Cockapoo Westie Cross: A Guide to Ownership and Care

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Posted Nov 3, 2024

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The Cockapoo Westie Cross is a delightful hybrid breed that combines the friendly nature of a Cockapoo with the spunk of a West Highland White Terrier. This mix of breeds makes for a loyal and affectionate companion.

They typically weigh between 15-20 pounds and stand between 10-14 inches tall, making them a great choice for families with smaller living spaces. Their coats can vary in texture and length, but regular grooming is a must to prevent matting and tangling.

In terms of exercise needs, Cockapoo Westie Crosses require daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day to keep your furry friend satisfied.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Lifespan of a Westie Dog

Quick Facts

The Cockapoo Westie cross, a delightful hybrid breed that's sure to capture your heart. Originating from the United States, this charming mix is a result of crossing a Cockapoo with a West Highland White Terrier (Westie).

Credit: youtube.com, Cockapoo Dog Breed Guide | Dogs 101 - Cockapoo

They come in a variety of sizes, with the Mini Cockapoo weighing between 13 to 18 pounds and standing 11 to 14 inches tall. The Standard or Maxi Cockapoo, on the other hand, should weigh over 19 pounds and be at least 15 inches tall.

Cockapoo Westie crosses are known for their friendly, affectionate, and social nature, making them an excellent choice for families with children. They're also intelligent and trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement methods.

In terms of exercise needs, Cockapoo Westie crosses require daily exercise and enjoy playtime and walks, but they're not overly hyperactive. Regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting and tangling, and some may require professional grooming every few months.

Here are the average lifespans for Cockapoo Westie crosses, which can range from 12 to 15 years or more with proper care.

Breed Overview

The Westiepoo is a small but mighty breed, typically weighing between 20 to 35 pounds and standing 11 to 17 inches tall.

Credit: youtube.com, Cockapoo Dog Breed - Should You Get A Cockapoo? | Dog World

They're a hybrid breed, combining the best qualities of a West Highland White Terrier and a Poodle, usually a miniature or toy Poodle.

Westiepoos are generally friendly, outgoing, and playful, making them a great fit for families, children, and seniors.

Their intelligence is high, which means they're easy to train and eager to please.

Here are some key characteristics of the Westiepoo breed:

Overall, Westiepoos are a wonderful breed for anyone looking for a loving and loyal companion.

History

The Cockapoo has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1960s. It's an old hybrid breed that was initially bred by accident, but the happy result was a litter of intelligent, low-shedding puppies with a loving nature.

The first Cockapoos were well-received, and the breed line began to take shape. They were one of the few designer breeds that weren't owner-surrendered at high rates, thanks to their intelligence and sweet disposition.

The Cockapoo gained popularity over the decades, with many fanciers praising their loving nature. In fact, they've become a highly prized family dog.

Related reading: Bichon Frise with Poodle

Credit: youtube.com, Where Every Dog Breed Came From

The Cockapoo Club of America was formed in 1999 to promote breeding consistency and create a breed standard. This standard aims to help puppies maintain the desired qualities that aren't seen in all first-generation dogs.

The American Cockapoo Club was formed in 2004, and its members don't mix generations or breed a Cockapoo back to a Poodle or a Cocker Spaniel. They have their own breed standard and goal to see genuine Cockapoos bred with lines that can be traced back to their originating roots.

The North American Cockapoo Registry was also formed in 1999 and provides certification for Cockapoos, who are the results of first- through sixth-generation breedings. According to the Registry, a true Cockapoo is only a purposeful, planned crossing of a purebred Cocker Spaniel with a purebred Poodle.

Westie Overview

Westiepoos are a small breed, typically weighing between 20 to 35 pounds and standing 11 to 17 inches tall.

Credit: youtube.com, West Highland White Terrier (Westie) - Characteristics and Care

Their lifespan is relatively long, ranging from 12 to 15 years, making them a great companion for many years to come.

