Crossing a purebred Border Collie with a West Highland White Terrier creates a designer dog breed known as a Border Collie Westie. Intelligent, devoted, and full of energy, these canines are a popular pet choice. The Border Collie’s boundless energy and natural herding instincts are commonly passed on to these dogs, while the West Highland White Terrier’s extroverted personality is a welcome bonus. Border Collie Westie mixes make excellent family pets if their owners are able to give them the exercise and attention they require and can appreciate their distinct appearance and endearing dispositions.
Characteristics of Border Collie Westie Mix
Physical characteristics of this hybrid breed could include a medium build, long hair, and erect ears, all of which are typical of the parent breeds. The Border Collie’s intelligence and loyalty could be combined with the Westie’s sense of humor in this offspring. They can range in size from small to large, and their thick, velvety coat can be either curly or straight. Their warm, affectionate personalities also make them wonderful pets and friends for people of all ages.
| Border Collie Westie Mix | |
|---|---|
| Parent Breed | Border Collie and West Highland White Terrier |
| Coat | long and wiry overcoat with a dense undercoat |
| Coat Color | black, white, red, silver or brindle |
| Appearance | floppy or erect ears, a long tail and brown eyes |
| Size | medium-sized dogs with a long body and short legs and a stocky build |
| Weight | 7-18 lb |
| Height | 7-12 inches |
| Personality | intelligent, energetic and loyal, have a strong herding and chasing instinct, feisty and independent |
| Exercise | need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation |
| Grooming | need regular grooming to maintain their coat in good condition |
Breed History
A Border Collie and a West Highland White Terrier hybrid, also known as a “Westie,” is a type of dog. The Border Collie Westie Mix can look and act however its parents did, just like any other mixed breed dog. Border Collies have been used for herding for many years because of their intelligence and work ethic. They need a lot of physical activity and mental challenge because they are very active and restless.
On the other side, the West Highland White Terrier was originally developed to pursue vermin and foxes. They have amazing personalities and make wonderful companions for families.
The offspring of these two breeds may exhibit traits of intelligence, energy, and warmth. They are typically patient with youngsters and make wonderful companions for families, but they may need extensive training and daily exercise to thrive.
Appearance of a Border Collie Westie Mix
Medium-sized, a Border Collie Westie mix may have either a straight or wavy double coat. While there is some variation in coat color, white with black or brown spots is the most prevalent. Their wide skulls are offset by narrow muzzles, and their ears stand perky most of the time. Their nose is dark, and they have big, expressive eyes. All in all, they have a lovely and distinctive look that merges features from both parent breeds.
Size, height and weight
A Border Collie Westie mix’s height, weight, and size are all subject to variation as a result of their unique genetic makeup. These canines are typically medium size, standing at 12 to 22 inches tall and weighing 25 to 50 pounds. Puppies can take on the physical traits of their parents, including their height and weight. Regular exercise and nutritious food can aid in keeping your Border Collie Westie mix at a healthy weight.
Coats & colors
The coat of a Border Collie Westie hybrid might look like either of its parents. Their coats can be either thick and double like a Border Collie’s or thin and soft like a Westie’s. Black and white, brown and white, and tri-color are only a few of the many color combinations. Some may also have patches of color on their white, trademark Westie coat.
Personality & Temperament
The hybrid dog breed known as the Border Collie Westie combines characteristics of its two parent types. This hybrid gets its smarts, drive, and vigor from its Border Collie lineage. It also has a high level of dedication to its profession and is always looking for ways to please its master. A high prey drive and a more reserved personality are only two traits that the Westie can add to the mix. In general, this breed needs regular mental and physical exercise, as well as training and socializing, in order to flourish.
Intelligence
Dogs of the Border Collie x Westie mix breed are widely believed to be exceptionally bright. The hybrid is likely to have the same high levels of intellect and trainability as both parent breeds.
Energy
The conventional consensus is that Border Collies and Westies are high-energy dogs. It’s possible that a cross between these two breeds would share their high levels of energy and demand for exercise. The level of activity in a dog, however, can vary greatly depending on the individual dog.
Family and kids
A Border Collie/West Highland White Terrier combination can be a wonderful pet for a family with young children. These canines are known for being playful and social with kids. If given the proper attention and care, a Border Collie Westie mix may make a wonderful addition to any home.
Other Animals
Border Collies and Westies share a high propensity to chase small animals due to their high prey drive. In order to ensure that your dog learns how to behave responsibly around other animals, it is essential to provide it with the required socialization and training. Never leave your dog unattended, and especially not when they are near other animals.
Strangers
Border Collies and West Highland Terrier mixes, like any other breed of dog, can have widely varying reactions to new people and other animals. However, Westies are noted for their loyalty and affection towards their owners, whereas Border Collies are known for their intellect, energy, and herding tendencies.
Do Border Collie Westie Mix Bark A Lot?
Whether or not a Border Collie/West Highland Terrier mix barks depends on the dog’s temperament and how well he or she has been socialized. Any dog, regardless of breed or mix, can benefit from early socialization and training to curb excessive barking.
Are Border Collie Westie Mix Good For Newbie Dog Owners?
Although a Border Collie Westie Mix dog can be a wonderful addition to the family, they may not be the greatest option for people who are just starting out with dog ownership. These canines are high-functioning canine brainiacs who need regular physical and mental stimulation. They have the potential to be obedient, loving companions with the right training, but they also have the capacity to be headstrong and unyielding.
