West Highland Terrier Yorkie Mix: A Complete Care Package

The West Highland Terrier Yorkie Mix is a delightful and energetic companion that requires careful attention to thrive. They typically weigh between 7-15 pounds and stand 6-10 inches tall at the shoulder.

To ensure your Westie Yorkie gets enough exercise, aim for at least 30 minutes of playtime and walks per day. This can include short bursts of playtime in the morning and evening, as well as a longer walk in the middle of the day.

Their coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, with daily brushing and occasional trimming necessary to maintain their signature look.

The Westie x Yorkie is a lively and energetic mix that's perfect for families with older kids. They can be quite noisy, so be prepared for some barking.

They need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. This doesn't have to be a lot, but a daily walk and playtime will keep them entertained.

These dogs are social animals and love to be around their people. They make great companions for families who want a small dog to join them on adventures.

They're best with older kids, as smaller children can be too rough for their smaller size. Always supervise interactions between kids and your Westie x Yorkie.

The West Highland Terrier Yorkie mix is a delightful companion, and here's some quick information to get you started.

They're also known as Yorkie West, West Highland Yorkie, or Westie Yorkie Mix.

Their coat is dense, thick, harsh, and rough, making them a low-maintenance grooming option.

You can expect a variety of colors, including black, dark brown/chocolate, golden/light brown, white/cream, gray, brindle, merle, and spotted.

This crossbreed falls under the Terrier and Toy breed categories.

On average, they live for 12-15 years, which is a decent lifespan for a small dog.

They typically weigh between 12-15 pounds, making them a great choice for apartment living.

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Standing at around 9 inches tall, they're a small but mighty companion.

One of the best things about the West Highland Terrier Yorkie mix is their minimal shedding, making them a great choice for those with allergies.

Their temperament is a perfect blend of affectionate, cheerful, independent, loyal, and alert, making them a great addition to any family.

As a hypoallergenic breed, they're a great choice for those who want a dog that won't trigger allergies.

They're also great with children, making them a wonderful family pet.

Occasional barking is to be expected, but with proper training, they can learn to be quiet on command.

The West Highland Terrier Yorkie mix originated in the USA, and they're recognized by several registries, including the DDKC, DRA, DBR, ACHC, and IDCR.

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The West Highland Terrier Yorkie mix is a friendly and affectionate companion that bonds well with its human family, often enriching them with its silly antics.

It's essential to have adult supervision when this mix is around younger children, as it won't accept rough handling, including pulling on its tails and ears.

This mix is true to its terrier heritage and can be quite suspicious of strangers, making it an excellent watchdog.

Its self-confidence and natural inquisitiveness, inherited from its parent breeds, also make it a curious and engaging companion.

As a mixed breed, West Highland Terrier Yorkie mixes are often healthier than other dogs due to their wider gene pool, making it less likely they'll inherit rare genetic conditions.

This breed is prone to patellar luxation, a condition where the knee cap doesn't fit into the knee correctly, most common in smaller dogs.

Smaller dogs like this mix are also at risk for tracheal collapse, which can cause difficulty breathing and often requires surgery to correct.

Portosystemic shunt is a genetic condition that can be avoided with proper health testing, and it occurs when the large vein that carries blood to the liver doesn't flow correctly.

Craniomandibular osteopathy is a bone disease that affects specific bones in a growing dog's skull, and it can cause bone lesions that lead to various problems.

Seborrhea is a skin condition that causes the cornification of the outer layer of skin, leading to excessive oiliness and inflammation.

A fresh viewpoint: Are Westie Dogs Hypoallergenic

Grooming is a must for your West Highland Terrier Yorkie mix, as their coat can vary widely depending on their parents' genetics. Some dogs may require more maintenance than others.

You'll need to brush their coat every other day with a slicker brush or firm bristle brush, as their dense coat sheds a lot and mats can occur. Regular brushing will also help remove excess dirt and dust.

Mats can be a problem in some dogs, depending on the texture of their fur, so be prepared to brush them more often than you'd expect. This breed isn't exactly low-maintenance, but with regular brushing, you can keep their coat under control.

You may need to invest in a professional groomer a few times a year, but this will vary from dog to dog. Some dogs will require more professional grooming than others.

Bathing is not a frequent task, especially if you keep up with a regular brushing routine. If you do need to bathe them, use shampoo for sensitive skin, as some dogs are prone to skin conditions.

Trimming their nails and brushing their teeth are also essential tasks to keep your dog healthy. Regular dental care can help prevent periodontal disease, which is a serious issue in smaller dogs.

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When it comes to the West Highland Terrier Yorkie mix, their food and diet requirements are relatively straightforward. They don't eat more than 1-1½ cups of food each day, so be mindful of their portion sizes.

Choose high-quality dog food with real meat instead of chicken or beef meal, and avoid artificial flavors and colors. This will ensure your pup is getting the nutrients they need.

Healthy human foods can be included as snacks to supplement their nutrient intake between meals. Look for small kibble pieces to make eating easy for your pet.

Training can be a bit of a challenge with this breed, so it's best to assume they'll be stubborn at times. This will help you prepare for classes and socialization.

Regular training and socialization are crucial for this breed, especially since they can be wary of strangers. Puppy classes are highly recommended to help them get the basics down and socialize with other dogs.

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Training with this breed requires a thoughtful approach. Some dogs are devoted to their families and listen well, but others can be stubborn and independent.

It's essential to assume your dog will be difficult to train, so you can prepare them for classes early on. This breed is most adaptable during puppyhood, making early training crucial.

Puppy classes are highly recommended, as they help dogs learn basic training and socialization skills. Classes with other dogs provide a great opportunity for socialization, which is vital for this breed.

Socialization is key, and without it, these dogs may view others as threats. Focusing on socialization will help your dog get along better with others.

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When choosing food for your little dog, consider their small stomach size and opt for high-quality ingredients, aiming for 1-1½ cups of food per day.

Choose food with real meat instead of chicken or beef meal, and avoid artificial flavors, colors, and other ingredients.

Healthy human foods can be a great supplement to their nutrient intake between meals, but make sure to introduce them gradually and in moderation.

For small breed dogs, a food designed specifically for their size can be beneficial, even if they don't have special dietary requirements.

Following the feeding instructions on the back of the bag is crucial to prevent obesity, as even a pound can make them more prone to health problems.

Their small mouths can make it difficult to handle larger kibble pieces, so look for a brand with smaller pieces to make mealtime easier for them.