Westiepoos are generally good with children, families, seniors, and other dogs, making them a great addition to many households.

Their temperament is friendly, outgoing, and playful, but they can also be a bit willful at times.

Westiepoos are highly intelligent dogs that are easy to train, which is a big plus for first-time pet owners.

Here's a quick rundown of their key characteristics:

As a relatively small breed, Westiepoos are apartment-friendly and don't require a lot of space to run around.

Physical Characteristics

The Westiepoo is a small to medium-sized dog, typically standing around 10-12 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 15-25 pounds.

They can inherit a variety of coat textures, ranging from wiry to soft and curly, and come in a range of colors including white, black, apricot, and cream.

Cockapoo Dog in Grass
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Their height can vary, with some Westiepoos growing up to 17 inches tall at the shoulder, and their weight can range from 20 to 35 pounds.

A Westiepoo's coat can be rough and wiry or soft and curly, depending on which traits they inherit from their parents.

Regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and tangling, especially around the eyes and ears, but they don't shed much, so vacuuming and lint rolling won't be a major issue.

Most Westiepoos inherit a white coat from their West Highland White Terrier parent, but poodles come in a wide range of colors, so you can find everything from black to golden Westiepoos.

Temperament and Personality

The Cockapoo Westie cross is known for its delightful temperament, formed by the combination of the Westie's lively spirit and the Poodle's intelligence. They are affectionate and loving, forming deep bonds with their families.

These dogs are often described as playful, outgoing, and eager to please, making them excellent companions for individuals, families, and even other pets when properly introduced. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are crucial for shaping their behavior.

Credit: youtube.com, Cockapoo Puppies and Dogs: Temperament, Lifespan & more | Petplan

They are friendly and social, making them great companions for families with children or other pets. With proper training, they can thrive in a variety of living situations.

Westiepoos can be quick to sound the alarm whenever someone's at the door, thanks to their terrier instincts. However, with early socialization, they can learn to greet strangers on a walk or trip to the dog park.

Here are some key temperament traits of the Cockapoo Westie cross:

  • Social: Friendly and outgoing, making them great companions for families and other pets.
  • Intelligent: Quick learners when it comes to obedience training.
  • Loyal: Form strong bonds with their owners and can experience separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
  • Prey drive: May be tempted to chase small animals, but can thrive with proper introductions and training.

Health and Care

Cockapoo Westie crosses are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial in detecting potential problems early on.

Their hypoallergenic coat requires regular brushing and occasional professional grooming sessions to maintain its condition. Regular grooming also helps remove loose hair, dirt, and debris, allowing you to check for any skin abnormalities or parasites like ticks or fleas.

A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for maintaining an ideal weight and preventing obesity-related health issues. Daily walks or playtime should be a part of your dog's routine.

Check this out: Cockapoo Health

Credit: youtube.com, How To Train A Cockapoo

Cockapoos are prone to separation anxiety and can suffer from excessive barking and destructive behavior when left for long periods of time. Crate training benefits every dog and is a kind way to ensure that your Cockapoo doesn't have accidents in the house or get into things he shouldn't.

Here are some potential health concerns that may affect your Cockapoo Westie cross:

  • Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition that can lead to arthritis over time.
  • Dental Problems: Small dogs like the Westiepoo often have crowded teeth, making them more susceptible to dental diseases.
  • Skin Conditions: Skin conditions like sebaceous adenitis or atopic dermatitis could occur in this mixed breed due to its Poodle ancestry.

Coat Color and Grooming

The Cockapoo Westie cross has a beautiful coat that's a combination of its parent breeds. It can range from straight to loose curls and come in a wide variety of colors and color combinations.

Their coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. A daily brush is ideal, but if that's not possible, aim for at least three times a week.

Their coat should be trimmed to two to three inches long to prevent it from looking unkempt. Trimming the hair around the eyes is also essential to maintain visibility and prevent an Old English Sheepdog-like appearance.

