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.
Westiepoo scorecard
Overview
The Westiepoo, also called the Westipoo or Wee-Poo, is a small designer crossbreed produced by mating a West Highland White Terrier (Westie) with a Poodle (usually a Miniature or Toy Poodle). The cross aims to blend the bold, cheerful character of the Westie with the cleverness and lower-shedding coat of the Poodle. Most Westiepoos are compact, lively dogs with wavy or wiry coats, often white or cream but sometimes shaded by the Poodle parent.
The Westiepoo is not a recognised breed. The Kennel Club and FCI do not register it, there is no breed standard and no central registry, so there is no guaranteed type. Because the Westie is a feisty terrier and the Poodle a biddable water dog, individual puppies vary in coat, size and temperament, and many inherit a definite terrier streak. Prospective owners should research both parent breeds carefully and expect a characterful individual rather than a uniform 'breed'.
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.
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History & origins
The Westiepoo is a modern designer cross with no history of its own, part of the broad popularity of Poodle crosses that followed the Labradoodle of the late 1980s. Deliberate Westie × Poodle litters have become more common since the 1990s and 2000s, marketed as small, lower-shedding companions with terrier spirit.
The parent breeds carry the history. The West Highland White Terrier is a Kennel Club–recognised Scottish earth-working terrier, bred to bolt and dispatch vermin and rats, which gives the breed its boldness, alertness and self-confident, busy nature. The Poodle, in Miniature and Toy form, descends from the German water-retrieving gundog and is highly intelligent and trainable. Crossing a feisty terrier with a clever companion-sized Poodle tends to produce a small, bright, energetic dog with plenty of personality — though the cross itself has no standardised lineage.
Temperament & family fit
Westiepoos are typically affectionate, lively and full of character, forming close bonds with their families and often making engaging, entertaining companions. The Poodle influence adds sociability and trainability, while the Westie brings confidence, curiosity and a bold, plucky attitude that belies the dog's small size. Many are friendly and outgoing with people they know.
That terrier heritage also shapes the less convenient traits. Westies were bred to work independently underground, so a Westiepoo can be stubborn, strong-willed and prone to barking and alerting, and some retain a strong prey drive toward small animals. Temperament varies between individuals, but owners should expect a dog with opinions. Good socialisation and consistent boundaries help channel that bright, feisty nature into a confident, well-mannered companion.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Committed first-time owners
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Training & intelligence
Westiepoos are intelligent and usually quick to learn, but the terrier influence can make them independent and selective about cooperating. Positive, reward-based training with short, engaging sessions works best, as terrier-type dogs respond poorly to heavy-handed methods and can simply dig in their heels. Consistency is key, since a clever small dog easily learns to get its own way.
Common focus areas include barking, recall and impulse control, all of which benefit from early attention. The prey drive that some Westiepoos inherit means recall around small animals can be unreliable, so secure areas for off-lead time are wise. Early socialisation with people, dogs and everyday situations helps prevent the wariness or reactivity that under-socialised terrier crosses sometimes show.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
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 type varies from wiry-Westie to soft-and-wavy-Poodle, and this affects grooming. Many Westiepoos have a low-shedding coat, but 'low-shedding' and 'hypoallergenic' are marketing terms, not guarantees, and coats that do not shed freely mat instead. Most need brushing several times a week and professional grooming every couple of months to stay comfortable. Ears should be checked and cleaned regularly, and Westies are prone to skin issues, so coat and skin should be kept clean and monitored for irritation.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete diet appropriate to a small dog's age and activity level, following the manufacturer's guidelines and adjusting to keep the dog lean. Small dogs gain weight easily, so portion control and limited treats matter, particularly as the Westiepoo's appealing personality can make over-feeding tempting. Splitting the daily ration into two meals suits most small dogs, and any skin or digestive sensitivity — something Westies can be prone to — should be discussed with a vet, who may advise a particular diet.
Westiepoo health & costs
Before bringing a Westiepoo home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£250–400 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£15–32 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
As a crossbreed, the Westiepoo can inherit the health problems of both parent breeds, and crossbreeding reduces but does not remove inherited disease risk. Responsible breeders should health-test the parents, and prospective owners should ask to see the results.
