Last Updated on September 20, 2023
. Are you deciding which puppy to adopt next. Perhaps you have narrowed down your options to the purebred Westiepoo or the Westiepoo designer crossbreed. You’ve reached the right place if you are unsure which dog might be best suited for you and your lifestyle.
The Westiepoo and Westiepoo look very similar. The Westiepoo is half Westie and half elegant Poodle. There must be some differences. Yes, you are right. There are many variations, but there are also similarities. These differences can help you choose between the two playful dogs.
In this breed comparison we examine their history, breed purpose, personality, and how it affects them. We also examine the differences between their needs in regards to training, grooming and puppy prices.
Breed History
Westie
The West Highland White Terrier ,, also known as the Westie
, is a purebred Scottish dog. There are many tiny terriers from Scotland, and they are all bred with one primary purpose – to eradicate rodent infestations. They can reach small corners and kill rats once they find them.
This little guy came into focus in the 18th century when the Malcolm clan began breeding white earth dogs on their north-western Poltalloch estate. They are often called the Poltalloch Terrier. They regularly find themselves in the top 50 dog breeds in America.
Poodle
The Westiepoo is a mixed breed , that has one Westie parent, and one Poodle parent. Due to the Westie’s small size, the Poodle parent is often a miniature or standard-sized Poodle. Sometimes the Westiepoo can be called the Westiedoodle, or Weepoo. It isn’t known when the Westiepoo was born, as it is with many other designer dogs. But most designer dogs came from America in the late 20th century.
Truthfully there isn’t much to be said about the Westiepoos’ history, as they are relatively recent designer dog breeds. Instead, it’s essential to focus on the Westie’s and Poodle’s history. The Poodle is a German duck hunting dog .. They are much more active than most people realize because of their hunting instincts. The French fell in love with this beautiful dog and raised them small enough to be their lap dogs.
Appearance
Both are very similar in their appearance. Both are small dogs with scruffy or wavy hair. They are both adorable and have big, round eyes. Both have a playful, if not happy, gaze. Comparing them side-by-side, you can see that the Westie looks smaller and more squatter than the other breeds. The Westiepoo is sophisticated and has a certain air about them.
The appearance of the Westie can be considered standard, as they are purebred dogs. The Westie breed standard outlines the expected appearance. Because they are a mixed breed, the Westiepoo’s appearance can be slightly different . Sometimes they look more like one parent than the other.
The Westie usually weighs less than the dog. They typically weigh between 15 to 20 pounds and measure 10 to 11 inches tall. The Westiepoo usually weighs between 20 and 30 pounds and measures between 11 and 17 inches tall. You should confirm with your breeder the parent size of the Westiepoo. For a better idea, make sure you look at their parents.
The Westie’s outer coat is more harsh than his inner one, which gives it a scruffy appearance. The Westiepoo’s coat has a Poodle coat , which makes it more flexible and softer. A white coat is a must for every Westie. They are not considered true Westies if they don’t have a white coat. The Westiepoo’s coat is typically white or cream. Sometimes, however, the Westiepoo is born with a different color coat such as black or tan.
Temperament
Due to their hunting heritage, both have a high prey drive ,which means you must be alert around smaller animals. The Westiepoo is more inclined to leap into the local lake to find duck happiness. Rats are the Westie’s favorite food.
With a bit of terrier in each dog, you can find a fun Fido in both. Both are energetic and full of beans and are not considered lap dogs. Both can be your four-legged companion in crime or adventure buddy. They both love to snuggle on the couch with their families, especially when they are well exercised.
They are both well balanced dogs in the family home making them great options for your next family pet. They are curious and active dogs, but they love to play with their loved ones. Both enjoy playing and hanging out with their kids. They are strong enough to not be accidentally injured by hyperactive children.
Both are very adaptable and could happily live in any loving family home, be that a small condo or a large house with a substantial backyard. As long as they are loved and kept company, they are quite easy-going dogs.
Let’s say your Westiepoo inherits the separation anxiety tendencies often seen in the Poodle. In that case, Westiepoos might be more sensitive to spending time alone compared to the more independent Westie. This shouldn’t be a problem if you train your puppy properly.
The Westiepoo is half terrier and is completely terrier-like. This means that the Westie is much more tenacious and can be a little stubborn at times. The intelligent Poodle genes of the Westiepoo make the Westiepoo more likely to be more obedient than the other two. The Westiepoo is loyal but can sometimes be mischievous.
Exercise
Both breeds have very similar exercise routines. Because of their small legs, neither one needs to exercise for more than an hour. They need to do more than just a walk around the block. Both need to exercise to burn off their excess energy.
