20+ Adorable West Highland White Terrier Mixes You‘ll Fall in Love With
Are you smitten by the perky and photogenic West Highland White Terrier, but also intrigued by the unique look and personality of a hybrid pup? You‘re in luck! Dozens of delightful "Westie" mixes have stolen the hearts of dog lovers in recent years.
Whether you‘re dreaming of a silly and spunky sidekick or a cuddly couch companion, there‘s bound to be a Westie cross that suits your style. In this guide, we‘ll introduce you to over 20 popular Westie mixes, from the trendy Westipoo to the rare Wauzer.
We‘ll dive into the expected appearance, temperament, exercise needs, trainability, and potential health concerns for each hybrid. You‘ll also get expert tips on finding your perfect match through shelters, rescues, and reputable breeders.
But first, let‘s take a closer look at the bold and beguiling breed behind these marvelous mixes: the West Highland White Terrier!
About West Highland White Terriers
Affectionately known as "Westies," West Highland White Terriers were originally bred in Scotland to fearlessly hunt rats, foxes, and other vermin in the rocky highlands. Today, these courageous cuties are more likely to be found snuggling on the sofa than chasing critters.
Westies are best known for their all-white double coat, dark eyes, and pointy ears that stand at attention. Compact but sturdy, they typically weigh 13-22 pounds and stand 10-11 inches tall.
Don‘t be fooled by their small size—Westies have outsized personalities! Most are highly alert, inquisitive, and independent with a comical streak. They tend to get along well with respectful children and other dogs, but their strong prey drive can kick in around cats and furry pets.
While Westies are clever and trainable, they can also be strong-willed and easily distracted. A firm but positive approach (and plenty of treats) works best. Daily walks and playtime are a must to keep these active terriers physically and mentally stimulated.
Why Westies are Popularly Mixed
With their photogenic good looks and lively yet loving nature, it‘s no wonder Westies are a favorite choice for crossbreeding. Mixing a Westie with another purebred is often an attempt to achieve an irresistible combination of the two breeds‘ best traits.
For example, a Westipoo (Westie-Poodle mix) may inherit the Westie‘s friendly and funny personality along with the Poodle‘s low-shedding coat and trainability. A Weshi (Westie-Shih Tzu cross) could have the spirited spunk of a Westie in a even more petite, lap-friendly package.
Of course, the adorable factor also plays a big role in the popularity of Westie mixes. With so many cute combos out there, it‘s hard to resist these small fluffy charmers!
20 Popular Westie Mixes
Now that you know a bit about why Westie mixes are all the rage, let‘s meet 20 of the most sought-after crosses making waves in 2024:
1. Westipoo (Westie-Poodle)
[Insert photo of Westipoo]The Westipoo brings together the lively, loving Westie and the smart, low-shedding Poodle. Often described as outgoing and affectionate "teddy bears," Westipoos typically weigh 20-30 pounds and have wavy to curly coats in white, cream, or apricot.
While Westipoos are playful and people-oriented, they also tend to inherit the Poodle‘s high intelligence and need for mental stimulation. Plenty of exercise and engaging training is a must to prevent boredom behaviors.
2. Weshi (Westie-Shih Tzu)
[Insert photo of Weshi]Can‘t decide between a lap dog and a four-legged firecracker? The winsome Weshi offers the best of both worlds! These petite pooches usually weigh under 20 pounds and sport a soft, fluffy coat in white, cream, or white and tan.
True to their Westie roots, Weshis are alert and animated. But thanks to their Shih Tzu heritage, they also have a calmer, more cuddly side. While Weshis tend to be less "barky" than purebred Westies, they still need early socialization and training.
3. Westiepoo (Westie-Cockapoo)
[Insert photo of Westiepoo]Take a Westie and a Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel-Poodle mix), and you get the adorably scruffy Westiepoo! Also known as Wee-Cockers, these happy-go-lucky hybrids usually weigh 10-25 pounds with wavy or curly coats in white, buff, or white and tan.
Westiepoos tend to be social butterfly people-pleasers—a trait they inherit from both parent breeds. However, their hunting heritage can make them prone to chasing and digging. Keep them engaged with lots of playtime and positive training.
