The Westiepoo combines the West Highland White Terrier — one of the most recognizable small breeds in America, known for its distinctive white double coat, confident attitude, and history as a Scottish ratting terrier — with the Poodle's trainability and low-shedding coat. The result is a small, white-to-cream, generally low-shedding dog with the Westie's characteristically bold, self-assured personality in a package that is more responsive to training than the purebred terrier but still insists on being acknowledged as the dominant personality in most rooms it enters. American Westiepoo owners describe the breed as a perfect storm of charm and stubbornness — irresistible company for owners who find terrier independence amusing.
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Westiepoo
Lifespan12 - 15
Average Price$800 - $2,000
Weight10 - 149 - 12
Height30 - 4328 - 38
PedigreeNo
Health tests availableDNA test for PRA — Poodle parent, Westie Lung Disease and skin allergy awareness — West Highland Terrier parent, Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO) awareness — WHWT parent, OFA eye examination (CAER), Dental evaluation
NicknamesWestiedoodle, Wee-Poo, Westie Poo
Pros
Low to non-shedding coat from the Poodle parent — practical for allergy management and household cleanliness
The West Highland Terrier's confidence and independent spirit in a slightly more trainable package — the Poodle's trainability is a meaningful moderating influence
Compact size suitable for apartments and smaller American homes
The Westie's distinctive white coat often carries over, producing a striking white-to-cream Westiepoo with Poodle texture
Cons
West Highland Terrier's skin allergy heritage is significant — atopic dermatitis from the Westie line is the most common ongoing health management challenge in this cross
The Westie's prey drive makes recall unreliable outside secure fencing
Wire/rough coat in some individuals requires professional hand-stripping for correct maintenance; clipping changes coat quality
Terrier stubbornness is structural and requires consistent management throughout the dog's life
The West Highland White Terrier arrived in America in the early 20th century and has maintained sustained US popularity based on its distinctive appearance and confident character. The AKC registered the breed in 1908. The Poodle's long American history needs no elaboration. The Westiepoo cross emerged in the US designer dog market in the 2000s as the hypoallergenic doodle movement expanded to include terrier crosses. The combination was specifically marketed toward American buyers who wanted the Westie's distinctive look in a lower-shedding version.
The Westiepoo typically stands 11-17 inches and weighs 20-30 pounds. Most individuals inherit some version of the West Highland White Terrier's white or cream coloring in a Poodle-influenced texture: wavy to lightly curled, low-shedding, and requiring professional grooming. The distinctively white or cream coloring is the most consistent visual characteristic of the cross. Facial furnishings (the eyebrows and beard) from the Westie parent often appear, giving the Westiepoo a distinctively expressive face.
The Westiepoo's character is a measured blend of the Westie's terrier boldness and the Poodle's social intelligence. The Poodle influence generally makes the Westiepoo more consistently responsive to training than a purebred Westie, more openly social in initial meetings, and slightly less insistently independent in its rule-testing. The terrier substrate remains, however: the Westiepoo maintains clear opinions about household rules, will test them regularly, and possesses the Westie's deeply developed prey drive toward anything small and moving.
Positive reinforcement with consistent rule-setting from day one produces good results. The Poodle's influence makes the Westiepoo more training-responsive than most terrier crosses; the Westie's independence means that training must be ongoing — there is no point at which the rules can be relaxed without testing from the dog. Bark management (the Westie is a vocal watchdog) and prey drive management (secure fencing for all off-leash time) are the primary practical training investments for American Westiepoo owners.
The Westiepoo can be a good companion for older children (8+) who interact consistently and respectfully. The Westie's potential for skin sensitivity means children should be gentle with handling to avoid aggravating any atopic dermatitis areas. The terrier snap response to being startled makes supervision essential with younger children.
The West Highland White Terrier's atopic dermatitis (skin allergy) is the most significant ongoing health management challenge in the cross — many Westiepoos require veterinary management of environmental and food allergies throughout life. Westie Lung Disease (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) and Craniomandibular Osteopathy are breed-specific conditions whose risk documentation in parents is valuable. PRA DNA testing for the Poodle parent and CAER eye examination complete the recommended panel. Lifespan 12-15 years from health-tested parents.
The Westiepoo is an unregistered hybrid not recognized by the AKC. Request health documentation from breeders for both parent dogs — PRA DNA testing and patellar evaluation for the Poodle parent, and CAER eye certification and skin/lung disease history for the Westie parent. The breed thrives with consistent human companionship and is not well suited to extended periods alone. Skin allergy management can be an ongoing care responsibility given the Westie parent's documented atopic tendencies. Professional grooming is a regular, budgeted expense.
The Westiepoo is a low-to-moderate shedder, but the coat — typically wavy to curly — requires consistent maintenance. Brush two to three times per week to prevent matting. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks for a trim is strongly recommended. The predominantly white or light coat may require a whitening shampoo to maintain its appearance. Check and clean ears weekly — the floppy ears can trap moisture. Trim nails monthly and brush teeth several times per week. A slicker brush and metal comb are the essential tools for home grooming.
The Westiepoo needs a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes of moderate daily activity — two shorter walks combined with indoor play sessions suit this breed well. The West Highland White Terrier heritage brings a terrier's determination and energy, while the Poodle contributes intelligence that demands mental stimulation. Interactive training games, puzzle feeders, and short agility exercises keep the Westiepoo mentally satisfied alongside physical exercise. The breed is well suited to urban and apartment living provided daily walks are consistent. Avoid off-leash exercise in unsecured areas — the terrier prey drive can trigger sudden chasing behavior.
Feed the Westiepoo approximately 400 grams (roughly one to one and a half cups) of high-quality small-breed dry kibble per day divided into two meals. Puppies need three to four smaller meals daily. Choose a formula with a named protein as the first ingredient and without artificial fillers. The West Highland Terrier parent line carries a predisposition to skin conditions and food allergies — if skin irritation develops, consult your veterinarian about a limited-ingredient or novel-protein diet. Fresh water should always be available.
Westiepoo puppies from breeders who provide documented health testing for both parent dogs typically cost $1,800 to $4,800 in the United States; unregistered puppies without documentation can be found for $250 to $800 but carry greater health uncertainty. Monthly costs include food for a small active breed ($35–55), professional grooming every 6–8 weeks ($60–80 per session), pet insurance ($25–45 per month), and veterinary care. Allergy management — a potential ongoing veterinary cost — should be factored into the ownership budget.
Request PRA DNA (Poodle parent), CAER eye, and documentation of the Westie parent's skin allergy and Westie Lung Disease history. Research atopic dermatitis management before purchase — skin care costs can be significant in affected individuals. WHWT rescue organizations are worth contacting for adult Westiepoo placement options.