Highland Maltie - Benito del Toro

by Pierrette
(San Diego, CA)

We adopted our Highland Maltie puppy from a rescue group called "Without Boarders". Benny was found in Rosarito Mexico in a gas station and was all black from the oil. They assume he was an escapee from a puppy mill or abandoned. I adopted him 1 month ago and did not know of his unique co-mingled breed status.

Highland Maltie - Bobby

by Alicia
(Utah)

Bobby the Westie Maltese mix

Bobby is a West Highland Maltie mix. He's such a wonderful dog. He doesn't shed and aside from getting him groomed, is very low maintenance. Intensely loyal and very cute.

Highland Maltie - Diamond

by Tammy
(Fort Worth,Texas)

Diamond

I have a Highland Maltie, I went to the dog pound in search of a small dog as I gave my dog to my daughter and missed her terribly. I was about to leave when they put Diamond in a cage. I was like is she adopted? That is the dog I want! She fit all the things I had told them I was looking for in a dog. It was love at first sight.

My son and I love our Maltese West Highland terrier mix to death she is the perfect dog for us even my husband can not resist her she is so playful and charming. She also has a mind of her own if she does not want to do something she will just sit and look at you.

As you can see she is a beautiful dog she is a year and half old, got her two days before Thanksgiving 2009. She sleeps with us at night and every morning she wakes me up by licking me to go outside its usually around 4-5 am lol:)

Highland Maltie - Chloe

by Pat Counihan
(Cumberland, MD)

Chloe is quite a dog. Our Highland Maltie is smart as a whip & we have to spell and whisper around her, she knows when you do a certain move, what's going to happen next.

I love her to pieces, but she is a barker. she sits at the front window and no matter who walks by she thinks it is her sidewalk. I have tried bark collars, zappers, citronella collars, squirt her with water etc. nothing seems to work. I even try to say quiet chloe very low and she knows that means a treat if she stops. I don't want her to get fat. I do use the little traing treats.

Can anyone suggest anthing else? I would appreciate it. She plays well with toys and I wouldn't trade her for the world. Our Highland Maltie gives us such companionship.

Highland Maltie - Lucy

by Carol
(North Carolina)

My Highland Maltie loves everyone and everything. She's well behaved and smart. My Maltese Westie mix he came from the shelter as a terrier mix, but we found pics of a Highland Maltie and we found that Lucy looks just like the pics. She checks on my grandson when he naps and gets worried if he starts to cry. I hope to have this dog for many years.

Highland Maltie - Rascal

by Michael Porter
(Tacoma, WA.)

She follows me everywhere, even the bathroom

Rascal the Highland Maltie (and her sister Holly) are the best thing that ever happened to me. I have always been more of a big dog person until I got my Highland Malties.

Rascal has the body of a Westie and the Maltese ears. She and her sister Holly are always playing and up to something. Her favorite place in the whole world is whatever room I am in. She will be playing with something seemingly oblivious to my presence. When I get up, without missing a beat or interrupting her play, she will follow me to the next room.

She loves to give kisses and even though I know I should discourage this behavior I just can't! At night time she burrows under the blankets and has to get as close as she possibly can to me. She and Holly are the BEST dogs I have ever had!

Highland Maltie - Chester

by Emma
(Mississippi)

Chester is a 10 month old Highland Maltie that appeared at my back door on Sunday, April 20, 2008. He is the most adorable little thing. He has so much personality, but is having a bit of a time with housebreaking. He seems to think that outside is a place to play, not potty!

I believe that God sent him to me from Heaven. I lost my 17 year old poodle in September from congestive heart failure and I had decided that I just could not get another puppy or dog and risk that pain again. Sooooo!! God made the decision for me!! I did try to find out who his former owners were through fliers, newspaper ad, and sign in my yard. Not one phone call, so after a week he was named Chester, neutered, and micro chipped all in one day.

He is scared of the vacuum(aren't they all?), loves to sleep with me,likes to be held like a human baby and rocked. I will send a picture as soon as I can but the picture of Maggie on "flickr" looks just like him.

Is this a Highland Maltie - Brutus

by Ronald Wolf
(Ft. Myers,Florida)

Highland Maltie or Maltese

Still not sure. Highland Maltie, or all Maltese?
Really don't care at this point.
He just chewed my Blackberry leather case to pieces...
Oh well.

