Weshi

11-16 lbs
8-11"
United States
Shih Tzu
West Highland White Terrier
West Highland Tzu, Westie Tzu, Shih Tzu Westie Mix, and Westi Tzu
Weshis, also commonly known as Westie Tzus, are a friendly dog breed that result from mixing a West Highland White Terrier with a Shih Tzu. These breeds are somewhat common in the United States, where they are often mistaken for being a Westie themselves due to the amount of prominent physical features that they share with their West Highland parents. While Weshis were bred for the express purpose of serving as designer companions, their Westie parents were bred to hunt vermin. As such, many of these hybrids can learn to become adept vermin hunters, just like their Westie forefathers, if provided with the right training and exercise. Outgoing and affectionate, Weshis make for great companions who are comfortable living out in the countryside or in a big, bustling city.
purpose Purpose
Companion, Vermin Hunting
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
West Highland White Terrier, Shih Tzu

Weshi Health

Average Size
Male Weshi size stats
Height: 9-12 inches Weight: 16-21 lbs
Female Weshi size stats
Height: 8-11 inches Weight: 11-16 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Eye Problems
  • Kidney Problems
  • Brachycephalic Syndrome
  • Craniomandibular Osteopathy
  • Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
  • Liver Problems
Minor Concerns
  • Ear Infections
  • Allergies
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Reverse Sneezing
  • Dental Problems
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Entropion
  • Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
  • Distichiasis
Occasional Tests
  • Thyroid Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Skin Evaluation
  • Blood and Urine Tests

Weshi Breed History

Take the energy, fluffy coat, and charisma of a West Highland White Terrier and combine it with the poise, sociability and wind-swept fur of the Shih Tzu and you’ll get a lovable and outgoing Weshi bounding and barking about. Like most designer dogs, Weshis are relatively knew breeds who created for the express purpose of attempting to glean the most desirable traits from two well known parents into one creature. The Weshi's first parent, the West Highland White Terrier, has roots that stretch back to the 17th century Scottish Highlands. The West Highland Terrier, or Westie for short, is believed to have been bred in order to hunt vermin and assist in tracking down and capturing foxes, otters, and badgers. All these factors contribute to the more energetic and active aspects of this hybrid's character, as Weshis can also be taught to hunt small rats and the like if properly trained to do so. These traits also form an interesting dichotomy between the more regal and mythical background of the Weshi’s Shih Tzu parent. Many details of the Shih Tzu’s origins are steeped in mysticism and mystery, but what else might one expect when talking about one of the oldest dog breeds that are still alive and well? Shih Tzus where favored by the Chinese Imperial court back during the Tang Dynasty and, as such, as often viewed as royalty amongst the canine kingdom. All currently living Shih Tzus can also trace their origins back to the same group of 14 dogs that saved their breed from extinction, making Shih Tzus equal parts royalty and doggies of fortune. Weshis combine many of the traits of their parents and can be better understood by learning as much as one can about Westies and Shih Tzus.

Weshi Breed Appearance

Weshis are short and stout animals with pronounced, muscular limbs who have compact and petite frames. Weshis don’t have anywhere near as much hair as their Shih Tzu parents, causing them to resemble their West Highland White Terrier parents more from a general perspective. However, Weshis are differentiated from Westies in terms of the color of their coats; while West Highland White Terriers come in one eponymous color of the rainbow, Weshis can have a black, white, brown, tan, or mixed coat that immediately separates them from their Westy parent. This hybrid's compact and lithe frame grants it solid agility and guile, allowing these pups to be surprisingly nimble in bursts of energy. 

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Weshi eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Weshi nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
cream Weshi coat
Cream
gray Weshi coat
Gray
black Weshi coat
Black
white Weshi coat
White
brown Weshi coat
Brown
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Weshi wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Weshi Breed Maintenance

Weshis require regularly scheduled weekly grooming sessions in order to keep their coats healthy and clean. As Weshis can have medium length or even longer coats more akin to their Shih Tzu parents, prospective owners should be prepared to deal with a dog that sheds moderately. Weshis can also serve as great companions for those who’ve found themselves to be allergic to dogs, as this hybrid can be hypoallergenic and are very likely to not trigger any allergic responses in their human owners. Weshis also aren’t particularly regarded to be excessive droolers and their coats won’t retain that infamously pungent “dog smell” if the Weshi in question is adequately cared for.

Insuring your Weshi puppy as soon as “pawssible” is essential for preventing high vet care costs. Start comparing insurance plans from leading insurers like Healthy Paws and Embrace and save over $270 a year.

Brushes for Weshi
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Weshi requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Weshi Temperament

Weshis are perky, outgoing, friendly dogs that get along well with others once properly socialized. Following in the paw-steps of their West Highland White Terrier parents, Weshis can become aggressive and confrontational when in close proximity to dogs of the same sex, but they are are otherwise amiable pups who love to play and mingle with others. Weshis can be very receptive to training, as they are very intelligent dogs by nature, but they do not respond to harsh or intense training methods particularly well by any stretch of the imagination. Weshis, like Westies, will require time and patience in terms of training, so you’ll need an appropriately calm and patience demeanor to successful rear these hybrids. These versatile canines can learn to be great around kids and small children, but adult supervision is always recommended to prevent any unwanted biting or roughhousing from either party. All and all, these hybrids possess the exact temperament that a pup of its pedigree ought to have; friendliness, charisma, and sociability are the hallmarks of the Weshi.

