Looking for a little companion that will fit perfectly into a family with kids? The West Highland White Terrier, with their adorable features and great temperaments, could be the perfect breed for you! Even though they are a small breed, this doesn’t mean they come at a small price, as some of these dogs can fetch a price of up to $4,500 at times.
Responsible pet owners know that the initial purchase cost is only the beginning, though, and there are many other factors to consider when determining the cost of owning a dog like the West Highland Terrier. So, how much will it cost to bring a West Highland Terrier home?
When buying a West Highland White Terrier, you can expect to pay between $3,500 and $4,500 for a purebred pup. However, there are more affordable alternatives. Let’s look at the different prices of West Highland White Terrier Prices, Australia:
For purebred Westies from reputable breeders, the price you will more than likely pay sits between $3,500 and $4,500. A few factors will influence the cost of your pup of choice, like the bloodline, pedigree and availability of puppies, as well as the breeder’s reputation. We recommend going through a registered and reputable breeder, as they will usually cover the puppies being registered, vaccinated, microchipped, and vet-checked. Their prices generally ensure you get a healthy, purebred West Highland pup. However, you must do your due diligence to ensure that the advertised puppy is the one you will get.
If buying a Westie from a registered breeder doesn’t pan out, adopting could be your solution if you’re lucky enough. Adoption shelters often get in purebred dogs from time to time. You might find a Westie sitting in one of the waiting areas for their new home. Adopting a Westie is a more affordable alternative to buying through a breeder. Most adoption shelters charge around $100 to $800 for dog adoption. These fees usually depend on the breed, pedigree, and age of the dog you’re adopting.
While you search for a Westie breeder in Australia, you need to consider the factors that will influence the price of a Westie. These factors could be the difference between you getting a healthy, pure-bred Westie and one with health issues and questionable breeding:
First off, we have to consider the breeder’s reputation. Breeders with a sterling reputation for breeding Westies from a prominent bloodline will generally charge premium prices for their puppies. Likewise, other breeders are unable to track the bloodline of the Westies or maybe don’t have a good reputation for how they breed, so they might not be able to ask for higher competitive prices.
Registration is an important one. Registered breeders go through a whole process to obtain their registration. This ensures they are breeding Westies according to the expected breeding standards and practices, giving them more credibility than breeders in Australia. Thus, because of this credibility, a breeder might charge more for Westie puppies.
We already touched on bloodline a bit. Bloodline and pedigree often go hand in hand. When a dog is considered a pedigree, it is pure Westies. For this to happen, its lineage needs to be pure, too. Likewise, some bloodlines have stronger genes, giving them better features and making them less prone to illness or injury. Along with some other aesthetic aspects, this is why breeders with Westies from a good bloodline can charge more.
The demand for Westies in Australia and their availability also contribute to how much they cost. If there is more demand for Westies with fewer breeders available, they will probably cost more. It’s important to consider where you can find Westies in Australia and factor in delivery costs in the end, too.
Westies are delightful dogs to own, but like any other breed, there are some essentials you’ll need to get them so they ease into your home more comfortably. Here are some of these essentials and their costs:
Dog crate: $60 to $180 for a suitable size crate for your Westie to call their own
Dog bed: $40 to $200 for a quality dog bed that will keep your westie comfy and offer them some orthopaedic features
Dog collar/lead: $20 to $60 for a lead and collar made from quality materials
Feeding bowl: $15 to $40 for either ceramic, stainless steel or plastic dog bowl
Dog toothbrush: $10 to $30; this includes the toothbrush and toothpaste
Dog car harness: $50 to $120, depending on the brand
Puppy treats: $30 to $60 per pack
Puppy training pads: $20 to $50 per pack
Dog shampoo & conditioner: $20 to $50 per bottle. This varies on the size of the bottle and brand
Dog nail clippers, brushes & combs: $40 to $80, depending on which tools you decide to buy
Westies may look cute and cuddly because they are rightfully so, but like any other dog, they do have some ongoing costs associated with caring for them. Costs like:
Food is a constant expense that you need to factor in when owning a dog. Thankfully, Westies aren’t the biggest dogs, making feeding them more manageable on the budget. Westies weigh between 6 to 10kg and need to eat around 100 to 150 grams of food daily to sustain themselves as adults. With these figures in mind, here are some estimated daily feeding expenses that you might want to consider:
These amounts are only estimates. If you’re going to feed your Westie premium-grade steaks, it’s going to cost you more.
Vet visits are unavoidable when it comes to owning a dog. Aside from factoring in emergency visits later on in your dog’s life, they also need regular vet checkups and deworming, alongside other things. Here are some vet expenses you may need to know about:
Chances are that if you want a Westie, you already know that they will need regular grooming like a wash, brush, or trim to keep their hair out of their eyes. The good news is that you can do this yourself, but you don’t have to. You can take your Westie to a local groomer, and they can do it all for you. Here is what you can expect to pay for Westie’s grooming:
The West Highland breed is known for its cheerful, eager-to-please nature. So, you shouldn’t have too much trouble when it comes to training. Regardless, taking your Westie for training as a puppy is usually a good idea. Here are some training costs to factor in:
As a small dog, a Westie isn’t going to take over your home or drain your wallet completely. Still, it’s always a good idea to fully understand your financial commitment before bringing a dog home. Review the figures above again and consider how much buying and owning a Westie will cost. If you’re happy with the results, you have some great news to share with your family.
Welcome to Pets Online, a team of pet parents, animal lovers and veterinarians devoted to providing you with everything you need to know about pets.