French West Highlander

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French West Highlander

14-20 lbs

10-11"

Unknown

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French Bulldog

West Highland White Terrier

French Westie, Westie Frenchie

A French West Highlander is a cross between a French Bulldog and a West Highland White Terrier. It is a friendly and compact companion dog. This breed is moderately active, but enjoys playing with other people, dogs, as well as chew toys. Its lifespan is average for small breeds between 9 and 14 years. Full grown, French West Highlanders typically weigh between 14 and 22 pounds and grow to be between 10 to 16 inches tall. French West Highlanders look a lot like their Terrier ancestors, but they retain the French Bulldog signature “bat ears”. Proud and full of punch, this hybrid is ready for anything.

Purpose
Companion


Date of Origin
Unknown


Ancestry
French Bulldog, West Highland White Terrier

French West Highlander Health

Average Size

Height: 11-12 inches Weight: 16-22 lbs

Height: 10-11 inches Weight: 14-20 lbs

Major Concerns

Inguinal Hernias
Pulmonic Stenosis
Copper Toxicosis
Addison's Disease
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Skeletal/Joint Conditions

Minor Concerns

Hypothyroidism
Atopic Dermatitis
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Eye Conditions (Cataracts, Lens Luxation)

Occasional Diagnoses

Entropion
Demodicosis

Occasional Tests

Physical Examination
Biopsy
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Hormone Analysis
Cardiac Test
Clinical Exam
Heart Analysis
Chelation Treatment

French West Highlander Breed History

The French West Highlander gets its name from its parent breeds: the French Bulldog or “Frenchie” and the West Highland White Terrier or “Westie”. The Westie originated in Scotland during the time of King James I and was bred to hunt fox, badgers, and vermin. The breed was known by other names, such as White Scottish, Little Skye, Cairn, and Roseneath. In fact, it was registered by the AKC as the Roseneath in 1908. The next year, the name was changed to the West Highland White Terrier and has been a popular pet and show dog ever since. The French Bulldog, originated from English breeders who bred the English Bulldog down in size to create a “toy” version in the late 1700s. During the Industrial Revolution, English men and women moved to France and they took their toy Bulldogs along for the journey. These dogs were a hit among the middle-classes and the French eventually standardized the breed, phasing out the English Bulldog’s exaggerated under bite. Americans tourists also fell in love with these little dogs and began bringing them to the United States. There, breeders propagated the breed’s “bat” ear, resulting in the French Bulldogs we know today. The French Bulldog was recognized by the AKC in 1898 and continues to be a favorite in the United States, United Kingdom, and France to this day.

French West Highlander Breed Appearance

French West Highlanders look very much like a compact Terrier breed. They do, however, inherit the French Bulldog “bat” ears and short, rounded body. This breed grows to be between 14 and 22 pounds and 10 to 12 inches tall. Its coat is a compromise between its two parent breeds. It is medium-length, straight, and rough like a Westie coat, but comes in multicolor combinations of white, fawn, or cream with possible brindle pattern and ticked markings, like a Frenchie coat. French West Highlanders have inquisitive expressions with medium, almond shaped, and dark brown eyes. Their legs are straight and relatively short with moderately sized feet and compact toes.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

White

Cream

Brindle

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

French West Highlander Breed Maintenance

French West Highlanders are not completely hypoallergenic, but they do produce less allergens due to the hair-like coat that they inherit from their Westie parent. They are fairly low maintenance, although some owners occasionally strip (also known as “plucking”) and clip their dogs’ medium-length coats to keep them neat and shiny. Additionally, French West Highlanders should have their nails clipped once a month and their teeth brushed once a day. Owners should bathe their French West Highlander no more than once a month – otherwise they risk drying out the dog’s already rough coat. Finally, this breed’s “bat” ears should be checked regularly for wax buildup to avoid infection.

Brushes for French West Highlander

Comb

Clipper

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

French West Highlander Temperament

French West Highlanders are generally happy, playful, and alert pets. They come from two very smart breeds, which means they can be stubborn at times. As such, strict and consistent obedience training – particularly at a young age – is important for this breed. Nonetheless, these little dogs are bursting with spunky personalities and love for people. They are good with children, but may need supervision around other dogs, especially furry “strangers”. Though this breed is very loyal to its owners, it can be surprisingly independent. Consequently, owners do not need to worry about showering French West Highlanders with constant attention. As a result, these dogs can work well with busy families whose schedules require coming and going throughout the day. Nonetheless, when French West Highlanders are feeling social, they will be very affectionate and initiate playtime with whomever is around them. Even though this breed is relatively independent, it still needs regular exercise and attention to stay happy and healthy!

French West Highlander Activity Requirements

French West Highlanders come from one high energy breed and one low energy breed. As a result, they fall right in the middle regarding energy and activity requirements. In fact, snoozing and gnawing on chew toys might be some of this breed’s favorite activities. As such, French West Highlanders are well suited to both apartment and urban living. When they are not relaxing the day away, French West Highlanders do enjoy moderate walks, casual romps in the park, or playing indoors with their owners. Note that this breed should not be over-exercised in hot temperatures, but they will generally do well in all types of climates. When it comes to serving this breed’s exercise needs, moderation is key.

Activity Level

Low
Medium
High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
6 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to French West Highlander

Similarly Sized Breeds to French West Highlander

French West Highlander Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00

Written by Kathleen Egger

Published: 10/30/2017, edited: 02/24/2021

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