Westiepoo

The Westiepoo is a hybrid dog produced by crossing a West Highland White Terrier with a Poodle, typically Miniature or Toy, combining the Westie's bold, confident and characterful terrier personality with the Poodle's trainability, sociability and lower-shedding coat. The cross has attracted interest from owners who admire the Westie's personality but want reduced shedding and potentially improved coat manageability. The Westiepoo is not a registered breed with the Kennel Club and does not have a formal breed standard.

The typical Westiepoo is a small, compact and well-built dog with a wavy to curly coat that is usually lower-shedding than the pure Westie, though the coat type and degree of shedding reduction varies between individuals depending on which parent's coat genes dominate. Colour is most commonly white or cream, reflecting the Westie's characteristic colour, though other colours from the Poodle side can appear in some litters. Adults typically stand 25 to 38 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 7 to 15 kilograms depending on Poodle parent size.

The character is confident, friendly and lively - the Westie's terrier boldness and independence combines with the Poodle's sociability to produce a small dog with considerable personality. The Westiepoo is typically good with older children, devoted to its family and alert and watchful in the manner of a terrier-heritage dog. The terrier prey drive is present to a degree and small animals in the household or encountered outside may trigger chasing behaviour. The breed can be vocal.

Training requires positive reinforcement with consistency and a degree of patience with the Westie's independent streak. Food motivation is typically strong and effective. The Poodle intelligence makes the cross capable and quick to learn.

Health considerations include the Westie's known skin sensitivities and the serious condition of Westie Lung Disease, which prospective buyers should research thoroughly. PRA DNA testing of the Poodle parent and eye testing should be confirmed.

Purchase prices from health-tested breeders range from £700 to £1,500. Monthly running costs average £65 to £110. Westie Rescue UK and the Doodle Trust are the primary rescue contacts. The Westiepoo suits owners who want a small, active, confident companion with a low-shedding coat, and who can manage the terrier energy and independence appropriately. Given the Westie parent's known skin sensitivities, prospective owners should research this aspect of breed health carefully before purchase and discuss it with any breeder they are considering. Choosing a breeder with strong knowledge of both parent breeds and multi-generational experience with the cross will give the best guidance on both coat and health outcomes.

Confident, friendly and alert. Good with children. Devoted to family. Terrier boldness combined with Poodle sociability. Alert watchdog. Can be vocal.

Intelligent and responsive. Responds well to positive reinforcement. The Westie independent streak is present. Early socialisation essential. Can be stubborn but food motivation works well.

30-45 minutes daily. Active for its size. Enjoys off-lead running in secure areas and interactive play. Prey drive from Westie heritage present - secure fencing required.

Both parent breeds can carry skin conditions. Westie Lung Disease (PLI) is a serious condition in Westie lines. Eye testing and PRA DNA test of Poodle parent important. Request health certificates.

Small breed complete kibble twice daily. Adults typically 120-200g per day depending on size. Monitor weight. Westie lines can be prone to skin issues - consider hypoallergenic food if needed.

Wavy to curly coat requires brushing 3-4 times weekly. Professional grooming every 8-10 weeks. Lower-shedding than pure Westie. Check and clean ears regularly.

Purchase price £700-£1,500 from health-tested breeders. Monthly costs £65-£110 including food, insurance, grooming and veterinary care.

Active families, owners who want a small active companion, flat and house dwellers with daily walks. Good with older children. Not suited to completely sedentary households.