The American Kennel Club recognizes a total of 31 different terrier dog breeds. They are popular for their boldness, athleticism, and intense loyalty. It is therefore no surprise that terriers are so popular in the designer doggy industry.
One of the most popular mixes involving a terrier is the Terrier Poodle that is developed from breeding between a Poodle and an Australian Terrier. Contrary to popular misconception, you cannot get a Terripoo from just any Terrier. The Poodle of choice is also specific with most breeders going for the Miniature Poodle which is the closest in dimensions to the Australian Terrier.
The Terripoo is a fantastic dog whether you want a family pet or a solo companion. If you are considering getting one, below is all you need to know to adequately prepare yourself for your new fur baby. First thing’s first, let’s dive into the physical characteristics of a Terrier Poodle mixed doggy.
What Is A Terrier And Poodle Mix Called?
Given how different the Australian Terrier and the Miniature Poodle look, it may be difficult to accurately predict the Terripoo’s aesthetics.
However, you can still get a picture of what to expect by having an understanding of the standout features of each of the contributing purebred doggies.
Here are some of these features.
Build And Proportions
The Terripoo may turn out disproportionately built if they take after the Aussie Terrier Parent. They will have a generally lean frame with very short legs.
If, on the other hand, the Terripoo inherits the Poodle’s form, you will have a proportionately built, lean dog with somewhat narrow features.
Height And Weight
How big your Poodle Terrier mix can get is probably one of the few predictable features with this mix as the Australian Shepherd and Miniature Poodle used are relatively similar in size.
Your Terripoo will range from 10 to 14 lbs in weight and 9 to 15 inches in height.
If a Standard Poodle is used in the mix, the Terripoo will be much larger while Toy Poodles are likely to produce very small Terripoos.
Coat Type
The coat type is another feature that is very unpredictable as the Poodle and Terrier are very different. The Terripoo will either have a medium length, shaggy coat like the Australian Terrier or a curly and neat, hypoallergenic coat like the Poodle.
These coats come in a variety of colors including red, cream, white, brown, tan, blue, and black in either single or two-tone patterns.
How Long Do Terri Poos Live?
Terripoos can live for 10 to 15 years, a range very similar to both of the small breed purebred parents used to make the mix.
If the mix is developed using a Toy Poodle, the Terripoo might even have a longer projected lifespan of up to 18 years.
As a mixed doggie, Terrier Poodles are pretty healthy. However, here are some of the common health issues with the Terripoo mix you need to keep an eye out for.
Diabetes
Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death in Aussie Terriers second only to the likes of cancer and complications of old age.
The predisposition to develop diabetes may be passed on to the Terripoo. To prevent complications in case your dog is at risk, make sure to have your Terripoo on a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen.
Allergies
Terripoos are also very likely to develop allergies. The sensitivities vary from one dog to another.
Some are allergic to foods in which case animal proteins, gluten, and dairy are the most common triggers.
Other Terripoos are sensitive to environmental allergens like dust and pollen as well as parasites like fleas and mites.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy can be hereditary in Terripoos and is a commonly inherited trait as both Australian Shepherds and Poodles are prone to developing the condition. The epilepsy will result in seizures throughout the dog’s life.
Cataracts
Cataracts are opacities that form in the Terripoo’s eye lens and affect the dog’s ability to see. It may affect one eye alone or both eyes at different times. Without intervention, the cataracts will eventually result in total blindness for the dog.
How To Take Care Of Terrier Poodle Mixes?
If you want a low-maintenance dog that will fit in with your schedule and availability, the Terripoo is a perfect fit. These dogs are super independent and generally very low maintenance in terms of things like grooming and exercise.
Despite the fact that Terripoos are easy to take care of, many owners still fumble and make mistakes at the doggy’s expense. That is why we have compiled a simple guide on what you need to do to raise a happy and healthy Terripoo.
Feed Your Terripoo A Balanced Diet
Terripoos are at risk of diet-related diseases like diabetes and obesity. Ensuring that your dog is eating healthy and balanced meals in appropriate portions should therefore be your number one priority.
We recommend you go with Pet Plate which stands out with its use of high quality ingredients and the fact that they customize their meal plans based on every dog’s needs.
Set Aside Time For Exercise And Playtime
Terrier Poodles are active dogs and will find ways to keep themselves physically engaged even when you are not around.
In terms of exercises like walking or intense playtime, you only need to set aside 30 minutes to an hour of your day.
