The Wonderful Weston: A Comprehensive Guide to the Coton de Tulear Westie Mix

As a dog lover and veterinarian, I‘m always excited to learn about unique and uncommon breeds. One that has recently captured my heart is the Weston—a delightful cross between the charming Coton de Tulear and spunky West Highland White Terrier. With its teddy bear looks, lively personality, and devotion to its family, the Weston is a hidden gem in the canine world. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the origin, characteristics, and care requirements of this remarkable hybrid dog. By the end, you‘ll see why the Weston wiggles its way into the hearts of all who are lucky enough to know one.

Origin and History

The Weston‘s story begins with its parent breeds: the Coton de Tulear and West Highland White Terrier. Let‘s take a closer look at each one.

The Coton de Tulear hails from the island of Madagascar off the coast of Africa. According to local legend, these small, fluffy white dogs were brought to Madagascar by sailors in the 16th or 17th century and eventually became the pampered pets of the island‘s nobles and wealthy merchants. In the 1970s, a French visitor fell in love with the breed and brought some back to Europe, where they slowly gained popularity. Today, the Coton de Tulear remains a relatively rare and coveted companion dog known for its sweet, clownish nature.

On the other side of the family tree is the West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the "Westie." This feisty little earthdog originated in the Scottish Highlands in the 1700s, where it was used to hunt rats, foxes, and other vermin. The breed‘s white coat made it easily visible in the field, distinguishing it from its prey. Despite its working roots, the Westie eventually transitioned to the role of companion animal and show dog. Its lively, self-assured terrier personality has won it many fans over the years.

The Weston hybrid was likely first bred in the early 2000s, as the popularity of so-called "designer dogs" began to rise. The goal was to create a small, hypoallergenic companion dog that combined the best traits of the Coton and Westie. However, the Weston remains quite uncommon compared to other small breed mixes like the Maltipoo and Cavachon. In fact, it doesn‘t even appear on the American Kennel Club‘s list of the 150 most popular dog breeds.

Physical Characteristics

The Weston is a small dog with a sturdy, compact body that‘s slightly longer than it is tall. Most Westons stand 10 to 12 inches high at the shoulder and weigh between 12 to 17 pounds when fully grown. Like its Coton de Tulear and Westie parents, the Weston has a round head with dark, inquisitive eyes, a black nose, and perky, triangular ears.

One of the Weston‘s most distinctive features is its fluffy, white double coat. The soft, dense undercoat is covered by a longer, coarser outer coat that may have a slightly wavy or curly texture. This luxurious hair gives the Weston a plush, huggable appearance that‘s hard to resist. The coat serves a practical purpose too—it protects the dog from both hot and cold weather extremes.

Some Westons may have a few small patches of light apricot, lemon, or tan, usually on the ears or face. But in general, the breed standard calls for a pure white coat. The Weston‘s hair is longest on its ears, chest, legs, and plumed tail, which curves jauntily over its back.

Temperament and Personality

If you‘re looking for a loyal, affectionate companion who will stick by your side through thick and thin, look no further than the wonderful Weston. This breed is known for its deeply devoted nature and desire to be with its human family as much as possible. Westons often follow their owners from room to room, keeping a watchful eye on their activities and hopping into their laps whenever the chance arises.

Despite their small size, Westons have big hearts brimming with love to share. They adore snuggling and being petted, and will happily spend hours curled up next to you on the couch. Touch is very important to this breed—they crave physical connection with their favorite people. In fact, Westons can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods without enough mental and physical stimulation.

But don‘t be fooled by the Weston‘s cuddly exterior—this dog also has an active, playful side. Especially as puppies and young adults, Westons are lively little bundles of energy who love a good game of fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek. They often retain a puppy-like enthusiasm and zest for life well into their golden years.

