Westiepoo
The Westiepoo wraps West Highland grit in Poodle curls - a snow-white, confident little dog with terrier self-assurance softened by Poodle biddability.
🗓️ Last reviewed: July 2026
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. Average lifespan is 13-15 years.
History & Origins
A 1970s-adjacent early cross refreshed by the doodle era; the Westie brings hardy Scottish ratting-terrier heritage to the mix.
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).
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.
Feeding & Nutrition
Measured quality food; some inherit Westie skin/food sensitivities - note reactions and adjust with your vet.
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
Westiepoo puppy growth chart
A typical growth curve for a medium breed like the Westiepoo, estimated from its adult weight of 6-12 kg. Puppies vary with sex, genetics and diet, so treat this as a guide - for your own puppy, use the puppy weight predictor.
| Age | Typical weight | % of adult |
|---|---|---|
| 2 mo | 1.6-3.2 kg | 27% |
| 3 mo | 2.4-4.8 kg | 40% |
| 4 mo | 3-6 kg | 50% |
| 6 mo | 4.1-8.2 kg | 68% |
| 9 mo | 5.1-10.2 kg | 85% |
| 12 mo | 5.8-11.6 kg | 97% |
| Adult | 6-12 kg | 100% |
Westiepoo - frequently asked questions
Are Westiepoos good with cats?
Raised together usually fine; unknown small animals trigger terrier programming. Manage introductions and expectations.
What's the skin issue to watch?
Westies carry atopic-dermatitis tendencies - if your Westiepoo scratches persistently, act early with the vet; diet and skin-care regimes control most cases.
Westiepoo or Bichon-type cross?
Westiepoo for character and pluck, Cavachon/Shichon for pure softness - it's spirit versus plush, both good answers to different wishes.
🧠 Test yourself: guess the dog
Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our dogs. Can you name them?
Clue 1.This tiny toy spaniel takes its French name from the butterfly that its large, fringed, upright ears resemble.
It's the Papillon - read the full profile →
Clue 2.Bred purely as a lap companion for Chinese royalty, this short-muzzled toy breed has a coat that grows long enough to reach the floor.
It's the Shih Tzu - read the full profile →
Clue 3.Famous as a droopy-faced advertising mascot, this stubby-legged hound has a deep bark and a famously stubborn streak.
It's the Basset Hound - read the full profile →
💛 Adoptable dogs near you
Set on this breed? It is usually a designer cross, so here are dogs of every kind near you, live from Petfinder - filter by breed there if you like. We have no affiliation and earn nothing - if someone catches your eye, the link goes straight to their shelter. New to adopting? Start with our adoption guide.
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