Highland Maltie - Koon

by Michael
(Los Angeles, CA)

Cute Highland Maltie Puppy

I adopted my Highland Maltie Koon two days ago without any hesitation because he looked so adorable. However, I just got an anxiety.

He is mixed with Toy Maltese and West Highland White Terrier, 6 weeks old and weighs about 2lbs.
I actually live in an apartment that is too small to raise big dogs. So, I was wondering about the size of Koon when he is fully grown?

If anybody knows, please let me know how big a Highland Maltie usually grows. He is so adorable that I really want to raise him at my apartment, but I worry if he grows too big!!

Highland Maltie - Pipsy

by Natalie
(Singapore)

Highland Maltie!! She is the cutest dog ever!!! When she was young she used to be the friendliest and most lovable dog. However, she is now a bit temperamental but we still love her! She is 11 years old. Her fur is more like the Maltese as it is not as rough as a Westies.

Highland Maltie - Ralphie

by Beverly
(Ohio)

Highland Maltie happy even with a bad haircut

Ralphie is a Highland Maltie rescue and at 7 years old he is such a little gentleman.

He needs some extensive dental work and he will be getting that this week. He was a mess with bad ears etc but now once his teeth are done he will be good on everything.

He is such a wonderful loving and exceptionally happy boy and I am lucky the HS called our rescue so I could be his new mom.

He is growing out from a bad haircut but I love him anyway.

Highland Maltie - Custard

by Rachel Slattery
(London)

My Highland Maltie is beautiful, fluffy and incredibly well behaved. The only thing I found difficult was the housetraining. She is my shadow and follows me everywhere, she learnt simple commands very quickly and seems to understand what is expected of her.

She never barks unless she sees another dog but is easily settled down after I tell her she is a good guard dog. I could put a plate of sausage in front of her and she wouldn't touch it without permission. She is loving and affectionate but not very approachable in the street. She does not like strangers stroking her and pretends not to notice them (She would never behave agressively) She is not an extensive cuddler but has her moods where she wants to drape herself all over us. My Maltese Westie dog is a lot bigger than I expected but I love her regardless, she could be ten foot tall and bright orange and Id still think she was ace.

I have two puppies, my second is a Cavelier (named Jelly). Hes cute but I really learnt to appreciate how good Custard was once he came along, barking, chewing and eating anything he sees.

I highly recommend the Highland Maltie to everyone. If every one is the same as Custard, it will be the best dog you could get.

Highland Maltie - Zoey

by Day
(Arkansas)

Zoey's first grooming after coming home!

We rescued Zoey from a Garbage digging" life. We weren't sure what a Highland Maltie was until a little after getting her.

I love her! She's sweet, loving and loves to be petted and groomed. She has endless patience with her "brother" our Cairn terrier Jack. They love playing, running and chewing together! Our Highland Maltie Zoey is the sweetest little girl and we are so glad to have added her to our family.

Highland Maltie - Casey

by Joanne
(Massachusetts)

We got our Highland Maltie, or Maltese Westie, cheap from a breeder who thought he was a "mistake"... before "designer dogs" were in vogue. He won our hearts in seconds. When we met him, my daughter and I sat on the floor with him and just waited to see what he would do. He was so little and I am sure to him we looked enormous. He was not hyper like other pups, no jumping and biting for this little guy. He just sniffed my daughter, who was 9 at the time, crawled up on her lap and curled up. That was it. SOLD.

I admit, I thought our Highland Maltie was a little funny looking when we first got him, but he turned out to be so beautiful! A sweeter, gentler dog I have never met. So tolerant and affectionate! And he was SOOOOOO MUCH easier to groom than the pure Maltese we had owned previously. He was a great alarm system. Definitely let us know if someone came to the house, but would settle down as soon as he saw we were comfortable with our visitors. When he was fully grown he was only 8 lbs. This photo is one of my favorites. It is so Casey! I love to share it with people who think small dogs and small children cannot peacefully co-exist. Casey would run around in the yard with my children, cuddle in their laps, play hide and seek, he even let my daughter push him around in her doll stroller. He was amazingly tolerant. As long as the children were loving him and spending time with him, he was content. When he got tired of their games he would lay at my feet or next to me on the couch and I would tell the kids to leave him alone, that he wanted "Mommy time".

