The Boston Terrier West Highland White Terrier crossbreed, commonly known as the Bostie, combines the genetics of its Boston Terrier and Westie parents.
This relatively new Boston Terrier hybrid dog has grown in popularity in recent years among those seeking a compact, energetic, and affectionate canine companion.
In this breed guide, we will examine the background, physical attributes, temperament, health and care needs, and suitability as a family pet of the Boston Terrier Westie Mix.
Understanding the traits and requirements of this crossbreed can help determine if the Bostie would be a good addition to your home.
We will explore what prospective owners can expect from these hybrid pups. Let’s begin by looking at the origins of the Bostie.
Origin and History
The Boston Terrier Westie Mix is a modern crossbreed that originated within the last few decades. To understand the background of the Bostie, we must look at the history of its parent breeds:
Boston Terrier History
The Boston Terrier breed originated in the 1870s in Boston, Massachusetts. It was one of the first dog breeds developed in the United States.
Boston Terriers resulted from crossing the British Bulldog with the now extinct White English Terrier. Early Boston Terriers were larger in size until breeders focused on developing a smaller, more compact dog.
The AKC recognized the Boston Terrier breed in 1893. While they were originally bred as fighting dogs, they soon became companion dogs.
West Highland White Terrier History
The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, hails from Scotland and has its roots as a working terrier.
Westies and other Scottish terriers were utilized to hunt vermin. The white coat distinguished them from the prey while hunting.
The Westie breed became standardized in the early 20th century. The AKC recognized them in 1908. Westies were popular as loyal family pets due to their lively, alert nature.
Bostie Origin
The Bostie was likely first intentionally bred in the late 1990s or early 2000s. Designer hybrids like the Bostie grew in popularity among those wanting dogs that blended favored traits from established breeds.
Bostie breeders aimed to produce small dogs with the amiability of the Boston Terrier and scrappy tenacity of the Westie.
The Bostie is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club.
Size and Appearance
The Boston Terrier Westie Mix is a small to medium-sized dog, generally weighing 15 to 25 lbs and standing 9 to 15 inches tall. The Bostie form often leans toward the square, stocky build of the Boston Terrier parent.
Coat and Color
The Bostie coat is thick, medium-long in length, and has a wiry texture reminiscent of the Westie.
Common coat colors include black, brindle, seal, or a mix of white and those colors. The white coat gene may be inherited from the Westie.
Head and Ears
The Bostie head is broad and blocky with the Boston’s brachycephalic skull shape. The muzzle is shorter like the Boston but less extreme.
Ears stand upright, are triangular, and moderately sized.
Tail
Tails are naturally short and tapered. They may be straight like the Boston’s or slightly curved.
Overall, the Bostie is a sturdy, compact dog with some blend of Boston and Westie physical traits. No two look exactly alike. Coat color and facial features can vary widely between individual dogs.
Personality and Temperament
The Bostie is an energetic and lively hybrid that inherits the famously amicable personality of the Boston Terrier and the spirited, tenacious temperament of the West Highland Terrier.
Though lively and playful, Bosties tend to be low to moderately active when indoors. They enjoy quality time with their owners.
Bosties form strong bonds and aim to please their people. This loyal hybrid wants to spend most of its time with family.
The Boston Terrier Westie mix tends to be friendly towards children and excel as family companions. However, supervision is still required, especially with very young children.
This crossbreed displays the Terrier inclination to be vocal, stubborn, and highly energetic at times. Their energetic playfulness and digging instincts necessitate proper training and exercise.
With early socialization and training, the Bostie excels at getting along with other pets. Some caution may be needed around smaller animals due to their terrier prey drive.
Overall, the Boston Terrier Westie Mix combines the best traits of its parent breeds to produce a devoted, energetic, and cheery hybrid suitable for an active family.
Proper training and socialization from an early age help ensure good behavior.
Health and Lifespan
The Bostie is at risk for several health conditions common to its Boston Terrier and Westie parent breeds:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome – Respiratory issues resulting from the shortened muzzles and flat faces.
- Skin Allergies – Both parent breeds are prone to skin allergies and irritation.
- Patellar Luxation – Dislocated kneecaps, frequent in small dog breeds.
- Eye Conditions – Such as cataracts and corneal ulcers.
- Deafness – Congenital sensorineural deafness found in some white-coated breeds.
