West Highland White Terrier Maltese Mix

What’s a West Highland White Terrier Maltese Mix Dog Breed?

The West Highland White Terrier Maltese Mix is an amalgamation of two popular small dogs: the West Highland White Terrier (or Maltese) and the Maltese. A lively, alert dog with high intelligence and sweet temperament, the Highland Maltie is best described as a sweet and gentle little dog. The Highland Maltie makes a great companion dog and is good with children and pets.

Also, the Highland Maltie combines the playful personality of the Maltese and the bold West Highland White Terrier. The Highland Maltie can be described as a Designer Dog. He was created by breeders who crossed pure-bred dogs to create smaller, hypoallergenic, or gentler versions of some popular breeds.

Parent Breed information

West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier, a small Scottish dog breed, is best described by saying they are so proud of themselves that they believe they’re the best. The Westie was originally developed to hunt and rattle, but he learned to think for himself, which he still loves today.

The history of the West Highland White Terrier is shared with the Skye, Scottish, and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. They are all considered to be part of the same breed. The West Highland White Terrier was originally from Scotland. It was used to hunt badgers, foxes, otters, and vermin like rats.

Although the West Highland White Terrier was known as many things, such as the Poltalloch Terrier or the Roseneath Terrier, he was recognized by the Kennel Club of England in 1906 as the West Highland White Terrier.

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Maltese

The Maltese can be traced back to thousands of years in the Mediterranean region, specifically Malta. It can be found in ancient Greek pottery, and even Aristotle admired it. The Maltese population declined after the fall of the Roman Empire. Chinese breeders, however, kept the breed alive by crossing it with their toy breeds. The American Kennel Club first recognized it in 1888. The breed has been popular ever since.

Many factors can influence temperaments, such as heredity and training. Dogs with a good temperament are playful and curious and will be held and walked by people. Do not choose the puppy who is a bully to his littermates or hides in the corner.

Appearance

The Highland Maltie is elegant, distinguished, and noble. This dog is a magnet for people with its white coat, compact body, and short legs. Their height is slightly less than their length, and their heads are in proportion to their bodies. This gives them a balanced appearance. Also, the face is characterized by expressive, dark eyes and fluffy eyebrows. There is often feathering around the muzzle. The ears are black and held straight at the top; the nose is black. The tail is average in length, slightly fluffy, and sometimes curled up. The coat is long and silky but doesn’t drag on the ground. Their paws can be small and fluffy, with black pads that are firm and rounded.

Temperament

The Highland Maltie, a bold and independent little dog, is a great companion animal. He has a strong sense of self-importance, an effervescent attitude, and a strong devotion to his family. Although he can get along with other animals, his tendency to chase is strong so he will need to be socialized early. He is a happy, energetic dog who loves being the center of attention. His bright and cheery personality makes him a favorite with children. However, he can get impatient with rough play and teasing and become nippy.

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Health issues

The Highland Maltie doesn’t have many health issues to be concerned about. They may develop ear or eye infections occasionally, but these can be treated by regular grooming.

Some of the most severe health problems this breed is susceptible to are:

• Patellar Luxation: A Patellar luxation could severely affect your dog’s quality of life. This happens when the knee moves from its normal position. This is a common problem in small breed dogs, but it can cause problems with their ability to exercise and walk.
• Cataracts can cause blurry vision and blindness, just like in humans. Your dog’s chances of becoming blind increase the thicker and dense they are.
• Legg-Calve Perthes Disease: Another degenerative disorder, Legg Calve-Perthes, can lead to spontaneous degeneration of the femur bone in your dog. Due to the gradual disintegration of their hip joints, this issue will stop them from using their hind legs.

Lifespan

The life expectancy for the Highland Maltie is between 12 and 14 years. They live a life expectancy that is comparable to small breeds.

Exercise

Highland Malties are very active, and they love to be busy. A dedicated space outside for Highland Malties can be great. They can play and connect with the natural world.

They will also enjoy following you around the house and watching your progress. It is important to take your dog to dog parks. Highland Malties must be socialized to play well with other dogs. They will love to exercise more once they have made friends. You can bring them to the park to let them run and burn excess energy.

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Coat

The Highland Maltie sheds very little yearly, peaking during the shedding season. His long, silky, thick coat requires brushing three to four times weekly to prevent it from matting or tangling. He must also be groomed every 2 to 3 months to keep it looking its best. Because small dogs are more susceptible to dental problems, he must get a daily brushing.

Training

It is not easy to train the West Highland White Terrier Maltese Mix. He is part Terrier so it is important to socialize him early. If you don’t get the desired results, you might consider hiring a professional trainer. This dog will benefit from a consistent, positive, reward-based approach like most other breeds.

Conclusion.

A Westie Maltese mix can be a great choice for single parents or families looking for a companion. A Highland Maltie is a small breed that has a lot to love and energy. Because they are not fussy, they can live in an apartment or a house.