Many people haven’t heard of a Westie and Shih Tzu mix, mostly because it’s a slightly rare designer dog breed. However, with their growing popularity, more households are falling in love with their feisty and adorable personalities.
If you’re searching for the perfect dog breed that has a loving and playful nature, this is one of the best ones to consider.
Learning more about your Weshi, such as knowing the best treats and pet products to buy, can help you to bond with your new pet. We highly recommend looking into the top recommendations for Westies and Weshis alike.
The History of the Weshi
Weshis are a fantastic pet than can breathe life into your family, as their happy and bubbly personalities are sure to bring a smile to your face daily. Combining the sociable Shih Tzu and the energetic Westie, they have all of the best features of both parents.
What makes this breed so unique is that both kinds are from two very different countries. West Highland Terriers are known for their history reaching back to the Scottish Highlands. Initially, their main job was to assist villagers and farmers with hunting foxes, rabbits, and other small animals. They were also the perfect companions for tracking down vermin, attributing to their high-energy personalities that we know today.
Shih Tzus have a somewhat mystical history, as they are sometimes referred to as the oldest dog breed. As one of the favorite dogs of the Chinese Imperial Court during the Tang Dynasty, Shih Tzus are often referred to as royalty and lived rather wealthy lives. Today, they are some of the best companions you could ask for.
What Is the Weshi’s Personality?
Once your dog has been adequately socialized, you’ll love how amicable your Weshi will be towards strangers, children, and other pets. After training with the best dog treats for training, they are remarkably friendly in dog parks and public; however, they are known to be confrontational when around dogs of the same sex.
Similar to other small dog breeds, Weshis are likely to never back down from a fight, which is something to target with training.
The most beneficial aspect of their personality is that they are quite receptive to training, especially with their high levels of intelligence. You’ll be able to socialize your pet, as well as teach them about patience and calmness, especially around children.
If you know your kids are prone to invade the space of your Weshi, supervised playtime is ideal. As soon as your Weshi is comfortable in your home, you’ll see all of its best traits, including charisma and friendliness.
The Health of a Weshi
The health of your dog is an essential factor to consider so that you can give them the highest quality of life possible. This breed of Westie isn’t prone to as many illnesses as other hybrids, but there are still a few ailments to be aware of.
Weshis may occasionally be diagnosed with distichiasis, entropion, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. A few minor health concerns also include ear infections, allergies, hip dysplasia, reverse sneezing, and dental problems.
The vast majority of these issues can be prevented and remedied relatively easily. For example, regular ear and eye inspections and cleaning can help to prevent infections.
In terms of the more severe health issues Weshis may or may not experience, your veterinarian will keep an eye out for patellar luxation, eye problems, kidney problems, brachycephalic syndrome, craniomandibular osteopathy, Legg-Calve Perthes disease, and liver problems.
What Does a Weshi Look Like?
Every Weshi is different, which is what makes them a fantastic hybrid to consider. They have multiple coat colors that always make them unique against the rest of the litter. Some Weshis may have cream, gray, or black coats, while others may have brown or white coats.
On average, their coat length falls between medium and long with a medium-density thickness. You’ll surely fall in love with the wavy texture of their coat, which truly captures their personality. Their wavy texture is sure to contribute to their muscular limbs, creating a fuller appearance, while their actual body is quite petite.
Compared to Shih Tzus, Weshis have far less hair, primarily as West Highland terriers are known to be a hypoallergenic breed. Even though they may look small, this breed has a lot of power behind its frame because they are incredibly nimble and agile.
How to Maintain a Weshi
The best thing you can do for your Weshi is to take the time to schedule regular grooming sessions, as this will ensure their coats stay healthy and clean. However, you can also do plenty of maintenance at home with the right tools.
Every owner should at least have a pin brush, comb, de-shedder, and nail clipper at their disposal to deal with their weekly brushings.
It’s important to note that Weshis will shed moderately, but their hair might not aggravate the allergies of pet parents, depending on how much Westie they have in them. You’ll also appreciate how this breed isn’t known for its excessive drool, and they maintain a fresh and clean smell.
Tips for Exercising Your Weshi
Most Westies can seem intimidating for families that aren’t prepared to put a lot of time and effort into exercising their dogs. However, as Weshis have Shih Tzu in them, you can guarantee they require far less daily exercise than their other hybrid counterparts.
On average, your Weshi will need up to 30 minutes of exercise each day, which can quickly be done with a walk. It is quite essential that your dog is socialized, too, which is why it can be a good idea to take them to the dog park once trained.
However, until then, it’s best if they have supervised playtime with neighboring pets due to their initial territorial temperament. You can also make the most out of exercising them at home with agility training and toys.
If you’re someone who doesn’t have access to a backyard, this breed is a great option as well. Due to its need for low activity, you’ll find that Weshis do quite well in apartments and smaller living spaces. However, they still need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day to prevent destructive behaviors from boredom.
Westie and Shih Tzu Mix: Final Thoughts
A Westie and Shih Tzu mix can be a fantastic addition to your family if you want a pet with a moderate amount of energy and a feisty personality. With all of the most elegant, regal, friendly, and charismatic traits of their parents, this is one of the most fun Westie hybrids.