From the Westie side, concerns include skin and allergic conditions (the breed is notably prone to atopic dermatitis), luxating patella, and certain inherited disorders including a serious jawbone condition (craniomandibular osteopathy) and globoid cell leukodystrophy. From the Poodle (Miniature/Toy) side, concerns include patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy and other eye conditions, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and epilepsy. Relevant DNA tests and eye and patella checks of the parents help reduce risk.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Atopic dermatitis / skin allergies — the Westie is strongly predisposed to itchy, inflamed allergic skin disease, which a Westiepoo may inherit and which often needs lifelong management.
- Patellar luxation — slipping kneecaps common in small breeds, causing intermittent lameness and sometimes requiring surgery.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — inherited retinal degeneration leading to blindness, carried by Poodles and screened by DNA test.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease — a hip condition of small breeds where the femoral head degenerates, causing pain and lameness in young dogs.
- Craniomandibular osteopathy — an inherited jawbone disorder recognised in Westies that causes painful swelling in puppies.
- Ear infections — wavy, hairy ears can trap moisture and wax, predisposing to recurrent otitis that needs regular checking.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Westiepoo; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Westiepoo puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Westiepoo
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →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
Compare the Westiepoo
See how the Westiepoo measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Similar temperament
Norwich Terrier
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Jackapoo
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German Shepherd
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West Highland White Terrier
A confident, friendly little terrier — the "Westie" is hardy, characterful and adaptable to smaller homes.
Similar size, different type
French Bulldog
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Frequently asked questions
How big does a full-grown Westiepoo get?
The Westiepoo is a small crossbreed, typically standing around 28–43 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 9–16 kg when fully grown. Size varies because it crosses a West Highland White Terrier with a Miniature or Toy Poodle and there is no breed standard, so individuals differ depending on which parent they take after.
What is the lifespan of a Westiepoo?
Westiepoos generally live around 12–15 years, a typical lifespan for a small, healthy dog. Choosing health-tested parents, keeping the dog at a lean weight, and staying on top of dental and skin care all help support a long, comfortable life. Regular veterinary check-ups are worthwhile as the dog ages.
Are Westiepoos good family pets?
Yes. Westiepoos are typically affectionate, lively and full of character, forming close bonds with their families and often making engaging, entertaining companions. They generally do well with sensible older children and can live with other pets when socialised. Their terrier prey drive means care is needed around very small animals.
Do Westiepoos bark a lot?
They can. The Westie was bred to work independently and alert, so a Westiepoo may bark and 'announce' visitors or noises, and some have a strong prey drive. This makes early training to manage barking worthwhile, especially with close neighbours. Plenty of exercise, mental stimulation and consistent boundaries help channel that alert, feisty nature.
Are Westiepoos easy to train?
They are intelligent and usually quick to learn, but the terrier influence can make them independent and selective about cooperating. Positive, reward-based training with short, engaging sessions works best, as heavy-handed methods make terrier-types dig in their heels. Consistency is key — a clever small dog easily learns to get its own way — and early socialisation helps.
How much grooming and exercise do Westiepoos need?
Coat type varies from wiry-Westie to soft-wavy-Poodle; most need brushing several times a week and professional grooming every couple of months, and 'hypoallergenic' is not guaranteed. Despite their size they are energetic, needing roughly an hour of activity daily — a good walk plus play and mental stimulation — or a bored Westiepoo can become noisy or mischievous.
What health problems can Westiepoos have?
As a crossbreed, the Westiepoo can inherit issues from both parents. Westie concerns include skin and allergic conditions (notably atopic dermatitis), luxating patella, a serious jawbone condition and globoid cell leukodystrophy; Miniature/Toy Poodle concerns include patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and epilepsy. Relevant DNA, eye and patella checks of the parents help reduce risk.
Can a Westiepoo live in a flat?
Yes, Westiepoos adapt well to a range of homes, including flats, provided they get enough exercise, company and mental stimulation. They enjoy being involved in family life and make affectionate, characterful companions. Because they tend to be alert and vocal, training to manage barking is worthwhile, particularly where neighbours are close.
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.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — West Highland White Terrier breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- The Kennel Club — Poodle (Miniature/Toy) breed information and health schemes: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- The Kennel Club — health and dog care advice, including crossbreed guidance: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/
- PDSA — dog breeds and care advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs
- Blue Cross — dog breeds and care advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
- RVC VetCompass — dog health research programme: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass
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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.