Part Highland terrier, part lapdog charmer — the Westie-Maltese mix blends a bold little Scot with a silky companion breed. Here's the honest profile: size, temperament, that high-maintenance white coat, and the health issues it can inherit from both sides.
A mix is a blend of two histories. The Westie is a hardy Scottish earth-dog bred to hunt; the Maltese is an ancient Mediterranean companion bred purely for company. Your dog will sit somewhere on the spectrum between them:
Mixed-breed temperament varies — even littermates differ. Use this as a guide, not a guarantee.
| Trait | Typical for the mix |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10–20 lb (5–9 kg) |
| Height | 9–11 in (23–28 cm) |
| Coat | White or cream; soft to wiry depending on which parent dominates |
| Shedding | Low to moderate — not hypoallergenic despite the Maltese side |
| Build | Small, sturdy, compact |
Expect a confident, people-focused little dog — happy to play, then flop in your lap. Many are real “velcro” dogs.
Affectionate and good company; often a keen little watchdog thanks to the terrier side.
Bright and food-motivated, but the Westie streak means consistency and patience pay off.
Both parent breeds are high-maintenance in the coat department, so this mix usually is too: brush several times a week to prevent mats, plan a trim every 6–8 weeks, clean under the eyes to limit tear staining, and keep on top of ears and nails. Daily-ish brushing is easiest if the coat leans Maltese-silky.
A mix can inherit conditions from either side. None are guaranteed, but these are the ones worth knowing — and budgeting for:
| From the Westie side | From the Maltese side |
|---|---|
| Atopic skin allergies | Dental disease & crowding |
| Luxating patella | Tear staining |
| Legg-Calvé-Perthes (hip) | Patellar luxation |
| Dry-eye / skin sensitivity | Heart (mitral valve) issues in age |
Because a Westie-Maltese can draw health issues from both parent breeds — allergic skin, knees, teeth — many owners find pet insurance especially worthwhile for these mixes. As always, cover taken out while the dog is young and healthy avoids “pre-existing condition” exclusions later.
We're building plain-English Westie & mix insurance cost guides for UK and US owners.