They need to be entertained throughout their day in order to keep them happy, and to prevent them from engaging in destructive behavior. You can invest in interactive toys like frisbees and ropes for them to chase. And for the times when you cannot entertain them yourself, high-quality squeaky toys appeal to their inner hunter. Brain games will keep intelligent Westiespoos occupied.
Training
Both of these breeds are great for new dog owners as they are intelligent and eager to please. The Westiepoo will be the easiest to teach .. They are smarter than their Poodle counterparts and can pick up commands faster. The Westie can also be stubborn. If you want your dogs to become well-behaved, polite and balanced dogs,
They both must be socialized at a young age. The critical window for socialization is 3 to 12 weeks, so be sure to start the training right away. We do not recommend mixing them due to their penchant for rats, ducks, and high prey drive.
The positive reinforcement method is the best way to train both breeds. They behave better when they are rewarded for their good behavior. They are also more comfortable with being rewarded for their good behavior than they are with harsh training. It is important to understand the difference between rewarding good behavior, and spoiling a dog. This can lead to “small dog syndrome,” evident in many small dogs.
Crate training is advised for both to stop them from getting into trouble and lower their anxiety when left alone. A Westie may be a destructive little dog who will try to climb up your sofa just because they’re bored. The Westiepoo is a destructive breed that can be lonely.
Health
Responsible Westie breeders should test their Westies for a condition called hip dysplasia. This is caused by abnormal formation of the joint. Ask your breeder about their hip scores.
Both are susceptible and to luxating patella , in which the kneecap dislodges and floats. Smaller dogs are more susceptible to this condition than larger dogs. Look out for signs such as limping or kicking on the affected leg. They are also both susceptible to eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative disease of the retina. This can cause complete vision loss if not treated.
Nutrition
Because they are slightly larger than the Westiepoo, they may eat a bit more than the Westiepoo, but not much. The amount they eat depends on their size, age, and activity level.
These guys will do well on a high-quality kibble or fresh food service such as The Farmer’s Dog. These foods, whether they are store-brand or high quality, will not be nutritionally complete for your Westiepoo. Give them the highest quality food possible, no matter what your budget.
Both have healthy appetites, but sometimes they are too healthy. They can be kept trim by exercising and not being overfed . They’ll be more susceptible to health issues related to excess weight if they aren’t kept trim.
Grooming
They are both considered hypoallergenic dog breeds, although the Westie has a double coat. The Westiepoo can inherit either the single or double coats of either their parents. All dogs shed. Hypoallergenic dog breeds shed less , which is good news for those who have allergies.
They both need to be brushed several times per week ,, if not daily. This helps prevent matting and eliminates dead fur. Their coat might grow faster due to the Westiepoo’s Poodle influence, so grooming is a greater necessity.
Breathing is important for all dogs, even smaller dogs like these. Use a dog-specific toothpaste to brush their teeth at least once a week. Get them used to their grooming routine from an early age, considering that they both require daily grooming and regular tooth brushing. Although they might not be as big as you think, they can still get agitated and run for it if they don’t like your grooming efforts.
Puppy Prices
The average starting price for a well-bred puppy is around $1,000, unless you are looking for an award-winning breeder. You can expect to spend several thousand dollars in this instance. Adopting a pup from a rescue shelter will likely cost you much less.
The importance of working with a reputable breeder is essential for both these breeds. Responsible breeders screen for common health issues and take care of their puppies. Puppy farms can exploit all dog breeds. Poodle mix breeds are at greater risk due to their popularity. Always research your breeder and be aware of the tactics used by irresponsible breeders.
Additional costs may apply when you adopt a puppy. Your home must be set up with all the necessary equipment for a puppy. There are also ongoing costs such as pet insurance and food. the Westiepoo and the Westiepoo will likely have the same lifetime costs, considering their similar sizes, lives expectancies, and health issues.
Final Thoughts
These two dogs look very similar because the Westiepoo is half Westie and Poodles are similar to Westies. They are small enough to be loved by family members and fit in most homes. However, they can also be playful and active and provide lots of entertainment. They are good with children, and can be socialized with other dogs if they are well socialized. They are as adorable as buttons, which is a plus!
The Westiepoo and Westiepoo are purebred dogs. If you are interested in showing your dog, this isn’t a problem. The AKC and traditional canine registry offices do not recognize Westiepoos as official breeds. This means they can’t compete in official AKC competitions, while the Westie can.
The Westiepoo is smaller than the Westiepoo and can be more stubborn. The Westies can be a little more independent than the Westiepoos, so make sure you consider this when making your decision.
There aren’t any differences between these adorable pups. Both are guaranteed to make you smile and be a great Fido.