The Weston‘s friendly, easy-going nature shines through in social situations. When properly socialized from a young age, they typically get along well with respectful children and other dogs. They tend to be more tolerant of poking and prodding than some small breeds, but it‘s still important to supervise interactions with very young kids. Westons can be good watchdogs, barking to alert you of approaching strangers, but they are not typically aggressive.

One potential challenge with the Weston temperament is its prey drive. Like its Westie ancestor, the Weston may have a strong instinct to chase small animals like squirrels, birds, and even cats. This doesn‘t mean it can‘t learn to coexist with other pets in the household, but early training and socialization are a must. A securely fenced yard (no underground electronic fences) and leashed walks are also important to keep your Weston safe.

Intelligence and Trainability

The Weston is a highly intelligent dog that‘s eager to please its humans, two qualities that make it very trainable. With a positive, reward-based approach, Westons can quickly learn basic obedience commands, house-training, and fun tricks. In fact, many Westons excel in canine sports like agility, obedience, and rally due to their sharp minds and desire to work closely with their handlers.

However, the Weston is not a "push-button dog" that will obey robotically. This breed has an independent streak (courtesy of its tenacious terrier side) and can be a bit stubborn at times, especially if it feels the training is boring or repetitive. The key is to keep sessions short, upbeat, and full of varied rewards like praise, petting, toys, and tasty treats. Harsh corrections will only damage your bond and potentially create fear or aggression.

Early socialization is also crucial for Westons, as it is for all dogs. Exposing your pup to a wide range of people, places, and situations from a young age will help them grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult. Proper socialization can prevent common behavior problems like excessive barking, separation anxiety, and fearfulness down the road.

One area where Westons may need extra training is with house-training, as small breeds are notoriously challenging in this department. Crate training can be a very helpful tool for preventing accidents and establishing a regular potty routine. Just be sure to use the crate judiciously and never leave your Weston confined for longer than it can comfortably hold its bladder (an hour per month of age, plus one).

Exercise Needs

For a small dog, the Weston has a fairly high energy level and requires a moderate amount of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. According to a 2019 study by the University of Liverpool, small dog breeds (under 22 pounds) need an average of 43.2 minutes of exercise per day. For the Weston, this could be broken up into a few short walks and some active playtime.

In addition to physical exercise, Westons also need plenty of mental stimulation to keep their quick minds engaged. This could include puzzle toys, learning new tricks, games of "find it" with hidden treats, or even simple obstacles courses set up in your living room or backyard. A bored Weston is prone to destructive behaviors like excessive chewing, barking, or digging.

As Westons mature, they tend to become calmer and more low-key. Many adult and senior Westons are content with a few short walks and some cuddle time on the couch. This makes them well-suited to apartment living, as long as they still get regular bathroom breaks and opportunities to stretch their legs.

However, it‘s important to note that Westons are not couch potatoes. They still need daily activity to maintain their physical and mental health. A yard is not strictly necessary, but access to a safe, enclosed space for off-leash play is ideal. If you enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking or camping, your Weston will likely be happy to accompany you as long as the weather is not too hot or cold for their coat type.

Grooming and Care

The Weston‘s lush, white coat is certainly beautiful, but it does require regular grooming to stay healthy and tangle-free. Plan to brush your Weston at least two to three times per week, using a slicker brush or metal comb to gently work through any knots or mats. Westons with curlier coats may need even more frequent brushing to prevent matting.

Baths every three to four weeks will help keep your Weston‘s coat clean and fluffy. Use a mild, dog-specific shampoo and be sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent skin irritation. Avoid getting water in your Weston‘s ears, as this can lead to infection. Towel dry or blow dry on a low, cool setting to prevent chilling.

Most Weston owners opt to have their dog‘s coat trimmed by a professional groomer every couple of months. This helps maintain the breed‘s signature rounded, fluffy teddy bear look. The hair around the eyes, ears, paws, and sanitary areas may need more frequent trimming to keep your Weston comfortable and tidy.

