While the West Highland White Terrier isn’t the most popular dog, there are several mixes out there that could make great pets for the right family. Their characteristic white coat makes them incredibly photogenic, and despite their size, they are far from toy dogs.
Most breeders do not specialize in these rarer hybrids. However, they can be found at many local animal shelters and rescues. If you’re looking for an adorable mixed breed, one of these breeds may be perfect for you.
The 17 West Highland White Terrier Mixes
1. Westie Chihuahua Mix (West Highland White Terrier x Chihuahua)
Also known as the “Chestie,” this mix is between a West Highland White Terrier and a Chihuahua. Since these dogs are often similarly sized, this is one of the more common hybrids on this list. They are usually smaller than your average Westie and weigh anywhere from 5 to 10 pounds. They can have floppy ears or even partially floppy ears. They can have a short or a long coat of varying textures.
Chesties are often described as affectionate, but they can also be one-person dogs. Many love to cuddle, but only with their people. They can make good companions to smaller families without small children, as Chihuahuas don’t do well with tiny, energetic children. They can also be a bit demanding.
2. Cairland Terrier (West Highland White Terrier x Cairn Terrier)
When you mix a Westie with a Cairn Terrier, this is what you end up with. This breed can weigh anywhere between 13 and 21 pounds. They are often compact and muscular, so they tend to weigh more than many may realize. They are quite fuzzy with a dense undercoat. Their wide-set eyes are often accented further with prominent eyebrows, though this varies from dog to dog.
This breed has a strong personality and is wildly self-confident. They are not afraid of anything, which also means their chance of aggression is relatively low. They can be a bit stubborn and aren’t the easiest dog to train for this reason. They are quite active and known for digging.
3. Westipoo (West Highland White Terrier x Poodle)
Poodle mixes are all the rave and the Westipoo is no different. This mixed breed can vary widely depending on the size of the Poodle used. They are usually 20–30 pounds. They may have a Poodle-like coat or be much scruffier. It just depends on the traits that they inherit. They are often described as teddy bears, though you could say that about many of these mixed breeds.
They may be low shedding or shed profusely; it depends on the genes. Don’t get this dog if you’re looking for something hypoallergenic, as there is no way to know if this dog will shed excessively or not.
These dogs are brilliant and people pleasing, which makes them easy to train. However, they also require regular mental stimulation. They often require quite a bit of physical exercise, so they are best for active families.
4. Weshi (West Highland White Terrier x Shih Tzu)
The West Shih Tzu mix is often closer to a lapdog than a full-blooded Westie. They typically like to lay around in their people’s laps, though many are also high energy. They usually require less exercise than a Westie but more exercise than a Shih Tzu. They are affectionate with their people and quite friendly. They enjoy being the center of attention, but many are calm and well-behaved when indoors.
They aren’t always best with children due to their smaller size. They are often fearful of being injured by children, which can cause fear-based aggression. Supervision is required, as rambunctious children can harm this dog quite easily.
Usually, this breed only weighs about 16–20 pounds. They may be any number of colors and have varying types of fur.
5. Wauzer (West Highland White Terrier x Schnauzer)
Besides their hilarious name, the Westie Schnauzer mix has quite a bit going for it. They are often outgoing and friendly dogs. They love people, including strangers and family members alike. They are perfect if you’re looking for an active dog that will also pay you plenty of attention. Many will ask for attention from just about everyone, including strangers.
They are active, so a bit of daily exercise is required. These dogs love to take part in just about anything, as long as their humans are also involved. They can get along with children as long as they are supervised. They are small enough to be injured, which can lead to aggression and fear.
6. Westie Bichon Frise Mix (West Highland White Terrier x Bichon Frise)
The Wee-Chon is an adorable mixed breed. The Westie Bichon mix often weigh around 15 pounds, though this does vary quite a bit because they are a mixed breed. They are typically either black or white, though other colors are possible. westie bichon mix
They are generally playful and lovable dogs. They enjoy going on walks with their owners and snuggling on the couch. They are usually gentle with children and make great dogs for seniors. They’re loyal and straightforward, without any apparent health problems. They are intelligent enough to learn most commands and are reliable when it comes to performing them.