Casey saved my youngest daughter's life when she was not quite 2 years old. She left the house when I was upstairs in my room getting dressed. It was the first time she had ever opened the front door. I wasn't even aware she COULD. I heard Casey outside barking and wondered how he got outside. When I came downstairs, he was running around in the street barking like a lunatic. This was VERY uncharacteristic of him. He never left the house. Even if the door was open, he would only sit on the threshold in the sun. He was not the kind of dog who bolted every time the door was opened. On this day he had literally stopped traffic and the driver was very angry at me for not controlling my dog... until we both saw my toddler waddle out from between two parked cars.

Unfortunately, our beloved Maltese Westie Casey died on Halloween in 2008. I still miss him every day. I would love to get another "Maltie" someday... but I know it won't be my Casey.

Highland Maltie - Princess Rosabelle

by Geni
(Centuria, WI)

The Princess Getting Ready To Eat

We just got our Highland Maltie from the newspaper! I had no idea about this breed we just wanted a little breed mutt for our family.

She is very playful, chases the cat barks at him wags her tail always! Goes on the puppy paper but than also on my carpets! Loves to chew so I keep my eye on her! Very happy and social puppy! We love her she's so cute!

Highland Maltie - McKenna

by Suellen
(California)

OMGosh.... my Highland Maltie is over 3 yrs, and I never knew he was an accepted breed - He is FAST and doesn't like to be caught, brushed, clipped, etc -

For about 7 months I had a 2nd dog, an aggressive cocker puppy - way too much work at my age, etc -
for a month or so after the second dog's return to breeder, McKenna had excellent behavior. Now he has returned to normal.

Very poor bladder control - Won't come in from backyard unless he wants to. Won't go out, if he doesn't want to.

Finally started liking dog cookies some months ago, so that is a bit of a help in getting him to do anything.

Highland Maltie - Isabel

by Al Volker
(Birmingham, AL)

Isabel is a very friendly Highland Maltie. She loves to stand on her hind legs to tell you she wants something... to go out or whatever you're eating.

She dominates an older, West Highland Maltese mix. Was probably better socialized in her first few weeks.

She is jealous of the other dog and any attention the other dog gets.

She loves to hide her toys and bones, then can't find them.

She's always ready to play ball

She and the other dog have bark-offs all the time, for no other apparent purpose than to let off steam. They will stand nose to nose and bark at each other for minutes at a time.

Isabel also loves to bark at things on t.v. and at a particular lampshade in the family room.

She loves to sleep with us...always pressing against the small of our backs or our backsides.

She comes close to demanding attention and playtime. By making growling and "Talking" noises you can hold a regular conversation with her...and it sounds like she's answering your questions.

Is very territorial and lets the squirrels in the yard know it's her yard. (We, her humans are allowed in it but no one else.)

Doesn't mind getting wet. It has to be a real downpour before Isabel is deterred from her walk about our yard.

She is a perfect pet. Loveable. Outgoing. Affectionate. I just wish she'd let the other dog alone.

Crazy Highland Maltie - Nicuzza

by Laura
(Los Angeles, California)

Nicuzza the crazy Sicilian puppy

This sweet Highland Maltie puppy was abandoned 2 times first in Sicily, Italy then again by the American lady that brought her all the way to Los Angeles (airline tickets, passports etcetera).

I spotted the fluff ball on Rodeo Drive wearing a cute bandanna saying ADOPT ME. I couldn't resist and brought her home for a trail run with my 2 cats and husband.

Her name in Sicilian means "sweet little one" and that she is. Nicuzza is always happy and smiling and full of energy. Considering her rough beginnings we all could learn a thing or two from her she has such a positive attitude and no fears or anxieties.

She has found her Forever home with us and we are very blessed to have Nicuzza in our family.

Rescued Highland Maltie - Marley

by Lorie
(Choctaw, Ok)

Marley before surgery

Marley is 7 years old. A little ball of 10 lb fur.

I work with the Westie Rescue in Oklahoma, and we rescued Marley from a shelter because his breeder did not want him because he has cataracts. For 7 years old, he is way too young for cataracts. He is so loving I could not understand anyone giving him up.

