between pups. I certainly will not sell 2 pups from the same litter particularly terriers and have refused people who have wanted to buy 2 together.

Hi, If these would be among the first puppies you have owned then I would tend to agree not to get two from the same litter. i have sold 2 from the same litter to one home 3 times in the past and they have been succesful, however the owners involved were exprienced and both at home - each taking responsibility for one of them and training and exersising seperately, to begin with. Dont EVER have 2 males from the same (or different) litter though, and pref not 2 bitches either, but one of each sex. It is much harder work having two together, as you often dont know which one did the puddle or chewed the priceless whatever! They also tend to look to each other for affection and companionship rather than the owner. Also it can be very difficult to train individually when one is howling from the kitchen, and the other cant or wont concentrate on what they are supposed to be doing, they usually hate being separated. On the whole I agree not to have two, but not all Westies are "tasty"with each other. I have 8 (both sexes) and they all get on very well. Yes there is a boss, but she rules quietly, all know and are happy with their "place". It is several years since we have had a fight, and that was my fault, I did not remove an in-season bitch from the "pack" early enough. If you have two you have to imprint yourself as "leader" right from the start, not show favouritism, and know when to intervene if the "puppy play-fighting" starts to get out of hand. On the whole, I'd agree with the others and get one at a time,but I would be happy with a 9 month gap, as long as the first one is socialised with as many other dogs as possible right from the start and is NOT SPOILED!!! Lots of love but also obediant and respectful of you. Sorry this is so long - got carried away again!!