They are usually cheerful but can be a bit aloof if not socialized properly. These dogs need to be introduced to many different people and animals at a young age. Otherwise, they can be a bit fearful.
7. Bostie (West Highland White Terrier x Boston Terrier)
The Westie Boston Terrier mix usually weighs around 14–20 pounds. They have dense coats that can shed quite a bit and often come in many different colors.
Generally, this West Highland White Terrrier mix is social and friendly. They enjoy attention of all sorts, even from strangers. Socialization is recommended, of course, but they often get along fine with people either way. They are great family pets for this reason, especially if you have many people coming in and out of your home.
These independent dogs don’t always train efficiently. They can be stubborn and truthfully, aren’t the most intelligent dog out there. However, they also aren’t prone to many behavioral problems, so they often don’t need much strict training.
8. Westie Yorkie Mix (West Highland White Terrier x Yorkshire Terrier)
As these are both popular small dogs, the Westie Yorkie Mix is one of the most common hybrids on this list. These dogs are often energetic and alert. They can be pretty noisy and aren’t your stereotypical lapdog. They need a bit of exercise but also prefer to be around their people. If you’re looking for a small dog to carry around on your adventures, this is an excellent option for you.
They are playful and can be great with children. They are best with older kids, though, as smaller children tend to be a bit too rough for their smaller size. They should be socialized and always supervised when smaller kids are present.
9. Cavestie (West Highland White Terrier x Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)
This mixed breed is a cross between a Westie and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are often referred to as a Cavestie. This smaller, sturdier dog is often heavier than you would expect. Their fur can be either wavy or straight and may have a silky texture. They come in all sorts of different colors, including white, brown, and black. They can have patterns of color, but most of the time, they are solid.
They are quite intelligent, but this doesn’t necessarily make them trainable. They can also be considerably stubborn and weren’t bred to listen to people. They are loyal to their families, but they are also readily accepting of strangers. They are well-behaved indoors and are suitable for apartments as long as their needs are met. They can be a bit energetic. However, many are lapdogs at heart.
10. Westie Maltese Mix (West Highland White Terrier x Maltese)
The Highland Maltie is an exciting dog. They can have the short, wiry fur of a Westie or the silky fur of a Maltese. Some may have fur that is somewhere in the middle. Often, these dogs are somewhere between a feisty terrier and a lovable lapdog. Where exactly each dog falls on this line varies, though. You never know exactly what you’re going to get when working with mixed breeds.
They are often confident dogs, though they do need socialization to be accepting of larger dogs. They also have a prey drive, which makes them unsuitable for homes with cats and similar pets. They aren’t the best with smaller children, either, as they tend to be a bit skittish. If they feel cornered, they may bite out of fear.
11. Havanestie (West Highland White Terrier x Havanese)
The Havanestie has a Westie parent and a Havanese parent. They are known for being affectionate and a bit active. They do require exercise, though they aren’t as hyperactive as some other breeds. They can be great with children, though smaller children can injure them due to their smaller size. Their high intelligence makes them easy to train, and they are typically not prone to the stubbornness that can affect other breeds.
They are typically gentle and affectionate, though they will also enjoy running around quite a bit. These dogs often enjoy playtime of all sorts, which makes them best suited for moderately active families. Larger families are best for them, as they thrive when a lot is going on.
12. Westie Pug Mix (West Highland White Terrier x Pug)
When you mix a Westie with a Pug, you get what some people call a “Pugland.” These dogs are often more companion animals than anything. They are affectionate and friendly with just about anyone, though they can be a bit hyperactive. They often get along just fine with other dogs, though their prey drive may be too high to trust them with smaller animals like cats and rabbits. They aren’t the most intelligent dog but they are quite people pleasing. This means they’ll reliably follow commands once they learn them—as long as their attention isn’t devoted elsewhere.
They can have more health problems than many other dogs, primarily because of their Pug blood. If their face is squished, they can have problems breathing. Dogs with very screwed tails often also have back problems.
