Last Updated on September 20, 2023
It is said that the West Highland White Terrier and the Maltese have a similar appearance however one of them has silky smooth locks and the other one is more rough. What about their personalities? One is a sweet and charming dog while the other one is an insane kid. They are very distinct in their personality traits, which makes the decision between them easier than other breeds.
If you’re unsure which puppy should become your next pet This guide is essential to read. We’ll discuss their history and how they affect their personality today. We also discuss grooming and nutrition, the differences between exercise and grooming and more.
Both are loved by families across America However, they require different types of families. Do you want to know who is whom? Find out more!
Breed History
The study of a dog’s history is among the most crucial aspects of finding out if they’re the best breed for you. It will tell you many things about what they’ll be an ideal pet for your family and also explain why they behave how they are. Let’s take a look at what the Westie as well as the Maltese historical background are compared.
West Highland White Terrier
It is believed that the West Highland White Terrier is an earth dog which comes from humble origins. The exact story of his origins isn’t known since it was not documented. What can be known is he’s one of the Scottish Terriers that farmers developed to eliminate the pests that plagued their farms. The theory is that he came from northwestern Scotland. The Poltalloch estate recorded the breeding of small white terriers, and they probably came from there.
Westies first appeared at Scottish dog shows towards the end of the 19th century. They are believed to have first arrived in America in the beginning of the 20th century and were first displayed in the AKC ring in the year 1906. The breed is today the second most loved breed of dog in America. Although they are a working-class breed He has captivated many famous people and royalty, such as Whoopi Goldberg, Alfred Hitchcock, as well as the Duchess Kate Middleton.
Maltese
The Maltese’s roots go back to other exotic locations including Malta. However, his story is somewhat confusing, since some historians believe that he comes from Italy. We are aware that he is an old breed that was popular with the royals even as early to three thousand years B.C. The Egyptians believed that that the Maltese were god-like dogs that had healing powers and therefore they worshipped their gods and constructed tombs for them.
Unfortunately, breeders almost killed the Maltese line when they tried to breed to size the size of a squirrel. Fortunately, Chinese fanciers restored the breed by mixing them with other toy breeds. The rescued breed was then sent to England and then rehabilitated to become the Maltese that we love to this day. It is believed that the Maltese has a little more well-known in comparison to the Westie. The Maltese is currently listed in the top 37. one of the 37 37th the most well-known breed of dogin America.
Appearance
It is believed that the Westie can be considered to be the largest one of both breeds and is thought to be a smaller-sized dog. The Westie is between 10 and 11 inches tall, from shoulder to paw. He weighs between 15 to 20 pounds. Maltese are dogs that look like toys. They are between 7 to 9 inches tall and weighs less than 7 pounds. If you’re looking for a dog that is small then this Maltese is the perfect dog for you.
The Westie is a jolly and curious chap who smiles with a grin across his cheeks. He is small and has pointy ears that are wide apart, making him make him appear foxy. The Westie may be small, however, his legs and body are strong and sturdy. However, the Maltese is a beautiful dog with a more refined appearance. The ears of his are set towards on the sides of his face, but are covered with feathery hair, which means they are not noticeable.
The Westie and the Maltese are both white dogs,which is usually where breed confusion begins. However, they’re very different coat kinds. The Westie is double-coated with a rough outer coat and a soft undercoat. The Maltese is a breed with a single coat (no undercoat) and his hair is silky and soft and falls naturally down to the ground. It is believed that the Maltese is an hypoallergenic breed of dog that means it is less prone to allergies sufferers. However, no dog is completely hypoallergenic.
Temperament
It’s the differences that allow families to decide between different breeds of dog. However, let’s look at some of the commonalities first. Since they’re both tiny dogs, expect lots of character packed in their small bodies. They are awe-inspiring and that they will be able to get it.