4. Westillon (Westie-Papillon)
[Insert photo of Westillon]Bright, busy, and oh-so-cute, the Westillon is a petite powerhouse! A cross between a Westie and the vivacious Papillon (aka Continental Toy Spaniel), Westillons typically weigh just 7-13 pounds and have alert, fox-like faces with pointy ears.
Lively and lovable, Westillons usually inherit the Papillon‘s eagerness to learn along with the Westie‘s bold, curious spirit. Thanks to their light build and sensitive nature, they do best with gentle handling and lots of fun brain games.
5. Cairland Terrier (Westie-Cairn Terrier)
[Insert photo of Cairland Terrier]Westies and Cairn Terriers were both developed on the craggy farmlands of Scotland, so it‘s no surprise these plucky pups make a great match! Compact and muscular, Cairlands usually weigh 13-21 pounds and have a thick, fuzzy coat.
Like other terriers, Cairlands tend to be bold, energetic, and confident. They rarely back down from a challenge and need plenty of exercise to stay out of mischief. Early training and socialization is crucial, but their feisty nature can make them a bit stubborn.
More Westie mixes to cover:
- Wauzer (Westie-Mini Schnauzer)
- Westie-Bichon
- Bo-West (Westie-Boston Terrier)
- Yorkie-West (Westie-Yorkshire Terrier)
- Westie-Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Highland Maltie (Westie-Maltese)
- Havanestie (Westie-Havanese)
- Westie-Pug
- Westie-Silky Terrier
- Scot-West (Westie-Scottish Terrier)
- Westie-Lhasa Apso
- Westimo (Westie-American Eskimo)
- Westie-Beagle
- Westie-Jack Russell
- Westie-Dachshund
Where to Find a Westie Mix
Smitten with one of these wonderful Westie crosses? Awesome! Now it‘s time to track down your perfect pup.
Since most Westie mixes aren‘t as common as purebreds, you may need to search a little harder to find available puppies or dogs. However, expanding your search can help connect you with your canine match. Here are some ideas to get you started:
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Check local animal shelters and rescue groups, especially those focused on small dogs. Some Westie mixes do end up in rescue due to no fault of their own.
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Search for breed-specific Westie rescues online. They occasionally take in Westie crosses and may be able to point you toward a reputable breeder.
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Look for breeders who specialize in Westie mixes or your desired cross. Avoid pet stores and backyard breeders. A responsible breeder will health test parent dogs and be committed to producing healthy, well-socialized pups.
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Cast a wider net by searching online for adoptable Westie mixes beyond your immediate area. Some rescues allow out-of-state adoptions or can help arrange transportation.
How to Choose the Right Westie Mix For You
With so many captivating crosses to pick from, choosing the right Westie mix can feel overwhelming. But by thinking through your lifestyle and expectations, you‘ll be one step closer to finding your ideal four-legged friend. Consider:
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Your activity level and schedule. High-energy Westie mixes need dedicated daily exercise and aren‘t suited for people who work long hours. Lower-key crosses may adapt better to busy households.
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Your living situation. Some Westie mixes bark more than others and may not do well in apartments or condos. Outdoor space for playtime and potty breaks is important for all dogs.
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Grooming and health needs. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, some Westie mixes (like the Westipoo) may trigger fewer allergies. Regular brushing and professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is a must for most.
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Other pets and kids. Well-socialized Westies tend to get along with other dogs and respectful kids. But some mixes may have a high prey drive around cats and tiny pets. Always supervise interactions and separate as needed.
No matter which magnificent mix you choose, get ready for a loyal, lively, and lovable addition to your family!
Conclusion
From the fun-sized Westillon to the shaggy Wauzer, West Highland White Terriers have been mixed with all sorts of breeds to create adorable and unique hybrid dogs. While each cross has their own charms, they all tend to share the Westie‘s plucky yet endearing personality.
When searching for your "just right" Westie mix, remember that there‘s lots of variation between individual dogs. Genetics isn‘t always predictable and even pups from the same litter can be quite different.
The key is to keep an open mind and focus on finding a dog whose energy level, personality, and care needs align with your lifestyle. By working with reputable rescues and breeders, you‘ll have the best chance of bringing home a healthy, well-socialized pup that‘s perfect for you.
Ready to welcome one of these charming crosses into your heart and home? With patience, preparation, and an endless supply of love (and treats), you‘re on your way to many joyful adventures with your very own Westie mix!