13. Silky Terrier Westie Mix (West Highland White Terrier x Silky Terrier)
This mixed breed is enthusiastic and energetic. Since they are 100% terrier, they tend to be quite hyperactive and need plenty of exercise. They thrive on long walks and adventures with their people. They will cuddle, but typically only after they have been worn out. These dogs tend to be attached to their people and cannot be left alone for extended periods.
They are quite intelligent, but they also have a mind of their own. It isn’t odd for them to completely ignore commands and do what they think is best. They make great pets for children due to their fearless and energetic nature. They are rarely fearful of children, especially if they are socialized with them at a young age.
These dogs usually weigh between 15 and 20 pounds.
14. Scotland Terrier (West Highland White Terrier x Scottish Terrier)
The Scotland Terrier is a mix between a Westie and a Scottish Terrier. They are often exceptionally energetic with a strong prey drive. They are not suitable for homes with cats and other small pets for this reason. They will chase just about anything that seems to be running away, including butterflies and plastic bags.
They tend to be aloof compared to other mixed breeds on this list. They often aren’t automatically friendly toward strangers and need socialization when they are younger to ensure that they don’t develop territorial tendencies. Of course, some dogs aren’t territorial at all but others are. You never really know what you’re getting with a mixed breed.
Their coat may either be wiry or hard. It usually has a soft undercoat that can grow quite thick in some environments. They should not be shaved, as this can mess with their ability to regulate their body temperature. They are usually black, but some do have white markings.
15. Westie Lhasa Apso Mix (West Highland White Terrier x Lhasa Apso)
When you cross a Lhasa Apso with a Westie, you typically get a laidback dog. They fit better into the lapdog category than other dogs on this list. They are usually relatively calm and easy-going, which makes them suitable pets for busy families. However, they can also be possessive and aloof toward strangers if they are not socialized properly. Some can feel threatened quite easily by the presence of unknown people or animals.
This West Highland White Terrrier mix is decently intelligent but they can also be quite stubborn. This often leads to them learning commands rather quickly but not listening when the time comes. They are well-known for performing great during the training class and then acting like they were never trained afterward.
They are around 20 pounds in most cases and come in many different colors. They are solidly built, so many are short and stocky.
16. Westimo (West Highland White Terrier x American Eskimo)
A Westie mixed with an American Eskimo is often shortened to a “Westimo.” These dogs are often exceptionally energetic, with a strong prey drive and high intelligence. They can learn just about any command and are generally people pleasing enough to listen during real-life situations. They do need mental stimulation and exercise, though. We only recommend them for owners with plenty of time on their hands, as they require quite a bit of upkeep.
They tend to be completely white and have varying degrees of fluff. Some are highly fluffy and require extensive grooming, while others may look more like a Westie. Many of these dogs look like overly fuzzy Westies.
17. Westie Beagle Mix (West Highland White Terrier x Beagle)
This mixed breed is often incredibly adorable. They are often called the West of Argyll Terrier. They may inherit the pointy ears of a Westie or the floppy ears of a Beagle. Sometimes, they even have ears that are in between. They can come in all sorts of different colors and patterns. Some are rather fluffy, but others have the short hair of the Beagle.
They can be a bit larger than most of the mixed breeds in this article, sometimes reaching up to 25 pounds. They tend to be quite friendly and accepting of almost everyone. While they are smaller, they are solidly built and patient, which makes them suitable for homes with children. They are less likely to be injured by or fearful of small children. Often, they go with the flow.
They have an extremely high prey drive and a great nose. They can find scent trails just about anywhere, so they cannot be trusted off-leash unless inside a secure area. They can also be quite stubborn, as they weren’t bred to follow people or listen to commands. They require plenty of patience during training.
Conclusion
Here are 17 great West Highland White Terrier mixes. Most of these dogs are likely going to be found in shelters, which means you can get a healthy dog at an affordable price. Whichever one you choose, make sure to learn everything that you can about the two parent breeds so you can understand your mixed dog a bit better.
See Also:
- Male vs. Female West Highland White Terriers: What Are the Differences?
- Weston (Coton de Tulear and Westie Mix)
Featured Image Credit: BIGANDT.COM, Shutterstock
The 17 West Highland White Terrier Mixes
