West Highland Corgi
The West Highland Corgi is a cross between the West Highland White Terrier and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a West Highland Corgi. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
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.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a low-set, strong, and sturdily built herding dog that combines substantial bone with surprising athleticism in a compact frame. Standing 10 to 12 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 25 and 30 pounds for males and 23 to 28 pounds for females, they are built for endurance rather than speed. Their distinctive silhouette features a long body relative to their height, with short, powerful legs that were developed for herding cattle by nipping at their heels while dodging kicks. Despite their low stature, Pembrokes should never appear delicate or weak, instead projecting an impression of stamina and capability in a small space. The Pembroke's weatherproof double coat is medium length and straight, lying flat against the body with a slightly thicker and longer ruff around the neck, chest, and shoulders. The undercoat is dense and soft, providing insulation, while the outer coat has good texture without being harsh. Acceptable colors include red, sable, fawn, and black and tan, usually with white markings on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle, and underparts. Some white on the head and foreface is permissible. The breed sheds heavily, particularly during seasonal coat changes in spring and autumn, requiring regular brushing to manage loose hair. The head is distinctively fox-like in shape and appearance, with a moderately wide, flat skull and a tapered muzzle. The eyes are oval, medium-sized, and dark brown, conveying an intelligent and interested expression. Erect ears are medium-sized, tapering to a slightly rounded point, and are extremely mobile and expressive. Perhaps the most notable feature distinguishing Pembrokes from their Cardigan Welsh Corgi cousins is the naturally short or docked tail. Some Pembrokes are born with naturally short tails, while others have been traditionally docked, though this practice is now restricted in many countries. The breed standard calls for tails docked as short as possible without being indented.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Pembrokes are generally friendly and sociable with both people and other pets when properly socialized, though they retain strong herding instincts that may manifest as nipping at heels, particularly of running children. This behavior reflects their working heritage rather than aggression but requires redirection through training. They need substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related problems such as excessive barking, chewing, or digging. Without adequate activity, their intelligence and energy can lead to mischief. They adapt well to various living situations provided their exercise needs are met and are highly trainable for activities ranging from herding trials to agility to therapy work.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Eye conditions including progressive retinal atrophy, which causes gradual vision loss, and cataracts require monitoring through regular ophthalmologic examinations. Obesity poses a significant health risk for the breed, as Pembrokes have hearty appetites and a genetic tendency to gain weight easily. Excess weight puts additional strain on their long backs and short legs, exacerbating the risk of disc disease and joint problems. Other conditions seen in the breed include patent ductus arteriosus and other heart conditions in puppies, epilepsy, exercise-induced collapse, and dental disease. Recommended health testing includes hip evaluation, ophthalmologist examination, and genetic testing for degenerative myelopathy and von Willebrand's disease.
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 West Highland Corgi 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 West Highland White Terrier and Pembroke Welsh Corgi to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.