Weshi
The Weshi is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the West Highland White Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Weshi. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy toy breed with a surprisingly solid build beneath their flowing coat. Standing between 8 and 11 inches at the shoulder with an ideal height of 9 to 10.5 inches, they typically weigh between 9 and 16 pounds. Despite their compact size, these dogs are remarkably robust and should never appear delicate or spindly. Their body is slightly longer than tall, presenting a well-balanced silhouette with a level topline and a high-set tail that curves gracefully over the back, creating their characteristic elegant carriage. The breed's most striking feature is their luxurious double coat, which is long, dense, and flowing when properly maintained. All coat colors are acceptable and equally valued, including various shades of gold, white, black, silver, red, and brindle, often in striking combinations with white markings. The coat requires substantial grooming commitment, with daily brushing needed to prevent matting and maintain its characteristic appearance. Many pet owners opt for a shorter puppy cut for easier maintenance. The hair on the head is typically tied up in a topknot to keep it out of the eyes and enhance the breed's distinctive expression. The Shih Tzu's face is one of their most endearing features, often described as chrysanthemum-like due to the way hair grows outward from the nose. Their head is round and broad with a pronounced stop and a short, square muzzle measuring about one inch from the tip of the nose to the stop. The jaw structure features a distinctive underbite, which is actually required by the breed standard. Large, dark, round eyes set wide apart convey a warm, sweet, and trusting expression that has captivated admirers for centuries. Their ears are large and heavily coated, blending seamlessly into the head furnishings. The overall impression is of a proud, aristocratic companion with ancient Chinese imperial heritage.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament While intelligent, the Shih Tzu can display a stubborn streak when it comes to training. They respond best to gentle, patient, positive reinforcement methods and can become resistant if training feels like a chore rather than a game. Housetraining may take longer than with some other breeds and requires consistency and patience. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to various living situations, from apartments to houses with yards. They need daily walks and play sessions but are not demanding athletes. Perhaps their greatest potential drawback is their tendency toward separation anxiety, as they were bred to be constant companions and may become distressed when left alone for extended periods.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations The breed's prominent eyes, while endearing, are vulnerable to several conditions including proptosis where the eye partially dislodges from the socket due to shallow eye sockets, corneal ulcers from trauma or irritation, cherry eye involving prolapsed tear gland, progressive retinal atrophy, and cataracts. Eye injuries can occur easily, so owners should protect their Shih Tzu from potential hazards. Additional health concerns include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation where the kneecap slips out of position, umbilical hernias, and hypothyroidism. Regular veterinary checkups help catch these conditions early when treatment is most effective. Prospective owners should seek breeders who screen for hereditary conditions and can provide health clearances for breeding stock.
West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the Westie, is a small but sturdy terrier with a distinctive all-white coat and confident bearing. Standing 10 to 11 inches at the shoulder, with males typically at the higher end and females slightly shorter, they weigh between 13 and 22 pounds with males being heavier than females. The breed presents a compact, well-balanced appearance with substantial bone and muscle that belies their small size. Their body is slightly shorter than the height at withers, creating a squared-off silhouette that suggests both strength and agility. The Westie's pure white double coat is one of their most recognizable features. The outer coat is straight, hard, and weather-resistant, measuring approximately two inches in length, while the undercoat is soft, dense, and provides excellent insulation against harsh Scottish weather. This functional coat was developed to protect the breed while working in the rough terrain of the Scottish Highlands. Proper grooming maintains the coat's characteristic texture and includes regular brushing, hand-stripping for show dogs, or clipping for pet dogs. The coat sheds minimally but requires consistent care to prevent matting and maintain its bright white appearance. The head gives a round appearance when viewed from the front, achieved through careful grooming of the facial furnishings. Dark, almond-shaped eyes are set wide apart and convey an alert, intelligent expression that reflects the breed's keen terrier personality. Small, erect, pointed ears are set wide apart on the outer edge of the skull and are covered with short, velvety hair. The nose is large and black, providing a striking contrast to the white coat. The tail is relatively short, measuring five to six inches, shaped like a carrot, and carried jauntily upright but never curled over the back. Overall, the Westie projects cheerful confidence and hardy capability in a charming, compact package.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Westies have high energy levels and require substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and well-behaved. They enjoy walks, play sessions, and opportunities to explore, ideally including some off-leash time in secure areas. Their intelligence makes them capable learners, though their stubborn, independent streak means they may choose whether a command suits them before complying. Patient, consistent, positive training methods work best. While generally good with children when raised together, they may not tolerate rough handling from toddlers and are better suited to families with older, respectful children. Their prey drive makes them unreliable around small pets, and they can be territorial or assertive with other dogs, particularly those of the same sex.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations More serious conditions associated with the breed include pulmonary fibrosis, also called Westie lung disease, a progressive condition affecting breathing capacity. Craniomandibular osteopathy, sometimes called Westie jaw or lion's jaw, causes abnormal bone growth in the skull of puppies and typically resolves as the dog matures but can be painful during active phases. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of position, and hip dysplasia both occur in the breed. Eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca, commonly known as dry eye, require monitoring. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease affecting the hip joint and globoid cell leukodystrophy, a neurological condition, are also associated with the breed. Recommended health testing includes patella evaluation, hip evaluation, and ophthalmologist examination.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Weshi may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Shih Tzu and West Highland White Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.