Rat Terrier West Highland White Terrier Mix

The Rat Terrier West Highland White Terrier Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Rat Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Rat Terrier is known for being intelligent, lively, and alert. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Rat Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Rat Terrier West Highland White Terrier Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Rat Terrier West Highland White Terrier Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Rat Terrier West Highland White Terrier Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

Rat Terrier West Highland White Terrier Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Rat Terrier History

This is an American bred dog bred to be a working dog. Being that they are so small, they were bred to act as a hunter and a farm dog to hunt pests like rats and other vermin. They needed them to be fast and able to catch animals as quick as rabbits. Today the Rat Terrier is a stubborn but intelligent dog who is wary of strangers. While they will be good with a family even if not properly socialized they may be aggressive to other pets and strangers. They have a lot of courage and are very good at detecting the mood you are in. They want to please and are affectionate but he needs a lot of exercise or he can become poorly behaved.

West Highland White Terrier History

The West Highland White Terrier, also known as a Westie, hails from Scotland. It has a distinctive white harsh coat with a somewhat soft white undercoat. The vague white terrier is around 500 years old. These have obviously been mixed with all kinds of things over the years to land on the breed that we know today as the West Highland Terrier. It is the 3rd most popular dog in the U.K. Like most Terriers they were bred to hunt vermin.

Rat Terrier West Highland White Terrier Mix Size and Weight

Rat Terrier
Height: 10 - 18 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 10 - 24 lb.
Lifespan: 15 - 18 years

West Highland White Terrier
Height: 9 - 12 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 13 - 22 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 16 years

Rat Terrier West Highland White Terrier Mix Personality

The Rat Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.

Rat Terrier West Highland White Terrier Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Rat Terrier mixed with the West Highland White Terrier might be prone to joint dysplasia, eye disorders, luxating patellas, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Rat Terrier West Highland White Terrier Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Rat Terrier West Highland White Terrier Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Rat Terrier Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in