Westie and Poodle Mix: All About the Westiepoo

When you breed a Westie and poodle mix, you’ll undoubtedly have one of the most adorable dogs as a part of your family. Also known as a Westiepoo, Westiedoodle, or Wee-Poo, the Westiepoo is an active and highly intelligent breed.

Similar to most other Westie breeds, you’ll find this variation is smart, social, and incredibly loyal. If you’re searching for a dog that is unlikely to shed, will be relatively simple to train, and can be fantastic for those with allergies, we highly recommend a Westiepoo.

The History of the Westiepoo

Westiepoos is a much newer breed compared to others, as their date of origin can be traced to the 1970s. With the original purpose of being a companion, these dogs certainly don’t disappoint if you’re looking for a family-friendly partner.

The parent breeds, however, can be traced back much further. The American Kennel Club officially recognized Westies in 1908, but they were around far before that, with some stating they can be traced to the early 1500s.

The original purpose of the Westies was to assist farmers and villagers with hunting vermin in Scotland. Another prevalent task of theirs was to hunt foxes. However, their coats were so similar to foxes that they were bred to be a noticeable white.

There is some evidence of poodles being quite popular in ancient Egypt, but as they have quite an extensive history, it’s challenging to determine where they originated. You can guarantee, however, that they boomed in popularity with the French, as they were a symbol of refined and classy living.

What Is a Westiepoo’s Personality?

The two main things you will remember about your Westiepoo is that they are loving and intelligent; however, they are also known for their fantastic energy. If you’re the type of pet parent who loves to exercise your dogs, you’ll love owning a Westiepoo.

This breed is also entirely independent, which helps them to have a healthy relationship both with and without you. With that said, there’s nothing more exciting to these dogs than having a friend to play with. Their friends may include other dogs or family members.

It’s important to note that they have a strong prey drive, which can make it tough to have other small animals in the house, such as rodents. You’ll also find that although your Westiepoo is loving and adorable, they are notoriously stubborn without reward.

When training your Westiepoo, you’ll find that they pick up tricks and commands quickly, as they are brilliant, but they will require rewards. The more often they are rewarded, the more likely they will be to listen to your commands.

The Health of a Westiepoo

Compared to other dog breeds, there aren’t too many medical concerns that you will have to think about with this breed. Occasionally, they may be diagnosed with ear infections and cataracts, as well as epilepsy and hypothyroidism.

There are also a few significant concerns that you may want to be aware of as an owner, including:

  • Patellar Luxation: With this disorder, your dog’s knee may be likely to shift away from its usual location, which is common in small and miniature breeds. You’ll typically begin to notice the symptoms between four and six months of age.
  • Canine Hip Dysplasia: With hip dysplasia, the hip socket won’t cover the ball of the upper thighbone adequately, which can lead to significant discomfort and eventually crippling lameness. This issue is by far one of the most difficult for your dog, primarily as Westiepoos are known for their energetic features.
  • Addison’s Disease: Addison’s Disease can result in an abnormally low production of hormones, such as cortisol, which can make it difficult for your dog to regulate its temperament. You will also find the lacking hormones are responsible for regulating the internal organs and body systems, which can lead to serious health complications.
  • Gastric Dilatation Volvulus: Unfortunately, Gastric Dilatation Volvulus is an uncomfortable and life-threatening condition in dogs that causes the stomach to overstretch due to excessive gas.

What Do Westiepoos Look Like?

The general body shape of a Westiepoo can vary, depending on if it has more genetics from a Westie or a poodle. Both will likely have a straight backbone, but those with more Westie genes will have a rectangular shape. Others who take after their poodle parent will have a square physique.

Like many Westie mixes, a Westiepoo will have a medium-length coat that can be wiry or curly but will surely be dense. Some have a softer and curlier coat than others, thanks to the poodle. You may also find some have a rough and wiry coat from their Westie parent.

Most often, Westiepoos will be white, though you may notice small patches of grey and blonde. With black noses and round or oval eyes, their faces are adorable. You’ll also love their flat-lying ears that may have a unique fold at the tip. One of the most stellar attributes of the breed is that they always look alert, and their teeth have a scissor bite.

How to Maintain a Westiepoo

If you live with someone with allergies, you’ll be glad to know that Westiepoos are generally easy to take care of, mostly as they are a non-shedding breed. However, it is still essential that you groom their coat regularly.

A Westiepoo’s hair is quite likely to experience mats and tangles. You’ll also need to pay special attention to the areas around their ears and eyes, as the hair can grow quite long. The shorter you keep their coat, the easier it will be to maintain, and you can limit the amount of moisture and dirt their hair will trap.

You’ll also want to take care to inspect and clean their ears weekly to help prevent infections and inflammation. In terms of clipping their nails, typically, you’ll know when it’s time as there will be a clicking sound when they walk.

Tips for Exercising Your Westiepoo

Exercise is one of the most important aspects of owning a Westiepoo, as this breed is notorious for causing a lot of damage if they are left alone for too long. Ideally, they will need up to 45 to 60 minutes of activity every day, especially when they are young.

Luckily, they are highly sociable, so they’ll be quite happy playing with their friends at the dog park.

If you know you will have to leave your Westie for extended periods, you will need to buy high-quality products for their kennel or crate. A great starting point is to look at the best dog beds for chewers, as they’ll stand strong against a bored Westiepoo.

You may also want to consider building a safely fenced-in area for them to run around as they love to romp in the grass. Be sure to invest in stimulating mental toys as well, as your pet will be quite intelligent and need constant stimulation.

Westie and Poodle Mix: Final Thoughts

Overall, a Westie and poodle mix is a fantastic member to add to your family, especially if you live an active lifestyle. They love running around and do well in most climates, though they are prone to getting cold quickly.

With their obedience and intelligence, training should be relatively easy as well, even without professional help. We highly recommend looking into all of the best products for your Westie to ensure you have a house filled with their favorite toys, treats, and accessories.

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