Like the Coton de Tulear and many other small companion breeds, the Weston sheds very minimally and is considered hypoallergenic. In a 2012 study of Coton de Tulear allergen levels, researchers found that the breed produced significantly less of the Can f 1 allergen (a common trigger for dog allergies) than other dogs. While no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic, the Weston is a good choice for mild allergy sufferers.

In addition to coat care, Westons also need regular nail trims, ear cleanings, and dental care. Aim to clip your Weston‘s nails every two to four weeks, or as needed to prevent overgrowth. Check the ears weekly for signs of redness, odor, or excessive wax, and clean with a dog-specific ear cleaner if necessary. Daily tooth brushing with a soft-bristled brush and dog toothpaste is ideal, but even a few times per week can help prevent dental disease.

Health and Lifespan

The Weston is generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of 13 to 15 years. However, like all dogs, it can be prone to certain inherited health conditions. According to the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC), the most common health issues in the Coton de Tulear and West Highland White Terrier include:

• Hip dysplasia: abnormal development of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis and lameness
• Patellar luxation: dislocation of the kneecap that can cause pain and limping
• Eye disorders: such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and dry eye
• Allergies: both environmental and food-related
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease: degeneration of the femoral head in the hip joint
• Craniomandibular osteopathy: a painful condition affecting the skull bones in puppies
• White shaker dog syndrome: a neurological disorder causing tremors and unsteadiness

While not all of these conditions have been reported in Westons, it‘s important for potential owners to be aware of the health risks associated with the parent breeds. Choosing a responsible breeder who health tests their breeding stock can help minimize the chances of inheriting these issues.

To keep your Weston healthy throughout its life, provide a high-quality diet, regular exercise, and preventive veterinary care. This includes annual check-ups, vaccines, parasite prevention, and dental cleanings as recommended by your vet. Spaying or neutering your Weston can also help prevent certain cancers and behavioral issues.

Fun Facts About the Weston

• The Coton de Tulear, one of the Weston‘s parent breeds, gets its name from the port city of Tulear in Madagascar and its coat‘s resemblance to cotton (coton in French).

• The West Highland White Terrier was originally called the Poltalloch Terrier, after the Scottish estate where it was developed. The name was changed in 1908 to reflect the breed‘s Highland origins.

• In the 1990s, a Westie named Gidget was the mascot for Black & White Scotch whisky, appearing in a popular series of print ads and commercials.

• Celebrities who have owned Westies include Doris Day, Alfred Hitchcock, and Whoopi Goldberg. Betty White reportedly had a Coton de Tulear named Pontiac.

• The Coton de Tulear is known for its unique "dancing" gait, where it appears to bounce on its hind legs as it walks. Some Westons may inherit this endearing trait.

Is the Weston Right for You?

As a veterinarian and dog lover, I believe the Weston is a wonderful companion animal for the right person or family. Its affectionate nature, playful spirit, and hypoallergenic coat make it well-suited to many different lifestyles and living situations.

However, no dog is perfect for everyone. Before bringing a Weston into your life, consider whether you can provide:

• Plenty of time for daily walks, playtime, and cuddles (Westons thrive on human interaction)
• A safe, enclosed area for off-leash exercise and bathroom breaks
• Regular grooming and veterinary care to maintain the breed‘s fluffy coat and overall health
• Positive, reward-based training and socialization from an early age
• A home environment without very small pets that may trigger the Weston‘s prey drive

If you can meet the Weston‘s needs for companionship, exercise, grooming, and training, you‘ll be rewarded with a loyal, loving, and entertaining best friend for life. As one Weston owner gushed to me, "My dog is the light of my life. He‘s always happy to see me, makes me laugh every day, and gives the best cuddles. I can‘t imagine my life without him."

While the Weston may not be as well-known as some other designer dogs, I believe this breed is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered by more dog lovers. With its teddy bear looks, vivacious personality, and devotion to its family, the Weston is sure to steal your heart. If you‘re lucky enough to welcome one of these special dogs into your life, get ready for years of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories.