Westiepoo (Westie & Poodle Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

Are you looking for an independent and cheerful best friend? Then the Westiepoo may be the perfect dog for you. They are smart, self-possessed dogs that get along with most adults and older children.

One huge benefit of choosing a Westiepoo is that these dogs shed very little, if at all. Though not technically hypoallergenic, the friendly and energetic Westiepoo will make an excellent companion for owners that suffer from allergies.

The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is believed to have been developed by the Duke of Argyll and the Malcolm family on their estates in Scotland. Bred as part of a working pack, they were used to hunt badgers, fox, and vermin. Despite their hunting heritage, nowadays most Westies are companion dogs.

The Standard Poodle is an old breed. Their name comes from the German “pudel,” which means “to splash in water.” They were developed in France, Germany, and England and originally used as a water retriever. Though used as hunters into the 19^th century, they later became popular companion dogs and performers. Nowadays, poodle mixes are becoming more and more popular.

Westiepoo Puppies

Sweet little balls of scruffy fluff, Westiepoo puppies are ridiculously cute. They come in a range of solid colors, though most tend toward white, and their fur is soft and wavy. Long fur may hide their eyes, but underneath is a bright and inquisitive mind.

Though they do not grow into large dogs, Westiepoos have high energy and stamina. They are adaptable to most living situations — whether city, suburban, or rural — but still need plenty of exercise and require access to a fenced-in yard at a minimum.

The charming and spunky Westiepoo are of moderate lifespan and regularly live over a decade. So, be prepared to care for them in good times and bad for quite a while.

Though there is not much data on the relatively new Westiepoo breed, you can get tons of information and advice on the well-loved parent breeds. The more you know about how to take care of your pup before they come home, the better off you’ll both be!

3 Little-Known Facts About the Westiepoo

1. Westies are White for Their Own Protection

West Highland White Terriers are bred to be all-white so that they are more visible while hunting. The story goes that one day Colonel Malcom of Poltalloch was hunting with a pack of Cairn Terriers and accidentally shot his favorite dog. Upset by the tragic mistake, he vowed to only hunt with white dogs from then on.

2. Standard Poodles Have Hair, Not Fur

The Standard Poodle’s coat is more like human hair than most dog’s fur. Like ours, if left untrimmed, their hair will just keep growing! If not cared for, their coat can cord and turn into a sort of dreadlock. This strange hair-like-fur is also hypoallergenic.

3. No One Can Agree on What to Call the Westiepoo

Being a new hybrid, breeders and fans call it by several different names. The two most popular contenders for the official name of the Westiepoo are Westiedoodle and Wee-Poo.

Temperament & Intelligence of Westiepoos 🧠

The Westiepoo is an alert, friendly, and trainable dog. Although it can be very independent, and even aloof at times, it is incredibly loyal and affectionate with its family.

It is also a smart, and often a very curious dog that loves to explore. Regularly giving your Westiepoo plenty of outdoor space is recommended, as this self-reliant dog will love to roam around by themselves and dig.

Due to their West Highland White Terrier heritage, some Westiepoos tend to dig and chase smaller animals. The Standard Poodle parent does not have much hunting instinct to speak of, however, so it is a bit of a toss-up as to which breed your dog will favor.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Westiepoos love playing with and getting attention from their family. They require quite a bit of exercise, so we think the more people that are excited to take them outdoors the better!

While they often favor the gentle attitude of the Standard Poodle, not all Westiepoos have a personality that meshes well with children. Their terrier heritage can tend towards nippiness and a certain degree of unpredictability, so they may not be suitable playmates for all children.

The best way to make sure your Westiepoo gets along with your kids is to socialize both dogs and children with each other at an early age. Teach both parties how to interact appropriately and respect boundaries, and you should not have any trouble.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Once again, this is a bit of a toss-up depending on which parent breed your Westiepoo favors. Here’s a closer look at each parent breed’s general disposition around other animals.

