Comprehensive West Highland White Terrier (Westie) puppy buying guide: Small white terriers with significant skin allergy issues and high grooming needs requiring experienced owners. PRICE RANGES: Pet quality $1,200-$2,000, Show quality $2,000-$3,500, Champion bloodlines $2,500-$4,000, Rare imports $3,000-$5,000+. High lifetime costs due to skin problems and grooming. CRITICAL HEALTH ISSUE: Skin allergies VERY common - atopic dermatitis, food allergies, contact allergies. Treatment costs $500-$2,000 annually. Check parents' skin health. OTHER HEALTH CONCERNS: Luxating patellas, eye problems (cataracts, PRA), hip dysplasia, Westie lung disease. White coat requires special care. TERRIER TEMPERAMENT: Confident, independent, can be aggressive if not properly socialized. May be snappy with children. Better with older kids who respect boundaries. HIGH GROOMING NEEDS: Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks required. Hand-stripping traditional, clipping acceptable. Annual grooming costs $800-$1,600. SKIN CARE REQUIREMENTS: White coat shows dirt easily, special shampoos needed, regular skin monitoring required, potential for ongoing dermatology treatments. BUYING CHECKLIST: Assess skin health critically, verify health testing, check temperament for aggression, ensure grooming education provided, meet parents if possible. RED FLAGS: Evidence of skin allergies, poor coat condition, excessive scratching, no grooming discussion, multiple litters with skin issues, unusually low prices. LIFETIME COSTS: High due to grooming ($800-1,600/year), potential skin treatments ($500-2,000/year), dermatology visits ($300-800/year), special products. Suitable for: Experienced terrier owners, those committed to high grooming maintenance, people who can afford ongoing skin care costs, families with older children. Petmeetly connects ethical Westie sellers in US, UK, Canada, India, and Australia who prioritize skin health testing and educate about grooming requirements.