This dog is known for cocking its head in a curious manner when listening to its owner.
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Westiepoo Scientific Classification
Westiepoo Facts
Westiepoo Physical Characteristics
Westiepoo as a Pet:
- General Health
- Energy Level
- Shedability
- Trainability
- Intelligence
- Tendency to Chew
- Size
- Family and kid friendliness
- Yappiness / Barking
- Moderate
- Separation Anxiety
- Moderate
- Preferred Temperature
- Warm climate
- Exercise Needs
- Low
- Friendly With Other Dogs
- High
- Pure bred cost to own
- $1500
- Dog group
- Toy
- Male weight
- 20-30 lbs
- Female weight
- 20-30 lbs
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Though a Westiepoo is small in size, it has a strong bark that can scare away strangers on the property.
Westiepoos are social, intelligent dogs that are full of curiosity. They result from breeding a West Highland White terrier with a miniature poodle. These dogs date back to the 1970s. They are believed to have originated in the United States. Westiepoos belong to the hybrid group.
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These small, playful dogs are popular with families. They are loyal and protective of their loved ones.
Evolution
The westiepoo is one of the newer “designer dogs” that became all of the rage after the cross of a golden retriever and a standard poodle in 1969. The poodle’s low-shedding fur was a desirable trait – especially to people with allergies – leading to the creation of dozens of “doodle” breeds. The westiepoo is one of those doodles – the result of a West Highland terrier and a miniature poodle.
3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Westiepoo
| Pros! | Cons! |
| A friendly nature: These dogs love to be around their owners. They love to cuddle on the couch, go on walks, and otherwise spend time with the family! | Somewhat difficult to train: They can have an independent streak making training somewhat difficult. |
| An easy grooming routine: They don’t require an elaborate grooming routine. They need to be brushed just once or twice a week to keep their coat looking healthy. | Separation anxiety: They can experience separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They can become destructive by chewing on various items in a household. |
| A low shedder: Though these dogs are considered hypoallergenic, they do shed a small amount of hair. | Can bark a lot if not socialized: They that haven’t been socialized have a tendency to bark a lot. |
Westiepoos don’t require an elaborate grooming routine – just brushing once or twice a week to keep their coat looking healthy.
©Gordito1869 / CC BY 3.0 – License
Size and Weight
Westiepoos are small to medium-sized dogs that can achieve a height of 17 inches from the top of their head to their feet. They weigh up to 35 pounds. At 7 weeks old, a Westiepoo weighs around 8 pounds. They are fully grown between the age of 8 and 12 months.
Health and Entertainment for your Westiepoo
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| Height (Male): | 17 inches |
| Height (Female): | 17 inches |
| Weight (Male): | 35 pounds |
| Weight (Female): | 35 pounds |
Common Health Issues
Westiepoos are prone to a few health issues. One is Patellar luxation. Patellar luxation happens when the dog’s kneecap slips out of place. Limping or an unsteady stride are symptoms of this condition. Some dogs need surgery to correct a severe case of patellar luxation.
Another common health issue is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is essentially the dislocation of the hip joint. Once again, limping, or limited range of motion are symptoms of this condition.
Addison’s disease is the third common health issue of this dog. It is a hormonal imbalance. Vomiting, diarrhea, and an overwhelming thirst can all be symptoms of this disease. A veterinarian has to conduct bloodwork and urine analysis to detect Addison’s disease. Fortunately, there are medications that can treat this condition.
Common health conditions include:
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Addison’s disease
Temperament and Behavior
Westiepoos can experience separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
©Gordito1869 / CC BY 3.0 – License
The affectionate temperament of Westiepoos makes them great dogs for families with older children. These dogs have a playful personalities and like to be where the action is. One of the most prominent traits of this dog is its devotion to its owner. Even though its size wouldn’t intimidate anyone, this pup will bark when a stranger comes to the door. So, a Westiepoo can serve as a watchdog in a household.
The adaptability of this dog means it’s just as happy cuddling on the sofa next to its owner as it is playing chase in the backyard with the kids!
How to Take Care of Westiepoo
An owner who learns about the various needs of their new Westiepoo is going to be able to take excellent care of this pet. Whether it’s a puppy or an adult dog, learning about its diet, exercise needs, grooming routines, and common health issues can help an owner to give their Westiepoo a happy life!
The Best Dog Food for Westiepoos
Westiepoo puppies and adults need different components in their diet. Check out some factors to keep in mind:
Westiepoo puppy food: High-quality protein is essential for building a puppy’s healthy muscles, tendons, and cartilage. DHA in the form of fish oil is an ingredient that supports healthy brain and vision development. Fat provides active puppies with the energy they need to run, jump, and otherwise explore their environment. Calcium contributes to strong bones which can build up a puppy’s defenses against Patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Vitamins C and E support a puppy’s developing immune system.
Westiepoo adult dog food: Adults need protein in their diet to maintain strong muscles and tendons. Glucosamine also supports healthy cartilage. Adult dogs need Omega 3 fish oil to support the health of their joints. This can contribute to preventing Patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. A limited amount of fat in an adult’s diet gives it the energy it needs to remain active while not adding needless pounds.
At A-Z Animals, we say the best dog food for Westiepoos is Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Shredded Formula Chicken & Rice Adult Dry Dog Food.
This food is excellent for Westiepoos because of its extra calcium and glucosamine boost from hearty ingredients like a real lamb for tough joints, starting with proper cartilage formation. Though the challenge of Addison’s disease requires close veterinary attention for treatment, the pyridoxine in this food assists with hormone/adrenal regulation. And probiotics can help balance and settle a sensitive stomach.
You can find Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Shredded Formula here on Chewy and Amazon.
- Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula with probiotics for small dogs
- Fortified with probiotics for digestive and immune health
- Calcium, phosphorus and other minerals maintain strong bones and teeth
- Prebiotic fiber from wheat bran for digestive health
Both puppies and dogs should have access to fresh water at all times. Water helps a dog to stay hydrated as well as digest its food.
Maintenance and Grooming
How much does a Westiepoo shed? Although many believe these dogs are hypoallergenic, they do shed. However, they shed very little, so they are categorized as low shedders.
One of the benefits of buying this hybrid or getting one from a rescue organization is they don’t require much grooming. Their grooming routine includes brushing them once or twice each week. This keeps their coat in good condition and removes mats and tangles.
A slicker brush with plastic coverings on the bristles is a useful grooming tool for this dog. It reaches into the coat to remove tangles without hurting the dog’s sensitive skin. Start at the dog’s head and move with the brush toward its tail, following the natural flow of its hair.
Another step in this dog’s grooming routine is cleaning its ears. This can be done with a specially designed ear-cleaning solution and a soft cloth. Cleaning this dog’s ears can help to prevent ear infections.
Westiepoos are vulnerable to epidermal dysplasia just as West Highland White terriers are. Epidermal dysplasia is a condition resulting from abnormal skin cells. Hair loss, redness, and greasy hair are all signs of this condition. Fortunately, it can be treated with antifungals or antibiotics from a veterinarian.
Training
Both West Highland White terriers and poodles are intelligent dogs. So, it’s no surprise that Westiepoos are smart as well. Intelligence does make obedience training sessions a little easier. But a stubborn streak in this hybrid breed can be a stumbling block. So, it’s best to keep training sessions short and give these dogs a lot of praise and treats to reinforce lessons. The fewer distractions in the training area, the better.
A Jack Russell terrier is another example of an intelligent dog with an independent streak. It does best with short training sessions as well.
Though these dogs are considered hypoallergenic, Westiepoos do shed a small amount of hair.
©iStock.com/11AFotografie
Exercise
These dogs need about 30 minutes of exercise per day. They have a lot of energy that needs to be burned off!
Exercise for these dogs can take the form of walking in the neighborhood, playing fetch in the backyard, or walking a trail in the woods. They get along with other dogs so taking a Westiepoo to a dog park is a good idea as long as the other dogs are similar in size.
These dogs are suitable for apartment living. As long as the owner takes the dog out for exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, living in an apartment is appropriate for this hybrid breed.
Puppies
Westiepoo puppies are energetic and anxious to explore their environment. So, providing a safe area for these small dogs to stretch their legs and move around is important.
Children and Westiepoos
These dogs do have a reputation for being good with older children. They are less suitable for a family with young children. This is because young children can sometimes treat small dogs like this one in a harsh or rough way without realizing it. A Westiepoo may respond in a negative way thinking it is in danger of being injured.
Dogs Similar to Westiepoos
Some dogs that are similar to Westiepoos include the Cairn terrier, the Scottish terrier, and the Skye terrier.
Scottish terriers are similar to Westiepoos.
©Stephen Dukelow/Shutterstock.com
- Cairn terrier: Cairn terriers are energetic, smart, and playful like Westiepoos. But Westiepoos are larger in size and weight than the Cairn terrier.
- Scottish terrier: Like the Westiepoo, the Scottish terrier is intelligent with a stubborn streak. One big difference is while most Scottish terriers are black, Westiepoos are white.
- Skye terrier: Skye terriers and Westiepoos are approximately the same size and are both friendly. However, a Skye terrier has a much longer coat requiring more grooming attention.
Popular Names for Westiepoos
Popular names for Westiepoos include:
- Princess
- Vicki
- Puddles
- Tootsie
- Simba
- Minnie
- Jinx
- Sammy
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Westiepoo FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a Westiepoo?
A Westiepoo is a cross between a West Highland White terrier and a miniature poodle. They originated in the 1970s in the United States. This dog belongs to the hybrid group.
Though they are thought to be hypoallergenic, they do shed a low level of hair. These dogs are smart and affectionate with a playful nature.
How much does a Westiepoo cost to own?
Along with the initial price for a Westiepoo, the yearly veterinary costs range from $100 to $400. Of course, this cost can vary with a dog’s level of health.
Dog food costs range from $30 to $40 a month. The brand of food an owner chooses is going to affect the final cost.
Are Westiepoos good with kids?
Yes, they are good with older children. Westiepoos are less suitable for families with toddlers or other young children. These small dogs are sensitive to quick movements and rough behavior. Though a young child may not mean to be rough, the dog may interpret an action as threatening.
How long do Westiepoos live?
The lifespan of the Westiepoo is 13 to 15 years.
Do Westiepoos bark a lot?
No, these dogs do an average amount of barking. A socialized Westiepoo is less likely to bark without a good reason.
Are Westiepoos easy to train?
No, they can be a challenge to train due to a stubborn streak. But, with short training sessions and lots of praise, it can be done!
How much do Westiepoos cost?
The price of a Westiepoo purchased from a breeder is around $1500. The exact purchase price varies from breeder to breeder.
An alternative is to get a Westiepoo from a rescue organization. This would be less expensive. As a bonus, the money paid to a rescue organization would help find homes for other Westiepoos.
How big does a Westiepoo grow?
Westiepoo adults can grow as tall as 17 inches from the top of their head to their feet. They can weigh from 25 to 35 pounds. Westiepoos are considered to be a small to medium-sized dog.
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Sources
- dogzone.com, Available here: https://www.dogzone.com/crossbreeds/westiepoo/
- thehappypuppysite.com, Available here: https://thehappypuppysite.com/westiepoo/