Good News! He is having eye surgery Dec. 2. and the doctor is kindly reducing the price of the surgery. Still the cost is enormous since we have our other dogs treated for their ill health. Here's my question: Does anyone know of a grant or charity that could help with some of the cost of the surgery? The Westie Rescue group is slowy going into the red with the sudden surrenders from the puppy mills, which is good, but also bad, because so many of the pups are very sick. Anyway... Marley will be up for adoption after he recovers from his surgery.

I'm also fostering another Highland Maltie, his name is Baxter. He's almost a year old, exact opposite of Marley. He's very very playful and runs the other dogs until they just give out. He has a long body, which Marley's is short. Check him out on the web at OK Westie Rescue. Marley is not on there, but Baxter is, he's the one wearing the funny pirate hat.

See Marley after surgery - MARLEY UPDATES

Rescued Highland Malti - Marley AFTER

by Lorie
(Choctaw, OK)

Marley - after cataract surgery

Remember Highland Malti Marley in his before picture with cataracts? Well, he is "SUPER DOG" now. Yes, he has a small body, but he has the attitude of a Rottwiler (sort of), he knows no fear now.

He was adopted by a wonderful lady in Arkansas and he is living the life of being pampered and loved. I do miss him, my little fur ball.

Meet Friday the Highland Maltie

by Brandy
(Daytona Beach, FL)

Friday is an 8wk old Highland Maltie! He is the cutest ball of fluff I have ever known and I love him dearly! He is a little piglet and loves to chew on fingers. I can not wait to watch him grow and to learn all there is to know about both breeds; the Maltese and the West Highland terrier!

Highland Maltie - Chauncey

by John Chisari
(Yorkville, IL USA)

Chauncey at 3 yrs old

Chuncey is our 4 yr old Highland Maltie. We've had him since he was about 10 wks old. He is very possessive of his things and us. He definitely doesn't like our other dog Luigi, a 11 mos old Havanese taking his toys, but usually allows him to win.

As a puppy, he was very active, wanting to play all of the time. He would stand in front of us and bark until we paid attention to him. Definitely a very tenacious breed. Very intelligent, he learns things usually from only being shown once. My Highland Maltie was house broken by the time he was 10 mos old. I put a bell at the back door when he was about 4 mos old and rang it once to let him know we were going out, and he has rung the bell every time since to go out. He is extremely loyal and loves children and adults as well as other dogs.

Highland Maltie Rescue - Charley

by Elisabeth
(Tampa FL)

My Highland Maltie is absolutely magnificent! He's a 'rescue' from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and he's adorable.

He came w/ the name Salvador Dali but he did not quite respond to that or any other name and so I called him Peanut. Soon to be reverted back to Charley when I realized that he was confused and disoriented and so I chose something CLOSE To his 'original' name. Which was undocumented based on the report that the daughter gave him up because apparently her mom died and she was his original mommy.

I'm ecstatic to have him. I'm 'gifting' him to my sister to allow my dad to have a doggie in both of his new residences (he lives w/ my sister pt time and me pt time) so - he's got my Maltese and he'll have her Highland Maltie part of the year too. I'll miss him and if she ever decides he's too energetic for her - I'll take him back GLADLY!!!
:-) have a super day Malti Westie owners... this was a great surprise for me to have him as long as I have.

Highland Maltie - Lucas

by Bullet Hardy
(Cameron, North Carolina)

This is Lucas with his dad Matt.

Our c (at least I think he is) is named Lucas. He loves to interact with people and loves to hang out with his family and friends.

He is the sweetest dog you will ever meet. He lives with his dad in North Carolina. So there is more to my Highland Maltie Lucas but that stuff is personal.

Highland Maltie - Petey

by Kelly
(Upstate Ny)

Petey and Ivan

Petey is very friendly and cuddle with his big brother Ivan a Shepard Collie mix. He loves to run outside and play. He thinks he's as big as his brother Ivan.

He's very funny he also loves to run and jump in a pile of snow. He is a very picky eater loves to drink water.

He is also very jumpy which got him a torn CCL in his right leg. It cost a lot of money to have it fixed. The vet said its starts and $2,000 to $3,000 per leg, but he will have it done. We just can't let him run and walk till he gets it fixed. It's hard to keep him still he just wants to play even though can see he is in pain.

