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AKC Breeder of Merit Nickie Flynn shares her journey, breeding values, and passion for preserving the West Highland White Terrier.
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Nickie Flynn
1. I am Nickie Flynn, and I grew up with Miniature Schnauzers. The first time I saw a West Highland White Terrier was in Scotland, 48 years ago. Soon after, we purchased our first Westie male from a WHWTCA (West Highland White Terrier Club of America) member. We live in Kansas and have a second home in Northern California, where I was born. In 1992, we started showing our dogs with handlers. We were so green, I had to ask someone what Best of Winners on our bitch at Louisville meant! We’ve been breeding for 13 years under the Margie Munro prefix, named in honor of my grandmother, a Scottish/Canadian dog lover. We are an AKC Breeder of Merit.
2. The hallmarks of the Westie breed include a lively, friendly temperament; good with children; and a “Hey, look-at-me!” attitude that says the Westie owns the ring. Obviously, correct structure: a forechest, with shoulders that match the rear angles, a beautiful head, and great movement make a winning combination. All of these things are key to maintaining breed type.
3. I always save one puppy per litter for a family with young children. It’s the best way to grow demand for our breed. If a child grows up with a GREAT Westie, that is what they’ll always want. Due to the demands of grooming a show Westie, show homes are harder to find. Our waiting list of show homes is currently in good enough shape for us to produce three litters over the next few years.
4. We test for everything required for OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certification and more. Since 2015, we have been doing University of Wisconsin Nomograph® titers on pregnant dams to ascertain the proper timing for puppy vaccinations. We have gotten core titer results on puppies that are now 7 or 8 years of age that show continuing immunity from doing only two sets of puppy shots. In whelping the last few litters, we have been part of a research project to test traction mats that allow puppies to walk and feed while standing from birth. Lastly, and significantly, we’re whelping in the dark, using a darkroom light for the dam from a few days before delivery through the whelping. Italian researchers/breeders say this allows the dam’s melatonin to rise, which prompts oxytocin release, speeding up the interval between puppies and preventing oxygen deprivation and atelectasis in neonates.
5. There’s been a huge increase in the acceptance of “designer” mixed-breed dogs and rescue animals in the two states where I live. Some of my buyers have told me that friends had badgered them for getting a purebred Westie. The only thing I can do about that is to breed great Westies and to support our breed clubs in spreading the word about the value of purebred AKC (American Kennel Club) registered dogs.
6. Certainly, the size of entries at shows is down, both here and in the UK. I’m concerned about generic judging and the costs to clubs to put on Conformation shows.
7. The people who inquire about a puppy from Margie Munro Westies, or any national breed club breeder, have educated themselves about what it takes to breed and raise a healthy, happy, well-adjusted purebred dog. They know the tests that a breeder should do on their breeding stock, and they want to see proof it’s been done. That’s a good thing for diligent breeders, families, and the dogs that they love.
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