Westipoo Characteristics

Westiepoo is a designer dog breed, which means that they are a mix of two purebred dogs and are bred intentionally. Westipoos are a mix of a West Highland White Terrier and Poodle. They typically weigh between 25-35 pounds and stand around 13-17 inches tall. Westiepoos can come only in two colors, white and cream. Westiepoo may have a longer legs, like a Poodle, or may be shorter like the White Terrier.

  • Coat: their coat is usually wavy, medium-length, not very dense but soft in touch
  • Ears: their ears are triangle-shaped and usually they are floppy
  • Eyes: their eyes are typically dark brown but can be lighter
  • Tail: it is usually curvy in shape and quite long

Westiepoo Maintenance

Neither White Terrier, nor Poodle have a tendency to shed, so Westiepoo coats are generally low-maintenance and hypoallergenic. However, it is important to keep the coat clean and free of mats, as dirt and debris can become trapped in the hair and cause skin irritation. Regular brushing with a soft-bristled brush should be enough to keep Westiepoo coats looking their best. It is also important to trim your Westiepoo hair, especially around ears. Floppy ears are particularly prone to infection, so it is important to clean and dry them regularly. A professional groomer can always help.

Baths may only be necessary every few months, or when the dog becomes particularly dirty.

Exercise

Generally, Westiepoos are not as active and energetic as other dog breeds, but they are not lazy dogs by any means. They do, however, require less exercise than some of the other popular dog breeds. A Westiepoo who gets enough exercise will be a happy dog; but they do not need to run or play fetch for hours on end to be content. It is recommended that they have at least 45 minutes of activity per day. You should also remember to play tricks with them, as they need to be stimulated mentally as well.

Food And Diet

Westiepoos may be picky eaters, so you may need to experiment with different types of dry dog food to find what they like.

Depending on your dog’s age and physical activity, a Westiepoo should be fed 1.5 to 2.5 cups of dry food each day. Smaller dogs are more prone to dental issues, therefore high-quality, dry food is neccessary to avoid plaque and tartar buildup. Wet food is also a good option.

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Westiepoos love treats, but be careful not to overfeed them. They have a tendency to become overweight if they’re not active. An overweight Westiepoo is at a higher risk for health problems like joint pain, heart disease, and diabetes.

Westiepoo Health

Westiepoos are generally considered healthy dogs, but there are a few things to watch out for if you consider to buy yourself a Westie puppy. The conditions that Westiepoos are predisposed to include:

  • Epilepsy
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Obesity
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Liver Disease
  • Tooth Loss

Epilepsy is a condition that affects the neurological system and the brain and can cause seizures. Westiepoos are particularly prone to it, so if you are considering buying a Westiepoo, make sure to ask the breeder if the parents have been screened for epilepsy.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an inherited disease that affects the retina and can lead to blindness.

Obesity is another condition that Westiepoos are prone to. Make sure your Westiepoo gets enough exercise and doesn’t overeat.

Hip Dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint is not formed correctly, leading to pain and lameness.

Liver Disease is a condition that can be caused by genetics or environmental factors, and it can lead to liver failure.

Tooth loss is a problem that concerns especially small dogs. The more compact jaws of Westiepoos can lead to teeth becoming overcrowded and loose. This increases the risk of tooth loss.

All in all, Westiepoos are generally healthy dogs, but it’s important to be aware of the conditions they are predisposed to. Make sure to ask the breeder about any health problems the parents have had and be prepared to deal with them if they arise.

Westiepoo’s History

Westiepoos most likely originated in The United States in the 1970s and their history is not well-recorded or long, as in case of a Poodle. To better understand Westiepoos, it is worth to take a closer look at the Westiepoos’ closest family.

The West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier, the closest Westiepoo’s relative, is a small, sturdy dog that was bred in Scotland to hunt foxes.

The West Highland White Terrier is a fun-loving breed that loves to play and run. It’s named for the highlands of Scotland, where it was bred. The Skye Terrier and other Scottish terriers are thought to be descended from this dog breed. Originally, Westies had many diverse colors, but when one prominent Scottish colonel mistook a Westie for a white Scottish terrier, the breed’s popularity grew. The West Highland White Terrier Club of America was founded in 1908.

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Poodle

Westiepoos are bred by crossing the West Highland White Terrier with the Poodle. Some Westiepoos may look like Westies, while others may look more like Poodles. The Poodles history is also interesting. The word “poodle” is thought to come from the German word “pudel,” which means “to splash in water”. Poodles have been used for centuries as duck hunting dogs because of their ability to stay cool in water and their retrieving skills. It is believed that it is one of the oldest dog breeds that was known in ancient times already.

Poodles come in three sizes: toy poodle, miniature poodle, and standard poodle. The toy poodle is the smallest, and the standard poodle is the largest, which was the primary Poodle breed. Poodles are considered to be one of the smartest dog breeds, and they are often used in obedience and agility competitions.

Westiepoo – Personality And Temperament

Just like both of Westiepoo’s parents, this hybrid dog is incredibly intelligent, loyal and affectionate. Westiepoo’s are especially known for being great family dogs and make excellent companions. They great with children, although they may be too active for very small kids. As most terriers, Westiepoos are bred for hunting and can be very determined when they set their minds to something. Because of this, early training and socialization is key if you want a well-rounded Westiepoo. Luckily, Westiepoos are easy to train and will likely obey most commands. They are suitable for first-time dog owners. They get along with strangers and other pets, including dogs. Even though White Terriers are known for their independency, they are generally very social and like interaction. They bond with humans easily and are great family dogs.

Westiepoo – For Whom?

Westiepoos thrive in a home life, so there would be a good companion for people of different ages. They are good with children and may be faithful friends for older people. It is important though, to properly socialize your Westiepoo before he or she interacts with small children. Terriers have usually a high prey drive and Westiepoos can see children as small prey, and may snap or nip at them if not properly introduced. It is also important to teach children how to properly approach and pet a Westiepoo to avoid any harmful behavior. Westiepoos are typically fine with other animals, but it is always best to introduce them slowly and monitor their interactions. Westiepoos may be territorial of their toys and food, so it is important to set some ground rules early on.

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If you are looking for a guard dog, then Westiepoo breed may not be the best option. They are considered lap dogs and are not known for being aggressive. However, they make excellent apartment pets due to their small size and the fact that they do not require as much physical activity as other breeds.

Westiepoo dog breed does not cope well with being left alone for long periods of time, and can become destructive and depressed without regular human interaction. The dog may suffer from separation anxiety. If you are away from home for long periods of time and cannot take your Westiepoo with you or there is nobody else at home to provide them with much needed attention, it is better to consider buying a different dog.

Westiepoo – Price

The price for a Westiepoo can vary depending on the breeder and the location. In general, a Westiepoo will cost anywhere from $1500 to $5,000, so they are not the cheapest breed of dog around. The cost may be increased due to the breeder’s extra effort in ensuring the Westiepoo puppies are healthy and genetically sound. Before you decide to buy a pup, you should do some research to find a reputable breeder.

Trivia

  • The white West Highland Terrier Parent breed was developed to allow hunters to tell the difference between a fox and a West Highland Terrier
  • West Highland White Terriers were Alfred Hitchcock’s and Picasso’s favorite pets
  • Westiepoo is also called Wee-Poo or Westiedoodle
  • When listening to its owner, Westiepoo frequently cocks its head in a curious manner
  • Although the Westiepoo is a well-known designer dog, the breed has not been recognized by the American Kennel Club. The breed is, however, recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club
  • Although Westiepoos are small dogs, they can be loud and strong barkers

Image source: Gordito1869 @ Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0


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