Description. The Westiepoo is a hybrid, or designer, dog. The original dogs are bred from a mix of a pedigree West Highland White Terrier and a pedigree Poodle. After the original mixing the Westiepoo should be bred with other Westiepoos but can be mated with either of the parent breeds. This does make the look a little unreliable so it is a good idea to look at the two parent breeds to see what you are most likely to get. You can, of course, talk to the breeder and see if they have a reliable standard look to their puppies. As a breed they tend to be 15-17 inches in height and weigh about 20-30 pounds. The coat can be anything from medium and curled to long and luxuriant or anything in-between. Commonly the two parent breeds are white and this is the most likely color for the Westiepoo. They are going to be robust and muscular being a lot stronger than their size suggests.

History. As with all hybrids their history is yet to be made. The parent breeds have a significant history but this is of little relevance to the designer dogs. Hybrids are bred to be more conducive to modern living, so the dogs’ appearance is not as important as their temperament. The tendency with hybrids is to aim for a smaller dog that is easy to train and does not require large amounts of exercise. The Westiepoo has been bred to fulfill these needs. The pedigree dogs at present are standardized for the tasks they performed and the traits they have. In the future the present designer dogs may be registered for their temperament and how good they are as companions. Today’s hybrid may be tomorrows’ pedigree.

Temperament. This will be a dog that is quite active indoors. They are loving and loyal with a great sense of fun. They will love to play with slightly older children, about school age. The Westiepoo will need to be trained, as do all dogs, and requires you to assert yourself as their pack leader. Do not allow the dog to believe they are in charge as this will lead top the dog becoming confused and behavior issues will result. As an intelligent dog the Westiepoo should be fairly easy to train. They are inquisitive and will be into everything. It is important to exercise the dog and their mind and a few hide and seek type games will achieve this. Correctly exercised and stimulated the Westiepoo will be a joy to have in the household.

Health issues. The Westiepoo is a young breed and specific issues are not yet recorded. It is a good idea to approach the breeder and ask to see any medical records and certificates of both the parents, to give you an idea as to what can be expected. The poodle has many health issues but the breeding of a hybrid should reduce the incidence of these.

Grooming. This will depend entirely on the individual coat but in line with both parent breeds you can expect to have to brush the coat every couple of days and dependant on which breeds coat they favor you may need to take your Westiepoo to the salon very 6-8 weeks.

Living conditions. As long as they have the exercise and mental stimulation they need the Westiepoo will do fine in an apartment, and does not require a yard or garden.