They are extremely affectionate and loving to their family members. They’re both sweeties who love their loved ones. The love they share can cause separation anxiety, which is why their families must be present all day. If you are a worker for a long time either of them are for you. The Westie can be a fantastic travel companion, but the Maltese is a fan of home comforts absolutely.
They are polite and affectionate dogs. But they are not a family dog. Maltese does not extend his affection to strangers or any other unidentified animals. If not properly trained and proper training, the Maltese could be an aggressive and reserved dogwho can bark and scare people away. The Westie is different in that he is a lover of everyone and everyone he comes across (except rodents, of course!). If you have a family that is social and outgoing, then the Westie could be the best option.
It is said that the Westie has the most active of the two, and he is filled with beans that need to be sated and then burned. The Westie is not an ideal lap dog. Then there’s the Maltese which is an excellent lap dog and is the first! The Maltese is also a lot of fun. However, he’s less than interested in playing all day and is more interested in lying on your lap and giving you total relaxation.
They’re both warm and warm, and they are great with both adults and children. The Maltese is aloof aspect to his character. However, with treats and sweet praise, he’ll quickly be attracted by strangers. The Westie is extremely friendly and loves to roll over to get belly rubs or play with any pet that wants to cuddle him. They are both great watchdogs , barking at strangers and you may be interested in learning the command to be quiet.
It is believed that the Maltese is the most serious breed The Maltese is the most serious, while The Westie is the most jolly. The Westie is a fan of being the focal point and can delight everyone with his hilarious routines. While the Maltese is equally entertaining but he’s not as awkward or snarky. The Maltese has an established reputation for being a grown-up and you’d be surprised! This makes the Maltese more relaxed at home than the grumpy Westie.
Exercise
The Maltese need only two short walks per day to be content. Their tiny legs don’t require to be exercised too much and they’ll get plenty of time at home, allowing them to stretch their legs enough. The Westie requires about 45 minutes of intense workout each daily to get rid of the energy beans.
The Maltese are content to stroll through the same area for a majority of days. The exercise they do is about smelling new scents as well as stretching their legs and taking pee breaks. Contrary to this, the Westie requires a diverse routine of exercise in order to stay engaged and stimulated. They’re very flexible and can engage in any activity you like. If you allow your Westie get bored, he’ll be a troublemaker.
The Westie has a high prey drive, meaning that he shouldn’t be allowed loose in public areas. On the other hand, Maltese don’t have particular large prey drive. However, you must be wary of letting any tiny dog off the leash in public or even in your backyard because predators have been known to take toy dogs! Some dogs could be too boisterous for them.
Training
A Westie is always eager to learn new party tricks and delight his master. They are surprisingly easy to learn, which is why they are the ideal option for new owners. Begin training early and reward your Westie with whatever is motivating them typically treats or toys as well as praise.
It is said that the Maltese is a spirited dog that can also be divas-ish. This can make training more difficult and difficult for dog owners who are new. The key to training the dog is to make your training lessons short and sweet, and enjoyable. Also, you must avoid the puppy dog’s eyes and make sure they don’t be able to get away with bad behavior simply because they’re small. If they don’t, they’ll develop a condition called “small dog syndrome..’
Socialization is among the most crucial elements of the training for both dogs and humans. It helps them learn how to be social with their surroundings especially other dogs, people and even new situations. If you do this correctly, it can turn your dog into a nice dog. However, insufficient socialization can result in anxiety and fear in your dog. Mix them both with as many different canines and environments as is possible at an early age.
Training in crate is essential to both Westie as well as the Maltese. Both are equally sensitive dogs that are susceptible to anxiety over separation. Make sure you are aware of the importance of crate training, and then invest in the right crate for dogs suffering from anxious separation. It gives them the security that they’re naturally seeking and also ensures that they won’t be able to access your treasured possessions when they are you’re bored and lonely.
Health
As with all purebred breeds like all purebred dog breeds, the Westie as well as the Maltese are prone to certain ailments due to the fact that they are carriers of certain bloodlines. Making sure that your dog’s health is among your most important obligations. Let’s take a look at the health issues you should be aware of.
hip dysplasia is among the most frequent problems found in the Westie bloodline, therefore all breeders who are reputable should examine the hips of their parents.
