Westiepoo

Overview

The Westiepoo wraps West Highland grit in Poodle curls - a snow-white, confident little dog with terrier self-assurance softened by Poodle biddability. Sturdier-minded than the lap crosses, it suits owners who want a small dog with backbone and a twinkle.

A designer cross: the Westiepoo is a West Highland White Terrier × Poodle mix, not a standardised breed - individuals vary more than purebreds, in coat, size and temperament alike. No study has measured how long this cross lives; for the parent breeds the AKC lists 13-15 years (West Highland White Terrier) and 10-18 years (Poodle).

History & Origins

A 1970s-adjacent early cross refreshed by the doodle era; the Westie brings hardy Scottish ratting-terrier heritage to the mix.

The West Highland White Terrier comes into focus in the 1700s, the AKC says, when a Scottish clan bred white ratting terriers on its Poltalloch estate; the breed was shown under its present name in Scotland from 1896 and at AKC shows from 1906.

Appearance

6-12 kg in white-to-cream soft waves; dark eyes and nose punctuate the snowball look. Coats vary wiry-soft to curly. Typical size: Small, 6-12 kg. Coat: Soft white curls-waves, low-shed (varies).

The Westie's coat is a double one: the Royal Kennel Club (UK) standard asks for a harsh outer coat about 5 cm long, "free from any curl", over a short, soft undercoat, on a dog about 28 cm high, and the AKC gives 15-20 pounds. Combined with a Poodle's dense curls, the coat of a Westiepoo can be wiry, soft or curly.

Temperament & Character

Confident, cheerful, plucky - friendlier with strangers than most terriers, but still opinionated, still convinced of its cleverness, still interested in anything rodent-shaped.

Care

Daily walks and play; brush the white coat every other day, clip regularly, and manage tear-staining; watch for the itchy-skin issues Westies carry - diet and vet partnership if scratching starts.

Health & Lifespan

The Westiepoo has no lifespan study of its own; the overview gives the parent breeds' AKC figures.

Skin is the Westie topic most often studied. A 2011 genetic study describes canine atopic dermatitis as a common, heritable allergic skin condition prevalent in the breed, and a Swedish case-control study counted the Westie, with the Boxer and the Bull Terrier, among high-risk breeds. UK primary-care data from 2016 also show raised odds of Addison's disease in the West Highland White Terrier, as in the Standard Poodle and the Labradoodle.

The AKC page says Westie breeders screen for cardiac disease and patellar luxation, and the club's recommended tests are patella, hip and eye evaluations and a test for craniomandibular osteopathy. The Poodle clubs' lists depend on the variety, with patella and PRA-prcd testing for the smaller sizes. A dog that scratches or seems unwell needs a vet's examination; we do not advise on diagnosis or treatment.

Feeding & Nutrition

Measured quality food; some inherit Westie skin/food sensitivities - note reactions and adjust with your vet.

Training & Socialisation

Clever with terrier independence - keep sessions fun, short and rewarding; recall around squirrels is a lifelong campaign. Great candidates for trick training.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Confident but companionable
• Handsome snow-white coat
• Sturdier-minded small dog
• Usually low-shedding

Cons

• Terrier chase and dig instincts
• Possible inherited skin issues
• White coat shows everything
• Opinionated streak

Best Suited For

• Owners wanting a small dog with spirit
• Active households
• Experienced first-timers
• Terrier fans seeking easier coats

Sources

• AKC, West Highland White Terrier: history, weight, health and recommended tests: akc.org
• Royal Kennel Club, West Highland White Terrier breed standard: size and coat: royalkennelclub.com
• Salzmann et al., BMC Genetics 2011: atopic dermatitis in West Highland White Terriers: doi.org
• Nødtvedt et al., Veterinary Dermatology 2007: atopic dermatitis risk factors in Boxers, Bull Terriers and Westies: doi.org
• Schofield et al., Journal of Small Animal Practice 2021: hypoadrenocorticism in UK dogs: doi.org
• AKC, Poodle (Miniature): recommended tests: akc.org

Sources opened and checked on 16 October 2026.