Weshi Activity Requirements

While Weshis have inherited their more muscular frame from their West Highland White Terrier parents, they don’t really have any exceedingly strenuous needs in terms of how much physical activity they should get. A good 30 minute walk each day will cover a Weshi’s daily needs for physical activity and will keep them fit and fine as long as they are able to get their required amount of exercise on a regular and consistent basis. The Weshi’s comparatively low need for physical activity is one of the factors that makes them so adaptable to living in various environments, but they still need a set amount of time and space to get a solid workout.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
6 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Weshi Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1.8 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.80 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Weshi Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Weshi size stats at six months
Height: 5.5 inches Weight: 7.5 lbs
Female Weshi size stats at six months
Height: 5.0 inches Weight: 7.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Weshi size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.5 inches Weight: 12.5 lbs
Female Weshi size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 11.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Weshi size stats at 18 months
Height: 10.0 inches Weight: 15.0 lbs
Female Weshi size stats at 18 months
Height: 9.5 inches Weight: 13.0 lbs

Weshi Owner Experiences

Spaz Spaz
16 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Walking, playing, relaxing
Spaz has been an excellent campaign not only for myself but for my 5 children and our 2 other dogs. He’s so great with kids, pets of all kinds and strangers. He’s been a blessing to our family.
1 year, 8 months ago
Louie
9 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Louie is so awesome,he's my third child lol. He's very loyal and loves me as much as I love him.
6 years, 8 months ago
Francis (Frank) Meredith
24 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Frank is the best decision I ever made. He’s stubborn, which has made training more difficult from the moment I adopted him. But he’s VERY well behaved (I get compliments on how well he listens ALL the time). He’s very social, with the belief that every human and dog that passes wants to play with him... so training him to relax around strangers has been difficult. But, patience has been my best friend. Grooming is almost non-existent with Frank. I have a large apartment, and we go for 5 walks a day, so he gets enough exercise and doesn’t need much. He’s very affectionate and cuddly. He gets distressed when I am gone on longer trips, but not depressed. The one thing to be mindful of (not sure if this is across the board?) is that he tends to get carsick. My vet suggested that some smaller, braco dogs’ ears never fully develope... this may be true due to his getting carsick and NEVER wanting to be on his back.
6 years, 1 month ago
Marv
10 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Are Weshie has a short temper but can very loving but only on his terms. He is very playful possessive and sturbern he loves to chase small animals especially cats and rabbits
6 years ago
Mitzi
15 Months
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Go to Park
Tug-of-war
High Five
bone chewing
Mitzi is the best best dog ever! We adopted each other 3 months ago; she's a rescue from a local shelter. I've done DNA testing on her, and she's 49% shih-tzu, 35% westie. She is a bit shy around other dogs, but she absolutely loves people! She is very loveable and hugs and kisses are her specialty. She does have spurts of "insane" energy where she runs around the house like she's in a mad dash race! She loves her adopted kitty sister, and they "play-wrestle" and chase each other around the house. My cat just loves her! Mitzi doesn't seem to like to go outside much (although it has been cold weather since I adopted her, so I don't blame her for not wanting to go outside!) I've pee-pad trained her, and she has done wonderful with that. We also went to obedience training... she learned sit, stay, down, leave-it, and drop-it fairly easily. She walks on a leash really well; she never pulls. However, we didn't do well with "shake"; she'd rather give a high-five. Her paws are a don't-touch zone to her (which makes clipping nails a challenge!) Mitzi is truly a gift from God -- she is one of his masterpieces!
5 years, 10 months ago
Doug
4 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Tug-of-war
Doug can be pretty silly. He also has an older brother (Carl, a lab) they play really well together but he has been known to bite Carl's ankles and can sometimes be aggressive (i.e. growling and/or snapping) if he doesn't like something. Doug always lets me know when his food bowl is empty. Grooming is a problem. We have tried every kind of drug, groomers, etc. He really only lets me groom him. Overall, a good dog, wants to cuddle and he's pretty sure he should be allowed on the couch...
5 years, 4 months ago
Dagger
3 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking,
Roughhousing
Eating Snacks
I have had Dagher since he was 8 weeks old. He is just the funniest, daftest dog. He loves playing rough and he gives the best hugs & kisses. But, his absolute favourite thing is food, especially carrots (he'll do anything for carrots). He has been relatively easy to train, he can shake, say please, give high 5s and high 10s, roll over and play dead. The only thing he isn't great at is recall, as soon as he sees another dog all bets are off, so I only let him off the leash when no other dogs a're around. He is very friendly and affectionate but a bit scared of children. Our other dog is a Tibetan Mastiff who is 13, Dagger loves him and constantly wants to play (much to Khan's chagrin).
5 years, 3 months ago
J J
4 Months
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Had him for4 months. Fun, loving, stubborn Love to bathe and brush him. Funny he makes me laugh. Scratches a lot. Special shampoo. I put coconut oil on him.
5 years ago
Teddy & Bear
4 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug-of-war
Ball
Haven't had a puppy since I was 15 so had forgotten what hard work they are!! We didn't get them until they were 11 weeks so training hasn't been easy but we are getting there! We just couldn't choose between them, so double the trouble!! They're so adorable and you can't help but forgive them almost immediately for every transgression! It's a bit like having toddlers! When they're too quiet, you know they're up to no good!
4 years, 5 months ago
Ez
9 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
I love my dog. He is so smart.
4 years, 3 months ago
Banjo
12 Years
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Banjo is a magical dog! I imagine your Weshi is, too!
4 years, 3 months ago
JJ
15 Months
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
He is amazing my sweet heart, my shadow.
3 years, 11 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd