Westie Poodle mix dogs result from crossbreeding Toy Poodles and Westies. This mix is small, intelligent, active, and fun. Westiepoos are hypoallergenic and don’t shed much. They are highly adaptable but hate being left alone. They bark a lot but rarely bite.
Many think of the Westiepoo as the perfect mix. But are they perfect for you?
This article looks at a wide range of Westiepoo traits and info:
- Origin
- Appearance
- Temperament
- Health issues
- Lifespan
- Food and grooming needs
- Pice
You will also learn why the Westiepoo is a great choice and what inconveniences you will have to face if you get this mix.
Westiepoo Overview
Westie and Poodle mix dogs are a small designer breed with energetic personalities. They are usually white or apricot but can have other colors. This mix is intelligent, affectionate, and they make for great watchdogs due to their strong prey drive.
The Westiepoo is a designer breed, a mix of Westies and Toy Poodles.
They are also known by the following names:
- Westiedoodles
- Westie Poodles
Toy Poodles are similar to Westies in size, which makes them a great choice to avoid health issues for the mother.
Appearance
Height
9 – 11 in (24 – 28 cm)
Weight
14 – 20 lbs (6.5 – 9 kg)
Lifespan
12 – 16 years
Dog Breed Group
Purpose
Mixed breed
Hunting, companionship
Coat Type
Single or double
Coat length
Medium
Coat color
White, apricot, black, brown, cream, red, beige, blue, grey, fawn, silver
Eyes
Dark, not prominent
Nose
Black
Ears
Stiff-floppy
Hypoallergenic
Yes
Shedding
Grooming Difficulty
Adaptability
Apartment living
Good for beginners
Can be alone
Cold weather tolerance
Hot weather tolerance
Friendliness & Temper
Temperament
Affectionate
Kid-Friendly
Dog-Friendly
Friendly to Strangers
Playfulness
Trainability & Needs
Easy to train
Intelligence
Hunting Instinct
Barking
Energy Level
3 Reasons to Get a Westie Poo
West highland terrier and poodle mix are hypoallergenic. They are intelligent and highly adaptable.
1. Westie Poodles Are Smart
Westiepoos get their high intelligence from their parents. If they resemble their poodle parent, the mix is among the smartest dogs in the world. If they resemble Westies, they are smarter than 70% of the breeds.
Poodles came second in a study[1] that analyzed the working intelligence and obedience of 130 breeds. This means they are almost the smartest breed on the planet.
Westies have above-average intelligence and occupy 47th place in the same study.
Poodles obey the first command 95% of the time, while Westies do this 50% of the time.
Poodles also respond correctly to the first command faster than Westies. They do so in fewer than 15 repetitions, while Westies need 25 to 40 repetitions. 25 to 20 repetitions is still a good rate compared to other breeds.
2. Westie Poodles Are Hypoallergenic
Westidoodles are great for people with allergies. It’s reported that between 10 and 20% of people worldwide were allergic to dogs and cats in 2018[2]. This is why hypoallergenic dogs are getting more and more popular.
Because of the Westiepoo’s minimal shedding and drooling it’s considered a hypoallergenic breed.
The fact they are hypoallergenic means they have a low potential of causing allergic reactions. No breed is 100% hypoallergenic.
3. Poodle Westie Terrier Mix Are Adaptable
Westiepoos make great dogs for people who move or travel a lot, or for people who can’t keep a routine. They adapt well to changes in their environment and are not stressed when they visit new places.
While many breeds become anxious when their routine is changed, Westiedoodles adapt relatively quickly. They sleep well in new environments and like new experiences.
The Westiepoo’s adaptability is highly influenced by their level of socialization. If they haven’t been socialized during puppyhood, they can display anxiety when things change.
3 Reasons Not to Get a Westie Poo
Westie mixed with Poodles are loud and bark a lot. They don’t enjoy being alone and are predisposed to gaining weight.
1. Westie Poodles Bark a Lot
Westiepoos bark. They inherit this trait from Westies.