Reputable breeders will screen breeding dogs for these and other inheritable disorders. With responsible breeding, most Boston Terrier Westie mixes enjoy good overall health.
The average Bostie lifespan is 11 to 15 years. Providing excellent nutrition, exercise, veterinary care, and proper preventatives will help maximize a Bostie’s longevity.
Annual vet exams and bloodwork screens help detect any emerging issues.
With its moderate activity needs and small size, the sturdy Bostie adapts well to apartment or urban living. This hybrid makes a delightful, energetic companion when given appropriate care and attention.
Exercise Needs
The energetic Bostie needs daily activity and exercise to stay fit and prevent boredom or destructive behaviors. A moderate 30-60 minutes per day of activity is ideal.
- Walks – Bosties should be walked at least 20-30 minutes daily. They enjoy exploring new scents and sights on strolls.
- Play – Interactive play with owners provides vital bonding time and activity. Bosties love games of fetch, tug of war, and chasing balls or toys.
- Yard Time – Having access to a secure, fenced yard allows Bosties room to run around and play. Supervision is still needed.
- Mental Exercise – Bosties thrive on mental stimulation through training, interactive toys, and food puzzle toys. This prevents boredom.
- Socialization – Continued socialization throughout life is crucial for friendly behavior around other dogs and people.
Bosties can adapt to apartment living since they are moderate in their exercise needs. Ensure they get adequate daily walks and active playtime. Meeting their enrichment needs prevents problem behaviors.
Grooming Needs
The Bostie has moderate grooming requirements. Their dense, wiry coats shed minimally but require weekly brushing and combing to remove dead hairs and prevent matting.
- Brushing – Brush thoroughly at least 1-2 times per week using a slicker brush or metal comb.
- Bathing – Bathe occasionally when dirty, every 6-8 weeks. Use a mild dog shampoo.
- Nails – Trim nails as needed, typically every 2-3 weeks.
- Ears – Check and clean ears weekly. Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal.
- Teeth – Brush teeth 2-3 times a week using veterinary toothpaste.
- Eyes – Gently wipe corners of eyes daily to prevent staining.
For the best coat health, provide excellent nutrition and supplements containing omega fatty acids. Regular brushing keeps the Bostie coat attractive. Trim hair around eyes if needed for visibility.
Suitability as Family Pets
With their affectionate, lively temperament and compact size, Boston Terrier Westie Mixes can make ideal family companions. Bosties form strong bonds with their owners and lavish them with devotion.
This hybrid generally excels with children, other dogs, and pets.
Several factors make the Bostie well-suited to family life:
- Their energetic and playful nature fits well in active households. Bosties enjoy playing games with kids.
- They are eager to please and train well with positive reinforcement methods.
- Bosties adapt well to apartment living given adequate daily walks.
- They do not require extensive grooming or exercise.
- Bosties do best with supervision around very young children due to their rambunctiousness.
- Their moderate barking tendency needs curbing.
Provided they get training and socialization early on, the affectionate Bostie thrives as a loyal family companion.
Their moderate care needs and energetic disposition make them a good choice for urban families.
With an outgoing and adaptable personality, the Bostie can make a delightful addition to family life.
Is a Bostie Right for You?
The Boston Terrier Westie Mix is a devoted hybrid companion that blends the best qualities of the popular Boston Terrier and West Highland White Terrier breeds.
This energetic and cheerful crossbreed can be an excellent family dog with proper training and care.
Consider if the friendly but spirited Bostie is a good fit:
- Their moderate exercise needs make them suited to apartment living.
- Bosties require training and early socialization to prevent problem behaviors.
- They may not be ideal around other small pets. Strong prey drive can kick in.
- Bosties desire high amounts of attention and interaction with their owners.
- Monitor interactions around young children due to rambunctiousness.
For an active family seeking a loyal little companion with plenty of spunk, the Bostie could be the perfect hybrid choice. Be prepared to provide plenty of training, playtime, and stimulation.
If you want a devoted sidekick who will shower you with love, then the Boston Terrier Westie Mix may fit the bill!
Similar Mixed Breeds
- Jack Russell Terrier Westie Mix (Jack Highland Terrier): The Jack Highland Terrier is a small, energetic dog that combines the traits of the Jack Russell Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier.
- Boston Terrier Yorkshire Terrier Mix (Boston Yorkie): The Boston Yorkie is a small-sized dog that blends the lively personality of the Boston Terrier with the tenacious spirit of the Yorkshire Terrier.