Standard Poodles are friendly and have very little hunting instincts, making them easygoing with dogs and cats alike.

The West Highland White Terrier, however, is bred to hunt. They get along generally with other dogs but may chase cats and are not to be trusted with any small animal.

As always, early socialization will go a long way toward helping pets get along. Get to know your animals, because with some patience and supervision a harmonious home life is absolutely within your grasp!

Things to Know When Owning a Westiepoo

Adding a new canine companion to your life is a serious decision. To make sure you are fully prepared to make this choice, here’s some more information about the general care and upkeep of a Westiepoo.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Dog kibble is a convenient and effective way to make sure your canine is eating a well-balanced diet. But keep an eye on those ingredient lists, because not all kibble is created equal.

Stay away from brands that have large quantities of fillers like grain and byproduct ingredients. A high-quality kibble should give your dog a wide variety of nutrients from both plant and animal sources.

Want to add some variety to your furry friend’s meal? Try giving adding some lean proteins like fish, veggies, or fruits with their standard kibble. Your vet will be able to tell you which foods are appropriate, whether they should be cooked or raw, and what your Westiepoo’s portion sizes should be.

Exercise 🐕

As incredibly active dogs, Westiepoos need multiple opportunities throughout the day to go outside and at least one long walk daily as well. Though they can adapt to city or more rural settings, a fenced-in yard is very necessary.

And the more yard space your Westiepoo has to explore, the better! Their terrier heritage means that they will love adventuring solo to root around and dig. Additionally, their Standard Poodle parent gives this breed a love of running and retrieving.

Training 🦮

The Westiepoo’s intelligence and fun-loving nature makes for a highly trainable dog. Early training will start you off on the right foot with your puppy and will be a fun way for both dogs and humans to learn to communicate with each other.

Their terrier breeding means that it is especially important to teach your Westiepoo good behavior. Without guidance, terrier breeds can become yappy, chase squirrels and other small animals, and dig in inappropriate places.

We recommend instilling reliable recall and “leave it” commands, as well as exercising caution about where you let your dog off their leash. They respond well to firm, positive training.

Grooming ✂️

Though an exceptionally low-shedding dog, the Westiepoo is a pooch that needs some serious grooming attention. It may have either a single or double coat, and the hair-like-fur grows at a rapid rate. Daily brushing will help prevent mats, and we recommend giving your Westiepoo a haircut every six to eight weeks.

Ears need to be checked and cleaned regularly and may need special attention if the hair around the ear is kept long. Remove any wax or dirt buildup, but also check for burrs, ticks, and other parasites that may have grabbed on.

You should also inspect and trim your Westiepoo’s nails occasionally to avoid uncomfortable cracking, however, these active dogs will likely wear them down naturally. Keeping their teeth clean is important for preventing gum disease and has the added benefit of freshening your pal’s breath!

Health and Conditions ❤️

Standard Poodles and West Highland White Terriers have quite a few health concerns to look out for. While any of these could appear in a Westiepoo, as a hybrid dog breed they are usually significantly healthier than either of their parent breeds.

Bearing that in mind, here is a rundown of all the health conditions you may encounter with your Westiepoo.

Male vs Female

Though a dog’s personality is not something that can be predicted by sex, there are a few physical differences between male and female Westiepoos. Male dogs will be bigger, and a bit more likely to participate in sexually aggressive behaviors like humping or territory marking with urine. A female Westiepoo will be smaller in size, and often somewhat taciturn.

Final Thoughts

So, is the Westiepoo the right dog for you?

For those who do not have an active lifestyle, a fenced-in yard, or the desire to spend significant time caring for a dog’s coat we recommend seeking another breed.

But if you are a dog-lover with allergies, and are attracted to the idea of an independent, high-energy canine that will love being groomed and showered with attention — you might have found your perfect match!

• See Also: Australian Bernedoodle: Breed Info, Pictures & Traits

Featured Image Credit: Lakers, Shutterstock