Weston Dog Breed

The Weston, as a hybrid, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does there exist any info about these hybrids' exact origin, but they were likely developed during the "designer dog explosion" in North America in the late 20th century. These affectionate, low-maintenance dogs are great additions to any family, especially apartment dwellers and first-time owners.

A few Weston facts: they're small-sized, averaging 10 inches at the shoulders in height and 14 pounds in weight; they have medium to long, straight or fluffy coats that don't shed much; and they will usually suffer separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning these happy little hybrids:

A West Highland White Terrier-Coton de Tulear mix is the offspring of two fun-loving, animated breeds--and their Weston offspring is equally cheerful and enthusiastic. Suffice it to say that dull moments will be few and far between with these hybrids around!

A Westie-Coton mix is as adaptable as pretty much any dog breed known. Though they don't require a ton of daily exercise, they're good for both long walks and longer couch snuggles. Though they can be "Velcro dogs" to some degree (meaning they'll often stick by the sides of human family members and follow them everywhere they go), a lot of Westons don't require constant attention. Another great bit of Weston information is that these dogs love practically everyone they meet--which means they aren't the best watchdogs, as they'll probably greet burglars with wagging tails!--so they make great companion dogs for seniors, singles, and families of any size.

And though animated, Westons aren't super high-energy, and will fulfill a lot of their daily activity requirements just running around being their happy little selves.

As a designer hybrid, the history of Weston dogs isn't long, and their origin is unknown. While Coton-Westie mixes may have existed for a long time, they likely began being interbred in the 1980s or '90s in the U.S., when designer dogs became all the rage.

Both parent breeds, however, have long histories:

The West Highland White Terrier is one of several terrier breeds (also including the Skye and Cairn terriers) developed in Scotland centuries ago. These terriers were developed to hunt foxes, vermin, and other small game--and the Westie, in particular, was selectively bred to be white to help hunters distinguish the dogs from foxes. The Kennel Club of England first registered the Westie in 1906, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1908. Currently, the West Highland White Terrier ranks 42nd on the AKC's list of 196 recognized breeds.

The Coton de Tulear originated in Madagascar, where the breed existed since as early as the 1600s with relative anonymity. It was until the 1970s, when a few of these dogs were brought to France, that the breed began to become popular; though still fairly rare around the world, the Coton is gaining popularity in the U.S. and Europe. The AKC recognized the breed in 2014, and as of 2020 the Coton ranked 81st on the AKC list.

The Weston appearance is pretty typical of small-sized dogs--but these hybrids have what seems like a permanent expression of happiness, which corresponds well to their merry temperament.

Specifically what does a Weston look like? The head is round, the ears are medium-length and hanging, and the muzzle is short. Weston eye color is usually brown, and the eyes are large, round, and twinkling. The chest is of medium width and depth, the legs are fairly short, and the tail is medium in length, thick, and straight.

The Weston coat is medium to long and can be straight, wavy, fluffy, or some combination of those qualities.

The West Highland White Terrier-Coton de Tulear mix doesn't see too much variation. Specific physical features might vary a bit within this mixed breed (like different ear, leg, or tail length, for example)--but these differences are naturally occurring, and do not represent any breed sub-types.

The Weston coat can have a bit of variety in length and texture. Depending on inherited traits, the Weston coat can be medium or long, and straight or wavy. Medium-length, wavy, and fluffy is the norm for the Weston hybrid's coat.

Size can vary a little, too. The Westie averages 18 pounds in weight, and the Coton 11 pounds; the Weston averages 14 pounds, but can be larger or smaller. Some breeders also use selective breeding techniques to develop extra-small Weston dogs, and sell them with names like Mini Weston, Teacup Weston, or Micro Weston. And though these dogs are indeed tiny, they don't signify any particular sub-type.

The Weston, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits from its parent breeds), is very healthy. Still, these hybrids may suffer ailments common to both parent breeds including Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), allergies, and structural issues like luxating patella and hip dysplasia. Owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for Westons is relatively long, at 14-16 years.