Westies were initially bred for hunting rats and small underground rodents. They had to announce to the hunters when they found prey, which is why they bark a lot.
Westies Poodle mix dogs bark for many reasons[3]:
- Because they are in pain.
- When they are scared or anxious.
- When they feel lonely.
- Because of cognitive disorders.
- When they are excited.
You can control excessive barking by teaching Westiedoodles the ‘Quiet!’ command and by managing their stress levels.
2. Poodle Westie Mix Dogs Don’t Like Being Alone
Poodle Westie mixes are not suited for busy people. They don’t like being left alone for many hours.
Westiedoodles are prone to separation anxiety[4]. This can lead to several behavior issues[5]:
- Frustration
- Excessive barking
- Sensitivity to noise
- Inpropper elimination
- Destructive behavior
While they are affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners, they can become too clingy if they aren’t trained properly.
If you want a Westie Poodle mix, it’s best to take them with you to work and avoid leaving them alone too often. If you can’t do this, it’s best to reconsider your choice of dog.
3. Westiepoodles Have a Predisposition for Obesity
Westipoodles gain weight fast if you don’t keep their food intake under control or don’t exercise them enough.
As energetic dogs, they need a high amount of exercise daily. This includes daily walks, playdates, running, and playing. If you don’t have the time for this, the Westiepoo is not for you.
You also have to make sure your Westie Poodle gets enough protein and fiber. These ingredients provide satiety and give them the energy to exercise.
Poodle West Highland White Terrier Mix Origin
Westiepoos are thought to date back to the 1970s in the United States.
Westie History
Westies were initially bred in Scotland. They resulted from several breeding trials that took place before the 20th century. These trials were meant to create pure-white Terriers that were much easier to spot than other colors.
The initial purpose of Westies was to hunt small rodents that lived underground and rats.
West Highland White Terriers were recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1908.
Poodle History
Poodles were first documented in the 17th century. Their initial purpose was to retrieve prey from the water.
Experts argue regarding their country of origin. Some claim Poodles originate from Germany, while others argue they come from France.
Poodles were recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club as a separate breed in 1886.
Westie Poodle Mix Appearance
A full-grown Westiepoo measures between 9 and 11 inches (24 and 28 centimeters) in height. They weigh between 14 and 20 pounds (6.5 and 9 kilograms). They are fluffy and are usually apricot or white but can have other colors.
This table illustrates the height and weight of Westiepoos as they inherit it from their parents.
| Breed | Height | Weight |
| Toy Poodle | 9 – 11 in (24 – 28 cm) | 14 – 17 lbs (6.5 – 7.5 kg) |
| Westie | 10 – 11 in (25 – 28 cm) | 15 – 20 lbs (7 – 9 kg) |
| Westiepoo | 9 – 11 in (24 – 28 cm) | 14 – 20 lbs (6.5 – 9 kg) |
Westiepoos can have a wide variety of colors:
- White
- Apricot
- Beige
- Red
- Cream
- Blue
- Fawn
- Silver
- Grey
- Black
- Brown
Poodle Westie Mix Temperament
Westiepoos are active and smart. They have a protective nature and can become territorial. They make excellent watchdogs if they resemble Westies. This mix doesn’t behave well with cats or small pets because of its well-developed prey drive.
Westiepoo’s temperament is measured using the Temperament Test[6]. This test was developed to evaluate pure breeds but can be applied to hybrids also.
The American Temperament Test Society has officially published the results for pure breeds. Here are the results for Westies and Toy Poodles.
| Breed | Percent | Tested | Passed | Failed |
| Toy Poodle | 78.9% | 57 | 45 | 12 |
| Westies | 89.7% | 68 | 61 | 7 |
Westiepoo dogs are great family dogs. They bond with their family members but sometimes display problematic behavior around young children. If they resemble Westies, they do lack tolerance for harsh handling though.
Despite their intelligence, Westidoodles are not easy to train. They are sometimes stubborn and self-willed.
If they resemble Westies, Westiepoos have a predisposition for aggressive behavior. They have higher chances of becoming aggressive if they are males, old, or fearful[7].
If they are socialized and trained during puppyhood, the chances for aggression are significantly reduced.
This table lists the main personality traits of Westiepoos.
| Trait | Rating |
| Intelligence | 5/5 |
| Protective nature | 4/5 |
| Aggressive | 3/5 |
| Good family dogs | 4/5 |
| Good with kids | 3/5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 |
| Friendly to strangers | 4/5 |
| Easy to train | 4/5 |
| Affectionate | 4/5 |
| Hunting instinct | 5/5 |
| Barking | 4/5 |
| Energetic | 5/5 |
| Stubbornness | 3/5 |
Related: 13 Westie Personality Traits
Westipoo Health Issues
Westiepoos are generally healthy and don’t need extensive medical assistance. They have a predisposition for several medical conditions specific to Westies and Poodles.
Here are the medical conditions that Westiepoos commonly experience:
- Patellar luxation
- Legg Calve Perthes disease
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Heart disease
- Cataracts
- Kidney stones
- Teeth issues
- Allergies
- Atopic dermatitis
- Ear infections
To prevent and control these medical conditions, take your Westiepoo to the vet once a year for a general check-up.
Reducing your Westiepoo’s stress level is also essential to keep them healthy.
West Highland Terrier Mix Lifespan
Westiepoos live between 12 and 16 years. They have relatively long lifespans compared to other breeds.
Their long lifespan is due to their genetic inheritance and to the fact that cross-breeds are prone to fewer genetic health issues. Westies live between 12 and 16 years, while Toy Poodles live between 12 and 15 years.
This table compares the lifespan of Westie Poodle mixes and other popular breeds.
| Breed | Lifespan |
| Westie Poodle Mix | 12 – 16 years |
| Schnauzer Westie Mix | 12 – 15 years |
| Beagle | 12 – 15 years |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 9 – 14 years |
| Boston Terrier | 11 – 13 years |
| Dachshund | 13 – 15 years |
| Jack Russel Terrier | 13 – 16 years |
West Highland White Terrier Poodle Mix Food Requirements
Westiepoos need between 0.5 and 1.5 cups of dry dog food a day. Their daily food intake should be split between two meals. They need a constant food intake due to their high activity level.
Westiepoos have a predisposition to skin allergies, so hypoallergenic food is best for them. Artificial colors and sweeteners should also be avoided along with preservatives and dairy.
Westipoodle Grooming Needs
Westiepoos’ grooming needs vary depending on their coat type. They need daily coat and teeth brushing, monthly nail trimming and ear cleaning, bathing every 4 to 6 weeks, and regular coat trimming.
Westies are double-coated, while toy poodles have a single layer of hair that is constantly growing. If Westiepoos have the Poodle’s coat, they need hair trimming every month. If they resemble Westies, they need trimming 3 to 4 times per year.
You can choose from a wide variety of Westiepoo haircuts, depending on your preferences.
To avoid skin issues, avoid these ingredients during bathing:
Westiepoo Puppy Price
The price of a Westiepoo Puppy varies from $1,500 and $5,000.
The Westiepoo is a popular mixed breed because they are tiny, cute, smart, and hypoallergenic. They have a lot of benefits that include minimal shedding and low maintenance costs.
Their price is influenced by the breeder’s reputation, quality of the parents, medical care, and training.
This table compares Westiepoo’s price with other popular Westies and Poodle mixes.
| Hybrid | Results From | Average Price |
| Westiepoo | Westie + Poodle | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Wauzer | Westie + Schnauzer | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Weshi | Westie + Shi Tzu | $200 – $600 |
| Goldendoodle | Poodle + Golden Retriever | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Maltipoo | Poodle + Maltese | $500 – $2,500 |
Conclusion
Westie Poodle mixes seem like the perfect breed. They are smart and well-behaved in various situations. They have a long life expectancy and are generally healthy throughout their life.
Westiepoos are hypoallergenic, which makes them perfect for everybody. They are sometimes stubborn and not always well-behaved around young children. They are also a bit expensive compared to other crossbreeds.
Related: Westie Mixes