Westie Armadillo syndrome is rare , but it is unique to Westies. It is a cause of yeast infections throughout the entire body, and the health is not as good. Westies are also susceptible to eye problems, and the most frequent problems are glaucoma and sicca.
Patella Luxation is quite common in small breed dogs, as both Westie as well as the Maltese are susceptible to it. A knee cap that is floating is the cause, and could limit their mobility if it is not treated. Another common condition that is worth studying can be the white dog syndrome. It is an uncommon genetic disorder of the nervous system. Fortunately, it is possible to treat this disorder with medications.
In addition to the common issues in the previous paragraphs, Maltese must be examined for various heart problems. Patent arteriosus ductus is the most common heart problem, and it can be a defect that is born in the heart. It is a condition that can be corrected when the baby grows however, most of the time surgical intervention is needed if it’s severe.
While not mandatory breeders are advised to examine the breed of their Maltese for problems with the liver that are congenital like liver shunts since the incidence of these issues is more frequent in this breed than typical.
Nutrition
The Maltese usually consume between 1/2 to 1 cup of food every day, as in contrast to 1 and half cups of food for the Westie. Do not feed your dog free of charge since they will be prone to overindulge when they are allowed. The amount of food you give them will depend on their size as well as their age and their energy levels. Make sure you follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure that you don’t overfeed them.
If you decide feeding them with kibble, they will require a food specially made to be suitable for smaller breeds. The Maltese can also avail of food specifically designed for toy breeds. Don’t attempt to save money by buying low-quality food. It won’t satisfy your dog’s nutritional requirements and you may be spending more on medical bills in the end. A kibble that is appropriate for age is an essential food requirement for both of these canines.
Grooming
The Westie must be brushed every week using pin brushes to break through their rough outer coat and stop matting. The Maltese has silky, long hair that requires regular comb-brushing to prevent matting. It is the hair grooming regimen is more rigorous.
If you decide to cut your dog’s hair with a teddy bear cut an expert groomer is probably not needed. If you decide to keep the classic coats of both breeds and you want to keep them long, you’ll be able to benefit by finding a reputable groomer. The Westie requires his hair to be stripped in order to preserve his beloved appearance. The Maltese needs to be groomed with perfection that can take a long time and be difficult.
The Maltese has one coat that barely sheds, which means he is more suitable for allergies. The Westie is an average all-year-round shedder which means he’s not suitable to sufferers of allergies. Both of these white dogs can be susceptible to staining on their coats, which can look unsightly. Make sure you talk with your veterinarian about the best method to get rid of the stain.
Puppy Prices
An ethical Westie breeder typically prices their dogs starting at $800, as opposed to the price of a Maltese puppy at $2,000. If you’re seeking an exhibit Maltese one, expect to spend anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000. This is a lot higher than the cost of a show Westie.
If you see a dog priced less than this (or significantly higher! ) It indicates that the breeder is not responsible. They are likely to be focused on profit, not the health of their puppy. Unresponsible puppy mills, breeders and pet stores don’t make every effort to create or purchase healthy puppies, so stay clear of them. It is important to note that the Maltese breed of dog is especially vulnerable to being exploited through puppy mills, which is why it is essential to investigate the breeder prior to committing to them.
If you find one of these puppies in shelters for rescue, adoption fees are usually less than purchasing puppies from breeders.
Final Thoughts
It is believed that the West Highland White Terrier and the Maltese are stunning white breeds of dogs that have captured the hearts of many pet lovers around the globe. After reading our guide to comparing breeds you’ll understand the reason why! They’re more distinct than they are alike and that is a great thing to consider in deciding between them. Before you make a choice make sure you are able to meet their requirements. However, whatever white dog you pick, you’ll have an adorable puppy!