Westiepoo
A spirited little cross of the bold Westie and the clever Poodle. Affectionate and bright, but terrier-feisty and alert, with a tendency to bark and a coat that varies from wiry to wavy.
Overview
A spirited little cross of the bold Westie and the clever Poodle. Affectionate and bright, but terrier-feisty and alert, with a tendency to bark and a coat that varies from wiry to wavy.
Good to know — a Westiepoo is flat-friendly and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Westiepoo is fine with sensible, older children and generally fine with other dogs. They tend to be a vocal / alert barker, and as a guide they are good for first-time owners. Early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Committed first-time owners
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Westiepoo typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is regular brushing and shedding is low. Brush regularly (a few times a week) to keep the coat healthy and remove loose hair.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Westiepoo should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food suited to its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a small breed will eat relatively little compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Lively, affectionate and often low-shedding
- Clever and compact companion
Things to consider
- Terrier streak means barking and stubbornness
- Coat type and grooming needs vary
Similar breeds
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A gentle, affectionate lap dog that’s wonderful with children and adapts happily to flat or house living.
View breed guide →
Jack Russell Terrier
A small dog with a huge personality — bold, clever and bursting with energy and prey drive.
View breed guide →
Border Terrier
A hardy, good-natured working terrier that’s friendlier with people and dogs than many of its terrier cousins.
View breed guide →
Dachshund
A bold, characterful "sausage dog" that suits smaller homes but needs careful handling of its long back.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
Are Westiepoos good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Westiepoos tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Westiepoo need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Westiepoo needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Westiepoos shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Westiepoos easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Westiepoos are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Westiepoos bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Westiepoos good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Westiepoos suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Westiepoo can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.