Quick Take
- Reaching a height of 17 inches requires a specific development timeline within 12 months.
- The hormonal imbalance of Addison’s disease triggers vomiting and thirst, requiring laboratory analysis.
- While labeled hypoallergenic, these hybrids actually produce shedding that contradicts standard breed assumptions.
- Consistent ear cleaning is required during the grooming routine to prevent ear infections.
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.
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 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 | Pros |
|---|---|
| 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: Those 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.
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 typically weigh between 20 and 30 pounds, though some may reach up to 35 pounds in rare cases. At 7 weeks old, a Westiepoo typically weighs between 3 and 6 pounds. They are fully grown between the ages of 8 and 12 months.
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 a limited range of motion are symptoms of this condition.
Addison’s disease is the third common health issue in 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, some medications can treat this condition.
Temperament and Behavior
Westiepoos can experience separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
The affectionate temperament of Westiepoos makes them great dogs for families with older children. These dogs have 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
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.
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 that 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. However, 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.
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 weigh more than the Cairn terrier.
- Scottish terrier: Like the Westiepoo, the Scottish terrier is intelligent with a stubborn streak. One big difference is that while most Scottish terriers are black, Westiepoos can come in a variety of colors, including white, cream, black, and apricot.
- 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.
Westiepoo Pictures
View all of our Westiepoo pictures in the gallery.
Sources
- Dogzone / Accessed March 9, 2021
- The Happy Puppy site / Accessed March 9, 2021
