Westie-Laso
West Highland Lhasa
The Westie-Laso is an endearing hybrid breed created by crossing two similarly-sized bearded dogs: the West Highland White Terrier and the Lhasa Apso. Renowned for their friendly disposition and intelligence, these dogs showcase a unique combination of characteristics from their diverse ancestral backgrounds—Scotland and Tibet. They are playful, affectionate, and generally get along well with other dogs. However, their intelligence often manifests in a desire to act independently, which can sometimes result in a stubborn attitude when they choose to ignore commands. While they maintain a level of independence, regular grooming is essential to keep their coat and dental health in check. In summary, Westie-Lasos make wonderful family pets, well-suited for smaller living environments due to their compact size and moderate exercise requirements.
Breed Origin
The origins of the Westie-Laso are not extensively chronicled, but the histories of its parent breeds are more thoroughly documented. The West Highland White Terrier, a member of the Scottish Terrier family, can be traced back to the 17th century. Much of the current understanding of this breed stems from the late 19th century, particularly due to the work of Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm, who selectively bred these dogs to achieve a pure white coat. This breeding choice aimed to distinguish them from foxes during hunts, which was one of their initial roles. Despite their small size, they were bred to be brave and tenacious, capable of pursuing challenging prey such as badgers and foxes, which accounts for their instinctive behaviors of digging and barking. Upon their arrival in America in the early 20th century, they quickly became popular, not only as adept hunters but also as cherished companions known for their agility and tracking skills. On the other hand, the Lhasa Apso has a much older heritage and is regarded as one of the most ancient companion breeds. It is thought to have evolved from a small mountain wolf thousands of years ago. Tibetan monks held the Lhasa Apso in high esteem, keeping the breed isolated and utilizing them as guardians of temples for centuries. The breed was introduced to England in the early 1900s and made its way to America in 1933, when the 13th Dalai Lama gifted it to Mr. and Mrs. Suydam Cutting of New Jersey, the first white Christians to enter the restricted city of Lhasa. A few years later, in 1935, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed, which contributed to its growing popularity throughout the United States.
Breed Appearance
The Westie-Laso is a small breed, generally standing under a foot tall and weighing under 20 pounds. This compact dog boasts a longer, straight coat that displays a variety of colors inherited from its Lhasa Apso ancestry. It features a short snout, often highlighted by distinct eyebrows and mustaches. Despite their small size, many Westie-Lasos have a robust physique, with surprisingly muscular legs and chests. Their round, dark eyes are expressive and reflect a curious disposition, while their ears may be pricked, cocked, or folded. Additionally, they sport tails of short to medium length, often adorned with a bit of extra fluff.
Care Routine
The maintenance of a Lhasa Apso largely depends on the specific coat type it inherits. Dogs with thick, long fur necessitate almost daily grooming, which includes combing and brushing to prevent tangles, matting, and dirt buildup. Many owners who expect a more intensive grooming routine start this process early in their dogs' lives, making it easier and more comfortable as they mature. Some choose to take their pets to professional groomers for shorter styles, but this does not eliminate the need for daily grooming at home or baths every few weeks. For those with coats similar to the Western Highland White Terrier, upkeep is relatively easier. Although these dogs don’t shed often, they still need to be brushed weekly instead of daily. Regular trimming of their feet, ears, and the area around their eyes is also important for maintaining cleanliness and comfort. Regardless of the coat type, it’s crucial to monitor the dental health of the Westie-Laso, as their brachycephalic features make them prone to dental issues. Like all breeds, their toenails should be routinely checked and trimmed to avoid cracking and breaking.
Behavior & Temperament
Westie-Lasos are generally recognized for their friendly disposition, yet they are complex dogs whose emotions can change swiftly depending on their surroundings. At home, they are affectionate and playful, often revealing a comedic side, especially with those they feel comfortable around. However, stemming from their history as hunters and protectors, they tend to be quite territorial over their food, toys, and even their human family members, often showing wariness towards unfamiliar faces, which usually leads to a flurry of barking. Their somewhat headstrong nature makes early training crucial for fostering good behavior, although managing their barking can be particularly difficult. If socialized early, these dogs can coexist peacefully with other pets, but their protective instincts and occasional mood swings may create challenges if not addressed properly. While Westie-Lasos don’t require a lot of physical activity, they do need sufficient mental stimulation; without it, they might engage in destructive behaviors.
Play & Exercise
Westie-Lasos are generally low-energy dogs, making them ideal pets for those residing in compact living environments. Nonetheless, they require daily exercise of approximately 30 to 45 minutes, which amounts to about 6 miles of walking each week. Crucially, it’s vital for owners to provide mental stimulation to avoid issues like boredom, frustration, or destructive tendencies. Utilizing interactive toys, engaging in problem-solving activities, and incorporating imaginative play are excellent methods to keep this breed both physically active and mentally engaged. This is particularly important as they often rely on their natural instincts for hunting and guarding, which can lead to frequent barking.
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
1.5 Cups
Daily Activity
30 Minutes
Average Lifespan
14 Years
Origin
Unknown
Type
Crossbreeds
Size
Small
Origin Country
Unknown
Brush Frequency
Daily
Coat Texture
Straight
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Height & Weight
Weight
16 lbs (7 kg)Male: 18 lbs (8 kg) , Female: 14 lbs (6 kg)
Height
11 inches (28 sm)Male: 11 inches (28 sm) , Female: 10 inches (25 sm)
6 Months
9 lbs ( m 9 lbs, f 9 lbs )
7 inches ( m 7 inches, f 7 inches )
12 Months
11 lbs ( m 11 lbs, f 11 lbs )
8 inches ( m 8 inches, f 8 inches )
18 Months
14 lbs ( m 14 lbs, f 14 lbs )
10 inches ( m 10 inches, f 10 inches )
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Black
Coat Colors
Brindle
Sable
Silver
Fawn
Cream
Red
Brown
Gray
Black
White