Petey also loves to play with his other brother Jack (tabby cat) and sister Sammi (calico cat). One more thing before I end is Petey HATES to have his eyes cleaned. He growls at the wash cloth and shows his teeth. Other then that hes a wonderful puppy!

Highland Maltie - Deirdre (Deer dra)

by Michelle
(San Diego CA)

Deirdre and my rotty Cara

I love my Highland Maltie! Deirdre (sounds like Deer dra) is so funny. I was expecting a quiet lap dog, but she is a pistol!! I thought I'd have to keep her separate from my 2 big Rotts, but all she wants to do is play with them.

My Highland Maltie Deirdre is 13 lbs. My Rotts are 100lb female and 120 lb male. Deirdre is very alert and always wants to play. She thinks she's a big dog. She's only a lap dog when she's tired!

I love her funny antics. She does shed. She's more Westie than Maltese.

I'd recommend the Highland Maltie mix breed to anyone who wants a small dog with a big personality. She barks a lot and is very active. I wouldn't recommend this mix for someone who wants a quiet lap dog.

Handful Highland Maltie - GIZMO

by Leanna
(Greensboro,NC)

Gizmo is a very intelligent Highland Maltie. He does have a digging problem, however, it has resolved a little over the years. He is very lovable and a good companion. He does tend to bark at the littlest noises. A very good watchdog. He is 2 years old now, and weighs 12 pounds.

I love him dearly, and is looking for him a brother/sister. I wouldn't trade him for the world. If you are thinking of getting a Highland Maltie, you are making one of the best decisions EVER. Good Luck, I know you will enjoy your new dog (:

Kallie - Highland Maltie

(Canada)

Kallie the cute Westie Maltese

Kallie was a West Highland Terrier Maltese mix dog. She was the sweetest dog ever, very friendly, and very cute. She was quiet, playful, and always up for a cuddle. We lost her this Spring, and we miss her very much.

Highland Maltie Sister - Holly

by Michael Porter
(Tacoma, Wa.)

One of Holly's RARE quiet moments!

I have two of these WONDERFUL Highland Maltie dogs. I had picked out Holly's littermate Rascal when they were only 2 weeks old.

On the day I went to pick Rascal up I was watching Holly, who was quite the character, and thinking how cute she was. The breeder told me that Holly's Mom had decided against taking her because Holly was born with a rather large hernia. She told me that if she could find someone who would agree to pay for her medical bills they could have the dog.

Now the thought of having TWO puppies to train did NOT appeal to me, but I couldn't leave her. I am SO glad I did!! These two pups are the best dogs I have ever had. Holly has more of the Maltese size but the Westie heart! She is the brave one and is ALWAYS outside or getting into something. She loves her Daddy though and lets me know every chance she gets. She and her sister like to burrow under the blankets and be as close to me as they possibly can.

When I leave the house Holly jumps up on the back of the couch and watches me through the window until I drive away. When I come home there she is at the couch again. If you are considering one of these dogs DO IT! In fact get two!

Highland Maltie - Izzy

by Jeanine
(Mount Vernon, NY)

Izzy the Highland Maltie

Izzy is a great blend of the best of both breeds, the Westie and the Maltese! Down to the ears she shows her mix, one ear she holds up like the Westie, one ear down like the Maltese.

She is a devoted companion, loves to be a lap dog while the family is relaxing in the evening like the Maltese. But during her active hours her personality is more like the terrier, she is curious, independent, adventurous and fearless!

On walks she loves to be in front (heeling is a reluctantly followed option of last resort for her) darting from one place to another, exploring every facet of the landscape. When playing with other dogs she prefers to chase and run with the big dogs. She plays a great game of fetch. Outside her energy seem to be boundless! She is also a great watch dog, is not real friendly with strangers, but is very gentle with babies, a real plus for a small dog.

Lastly, the dog is super smart, training her was actually easy. Because she is so curious and independent obedience training was a must, she quickly responded to the hand signals and voice commands. Later I taught her other tricks, such as, roll over, say please (she stands on her back legs while waving her front paws), dance (stands on back legs and circles), and play dead.

She is a very quick learner, often understanding what I wanted her to do within 15 minutes or so! The dog is very healthy, free of the genetic disorders that often challenge the pure breeds. Which is the main reason I opted for a hybrid, I wanted a dog with an expanded gene pool. Well I got one two years ago and it has been great!

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