There is a good chance that you probably have never heard about this breed. The Weshi is a small-sized dog breed and is a designer dog.
In this article, we will give you some much-needed clarity by discussing the diet, temperament, size, origins, etc., of the Weshi dog.
Weshi’s History
The Weshi is a designer dog, so the story of its origin is unknown. We know that the Weshi is the mix of the West Highland White Terrier and the Shih Tzu.
The Weshi is a relatively new dog breed and is not very popular. The West Highland white terrier hails from the Scottish Highland.
This breed was developed in the 17th century and is also referred to as ‘Westie.’
The Westie was used for hunting small-sized animals such as foxes, rats, badgers, and otters. The Shih Tzu has origins that are steeped in mystery and mysticism.
The breed was developed in China and was part of the Imperial court during the Tang dynasty. The dog was often viewed as a royal among canines.
Weshi Characteristics
The Weshi is a stout and short canine with muscular legs and a petite but compact frame. The Weshi doesn’t have a long coat like the Shih Tzu and closely resembles the West Highland white terrier.
However, the Washi’s coat has a different color than the Westie.
The Weshi has a tan, brown, black, or red-colored coat. The eyes of the Weshi are typically brown-colored, and it has a black-colored nose.
How Big Can A Weshi Get?
The average height of the Weshi is 8 to 12 inches. The average weight of the dog breed is 15 to 20 pounds.
How Long Can A Weshi Live?
The average lifespan of the Weshi is 12 to 15 years.
How Much Does A Weshi Cost?
The price of the Weshi varies and depends on several factors, such as the breeder and pedigrees. However, usually, a Weshi puppy costs $ 200 to 600.
Weshi Personality/Temperament
The Weshi is a perky, outgoing, and friendly dog that gets along with people if socialized at a young age. The Weshi has borrowed this trait from the Westie.
However, the Weshi can also become confrontational and aggressive when encountering canines of the same sex, but this behavior is rare.
Usually, the Weshi loves to mingle and play with its owner. Weshis are intelligent by nature and receptive to training.
But the dog will not respond well to intense or harsh training methods. Weshis require time and patience, so you will not be able to train them in a few days.
The Weshi is great to keep around kids; however, you will still need to supervise it. Sociability, charisma, and friendliness are all hallmarks of the Weshi.
Weshi’s Nutrition
The Weshi requires a balanced diet to live a happy life. The meal should consist of fiber, carbs, meat, and healthy fats. You will need to feed the dog high-quality dry dog food. If you have a sensitive tummy dog, feed him Dog food for sensitive stomachs.
Please don’t overfeed the dog, as that can lead to obesity.
How Do You Groom A Weshi?
The Weshi is a high-maintenance dog breed and requires weekly grooming sessions to keep the coat clean and healthy.
Weshis typically have long or medium-length coats, and you will need a dog brush to clean them regularly.
The Weshi is hypoallergenic and will not trigger an allergic response in the owner. You can bathe the dog in the dog bathtub once a month. You should also clip the dog’s nails every few weeks. For nail clipping, please use Nail clippers for dogs.
Activity Levels of the Weshi
The Weshi is an energetic and active dog breed; it is curious by nature and will constantly try to explore or sniff its environment.
Due to its small size, the Weshi requires about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily. You can take the dog for daily walks around the neighborhood or dog park.
However, ensure you give the dog plenty of opportunities to exercise; otherwise, it will get bored and become destructive. Apart from physical stimulation, you should give your dog mental stimulation as well and try to teach him new tricks.
Health Concerns for Weshi
Usually, the Weshi is a healthy dog and lives a long lifespan. However, that doesn’t mean the dog cannot fall victim to illness; here are some health conditions that can affect the Weshi:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
- Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
- Skin Irritation
- Atopic Dermatitis
PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
PRA (Progressive Rental Atrophy) is an eye condition and typically affects the photoreceptor cells. When this condition expands, it causes the cell to deteriorate rapidly and can lead to complete blindness in dogs. There is another form of PRA that is normally found in puppies:
- Retinal Dysplasia
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
It is a heart-related condition caused by a congenital disability in the heart. About 7 % of the canine population is affected by this condition. This condition is a malformation of the Tricuspid valve and its structures.
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
This is a type of heart condition commonly found in dogs. MVD is a degenerative condition and typically affects those older than seven years.
The initial symptoms of MVD are coughing, excessive panting, and reduced interest in physical activities. For diagnosis, the vet might conduct several X-rays and Ultrasounds. With proper medication, the condition can be cured.
Skin Irritation
Many types of skin irritation can affect dogs. The most common type of irritation is Pruritus, and it leads to dogs constantly scratching different parts of their body.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis is known as an ‘Itchy Skin Condition’ and can lead to chronic itching in dogs. This itching leads to secondary infections, broken skin, and scratching.
Dogs may pick up this condition from their environment or foods such as peas and chicken.
Breeds Similar To a Weshi
- West Highland White Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Finnish Spitz
- English Shepherd
- Ratshire Terrier
- Bully Kutta
Best Dog Food for Weshis
The best dog food for Weshi is Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food. This Wellness food is made of oatmeal and turkey as key ingredients. This natural formula is rich in protein that makes it good for the healthy lifestyle of your pal. Moreover, the recipe does not include items like GMO ingredients, preservatives, and fillers.
- Equipped with taurine, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, antioxidants, and probiotics.
- Supports easy eating and better digestion with kibble food.
- Promotes higher energy levels for healthier growth.
Best Puppy Food for Weshis
The best puppy food for Weshi is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food. This puppy food is made of brown rice and chicken. It is free from soy, corn, wheat, and by-product meals, making it work miracles for your pup’s health.
- Improves immune system through antioxidants, vitamins, and chelated minerals.
- Contains phosphorus and calcium make teeth and bones stronger.
- Nourishes skin and coat with ARA and DHA.
Best Dog Crate for Weshis
The best dog crate for Weshi is Precision Pet Products Provalu Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. This crate is made of heavy-duty wires. It is a strong and secure place for your canine to sleep. It is also easy to clean due to the plastic pan.
- Includes divider panel for adjusting size.
- Features rounded corners for higher safety.
- Electro-coated wires make them long-lasting and rust-resistant.
Best Dog Bed for Weshis
The best dog bed for Weshi is FurHaven Calming Cuddler Long Fur Donut Bolster Dog Bed. This dog bed has a donut-like structure. It provides a protective environment to your pal, enhancing its sleeping experience.
- Allows you to hide treats and toys in the pockets.
- Washable design for easy cleaning.
- The ultra-soft fabric feels good against the skin.
Best Dog Harness for Weshis
The best dog harness for Weshi is Best Pet Supplies Voyager Black Trim, Mesh Dog Harness. This harness has breathable and soft mesh fabric to offer superior comfort. Additionally, the high-quality material makes it long-lasting and durable.
- Doubles the security with the snap-in buckles.
- Includes 2D rings for leash attachment.
- Promotes convenient operation through step-in design.
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