Credit: youtube.com, Best Types of Cockapoo Haircuts 🐶 Puppy, Teddy Bear, Cocker Spaniel, Lamb, Summer 🐶

Regular nail trimming is a must to prevent painful tears and other problems. If your dog doesn't wear down their nails naturally, aim to trim them once or twice a month.

Their floppy ears can be prone to ear infections, so it's essential to check and clean them weekly. Use a cotton ball moistened with a cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian.

Their teeth need regular brushing to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease. Brushing their teeth at least twice a week is a good starting point, but daily brushing is even better.

Their skin and eyes should be checked regularly for any signs of infection or irritation. A weekly exam can help you spot potential health problems early on.

Care and Feeding

Cockapoo Westie Crosses need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy a good walk and should get at least 15 minutes of exercise every day.

A Cockapoo Westie Cross can thrive in an apartment, but they shouldn't live outdoors or in kennels. Crate training is beneficial for every dog and helps prevent accidents in the house.

Credit: youtube.com, How To Care For Westie Terrier Dogs: 5 Tips ❤️ 4K

To ensure your Cockapoo Westie Cross stays in good shape, measure their food and feed them twice a day. They need a high-quality dry food, with a recommended daily amount of 1/4 to 3/4 cup, divided into two meals.

Regular grooming is essential for a Cockapoo Westie Cross. They don't shed much, but their fur can get easily matted if left unbrushed. Brush them regularly and give them a bath every four to six weeks.

A different take: Dog Food

Care

Your furry friend needs exercise, and Cockapoos are no exception. They require at least 15 minutes of exercise every day, which can be a good walk or a play session in the backyard.

Cockapoos are adaptable breeds that can live in apartments, but the smaller varieties do better there than the Maxi or Standard Cockapoos. They shouldn't live outdoors or in kennels, as they've been bred to be companion dogs.

Crate training is a kind way to ensure your Cockapoo doesn't have accidents in the house or get into things he shouldn't. It's a place where he can retreat for a nap, but it shouldn't be used as a jail – your Cockapoo should spend no more than a few hours in it except when he's sleeping at night.

Close-Up Shot of a Cockapoo Walking on the Snow Covered Ground
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To keep your Westiepoo's coat looking its best, regular brushing and occasional professional grooming sessions are necessary. Their hair can get easily matted if left to its own devices, so a bath every four to six weeks is also important.

Daily brushing with pet-specific dental toothpaste can help prevent dental disease in Westiepoos. They're also prone to skin disease and ear infections, so it's essential to check their skin at least once a week for redness, hair loss, scabs, or discharge.

Here are some essential care requirements for your Westiepoo:

  • Grooming: Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming sessions
  • Dental Care: Regular teeth cleaning and daily brushing with pet-specific dental toothpaste
  • Veterinary Checkups: Routine vet visits to detect potential health problems early on

Westiepoos are very social and smart, so they need ample mental stimulation. Enrolling them in obedience training will keep them happy while they learn good manners.

Feeding

Feeding your Cockapoo or Cocker Westie requires attention to their individual needs, so it's essential to measure their food and feed them twice a day. This helps prevent overeating and keeps them in good shape.

Puppy Cockapoo in Grass
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A highly active dog will need more food than a less active one, so consider their lifestyle when determining their daily intake. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference – better food will go further and nourish your dog more efficiently.

You should be able to see a waist on your dog when looking down at them, and feel their ribs without pressing hard when placing your hands on their back. If you can't see or feel their ribs, they need less food and more exercise.

Dry dog kibble is recommended for small dogs like Cockapoos and Cocker Westies, as it helps keep their teeth and gums clean. Adding canned wet food provides more nutrition and flavor.

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Mildred Luettgen

Lead Assigning Editor

Mildred Luettgen is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a passion for curating engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the publishing industry, she has honed her skills in assigning and overseeing articles across various categories. Mildred's expertise spans topics such as Canine Nutrition Planning, where she has successfully guided writers in crafting informative and accessible pieces for a wide range of audiences.