If you don’t have any dog-handling or training experience, you shouldn’t get a Border Collie Westie Mix. In addition, due to their high prey drive, these dogs are not often a good fit for households with other animals or young children. Before settling on a breed, it’s crucial to do your homework and gain familiarity with the kind.
Training & Exercise
Like any dog, a Border Collie Westie mix needs regular training and exercise. This dog breed has a reputation for being quick to learn and full of life and energy. Exercising on a regular basis can help kids stay physically and behaviorally healthy. Your Border Collie/West Highland Terrier mix will benefit greatly from daily walks, fenced-in playtime, and stimulating toys.
These dogs are exceptionally trainable and eager to please, thus training should be a top focus. Clicker training and other forms of positive reinforcement are useful for teaching a wide variety of behaviors, including obedience, tricks, and agility. When teaching this breed, consistency and patience are essential.
Taking Care and Maintenance
To maintain good health and happiness, Border Collie/Westie mixes need to have plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They need regular exercise in the form of walks and playtime. Maintaining a healthy coat and avoiding mats requires regular grooming. To guarantee their good behavior and obedience, it’s also crucial to feed them correctly, take them to the vet frequently, and teach them appropriately.
Health of a Border Collie West Highland White Terrier Mix
The genetics and environment of a Border Collie West Highland White Terrier mix can have varying effects on the dog’s health. However, this hybrid breed is generally considered to be a healthy one. To keep your dog healthy, you should provide it with a balanced diet, give it plenty of exercise, and take it for regular checkups at the vet.
Diet & Nutrition
A Border Collie Westie mix’s diet should be similar to that of any other dog, consisting of high-quality dog food. It’s crucial to provide your dog a diet according to its age, size, and degree of exercise. Feeding your dog the right amount of food every day is something you should discuss with your vet. Having access to clean water at all times is also essential. However, treats should not make up a large percentage of their diet. It’s crucial to introduce new foods to your dog’s diet gradually to prevent digestive distress.
Life Span
A Border Collie/West Highland Terrier combination may live anywhere from 12 to 15 years. However, this may depend on a person’s lifestyle choices, degree of physical activity, and general health. If you want them to have a long and healthy life, you need to take them to the vet regularly. It is possible to improve their quality of life and even lengthen their lives by giving them opportunities for mental stimulation and physical activity.
Health Issues
Since Border Collie Westie Mixes, or Border Westies, are a novel hybrid breed, very little is known about their unique health concerns. However, puppies could develop the same diseases as their parents. Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and eye problems are common in Border Collies, while allergies, skin irritations, and liver disease are common in West Highland White Terriers. Therefore, it’s crucial to take your pet in for annual checkups at the vet, feed it a good diet, get it plenty of exercise, and keep an eye out for any signs of illness or behavioral abnormalities.
Grooming
Due to their dissimilar coats, Border Collies and Westies make for a tricky grooming combination. The Border Collie’s double coat needs to be brushed frequently to maintain its health and luster. However, Westies require regular stripping since their coat is so wiry.
Grooming your Border Collie West Highland Terrier mix entails weekly brushing and occasional bathing. To avoid infections, you should also maintain a regular schedule of trimming their nails and cleaning their ears. Finally, it is essential to inspect the groomed individual for any signs of skin irritation or other health problems.
Does Border Collie West Highland White Terrier Mix Shed A Lot?
Shedding in a Border Collie/West Highland White Terrier mix can be unpredictable because of heredity. However, since both parent breeds tend to shed somewhat, it’s safe to assume that the offspring will do the same. Maintaining a healthy coat and minimizing shedding requires regular brushing and combing.
Male vs Female Border Collie West Highland White Terrier Mix
Males of this breed might average a bit more height and weight than women do. Males may have higher levels of activity and playfulness, whereas females tend to be more serious and self-sufficient. Spaying or neutering your dog is a good idea because it can affect both their behavior and their health. Spending time with both male and female Border Collie West Highland White Terrier mixes will help you identify which gender is most suited to your lifestyle and personality.
Cost of breeding a Border Collie West Highland White Terrier Mix
The average price of a purebred Border Collie is around $1,200. A West Highland White Terrier puppy won’t set you back a lot of money. When purchased from a breeder, puppies can cost anywhere from $800 to $3,000. Therefore, you can anticipate a mixed-breed dog of that size or slightly larger.
Puppies
Border collies are well-known as excellent herd dogs and have litter sizes ranging from four to eight puppies. Six puppies is the average number of offspring produced by a female collie. Highland White Terrier litters, on the other hand, typically have anything from three to five puppies. Therefore, this hybrid’s litter size should fall somewhere in that range.
Breeders and Shelters
Breeders and rescue organizations dedicated to the border collie westie mix can be located. To guarantee the dog’s well-being, however, one must do their homework and select a reliable breeder or facility. Before choosing if this hybrid is a good fit for your house and lifestyle, you should research the traits of both breeds.
Conclusion: Is Border Collie West Highland White Terrier Mix Right For You?
You should think carefully about your lifestyle and your dog’s potential role in your life before deciding to adopt a Border Collie West Highland White Terrier mix. This breed combination is popular for its high levels of energy, intelligence, and loyalty, but it also needs regular exercise and mental challenges to thrive. They may not be the greatest option for people who are too busy to take them out for regular walks and playtime. A Border Collie-West Highland White Terrier mix, on the other hand, could be an excellent choice for an active person or family in search of a caring and perceptive companion.