Keep Up With Vet Visits
Terripoos may not be sickly dogs in general but regular vet visits are still an important part of taking good care of them. We recommend you work with a schedule of 1 to 3 visits a year factoring in your vet doctor’s suggestions.
Figure Out An Appropriate Grooming Routine
Finally, taking care of your Terripoo also means ensuring that they look and smell as good as they feel.
A regular grooming schedule should include nail trimming and cleaning their ears every two weeks, wiping their eyes a few times a week, and cleaning their mouths on a daily basis.
For that last part, you can maintain your Terripoo’s dental hygiene conveniently and effectively using dental water additives.
Do Terrier Poos Bark A Lot? Temperaments Of Terrier Poodle Mixes
Both Australian Terriers and Poodles have unique personality traits that make them quirky and popular. However, they have a lot in common especially when comparing Aussie Terriers with Miniature Poodles.
This makes it relatively easy to predict the possible temperament traits of a Terrier Poodle Mix. Here are some that you may encounter.
Intelligent
According to Stanley Coren’s “The Intelligence of Dogs”, Poodles rank 2nd while Australian Terriers are considered the 34th most intelligent of dog breeds. This intelligence is passed to their Terripoo mix which makes them very easy to train.
Independent
Terripoos very independent dogs and can comfortably be left alone for hours without suffering from separation anxiety or other distress. All you have to do is ensure that they have enough food and toys to keep themselves entertained.
They will just spend the day rotating between snack time, playtime, and nap time.
Confident
Terripoos get their confidence mainly from the Poodle side of their lineage. They may be small but they are not afraid to interact with and even confront much larger pets and even humans.
Mistrusting Of Strangers
One thing that makes Terripoos really good guard dogs is the fact that they are naturally suspicious of strangers. This is something they get from their reserved Poodle parents. If it is a trait that you wish to get rid of, all you have to do is start socialization training from an early age.
Mischievous
It isn’t all fun and games as a Terripoo parent as these doggies can be very mischievous if they get into that mood. This is a trait common with small terrier breeds and the Aussie Terrier passes it down to their Terripoo mixed offspring.
Are Terrier Poodles Hypoallergenic? Grooming Tips For Terrier Poodle Mixes
If the Terripoo has a dense, curly coat like their Poodle parent, the mixed doggie will be considered hypoallergenic as they shed very little. However, if they have their terrier parent’s shaggy coat, there is no hope of hypoallergenic relief.
The type of coat your Terrier Poodle mix inherits also determines their coat care and grooming needs. You have to understand your pooch’s coat type and skin care needs in order to come up with a coat grooming schedule that keeps them looking bright and beautiful.
Here is a simple coat grooming summarized guide that should help you figure out your Terripoo’s needs.
Brush Your Terripoo 3 To 4 Times A Week
Regular brushing is important whether or not your Terripoo is hypoallergenic. It not only minimizes shedding but also helps with detangling.
Just make sure to use a high quality comb like the Furminator Undercoat Tool. This brush is designed to make grooming easy for you with its ergonomic design and easy cleaning mechanism.
Wash Your Terripoo Every 6 To 8 Weeks
If your Terripoo has skin issues like irritation from allergies, a longer interval between baths may be useful. This is because it prevents excessive stripping of protective oils from the coat.
It also helps to use high quality and hypoallergenic products like the Mighty Petz 2-In-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo And Conditioner. This shampoo and conditioner also stands out with its oatmeal formula.
The oatmeal proteins are ideal for sensitive Terripoo skin as they have a soothing and restorative effect.
Related Questions
How Much Is A Terripoo? A Terripoo will cost you between $800 and $1,000 which is pretty close to how much most Terrier mixes cost. Despite the Australian Terrier being relatively rare and Mini Poos being somewhat pricey, the low demand for the Terripoo keeps the prices from being as high as that of many other designer doggies.
Can Terri Poos Swim? Terripoos can swim and actually really love being in the water. This has everything to do with the fact that the mixed doggy is developed from two purebred dogs that instinctively love the water. The fact that Terripoos love water and are outdoorsy makes them the perfect companion pets for outdoorsy dog lovers seeking adventure buddies.
Do Australia Terriers Get Along With Poodles? Australian Terriers can very easily get along with Poodles. The Australian Terrier in particular is a very even-tempered dog breed known to live and play well with other pets. On the other hand, Poodles may need some socialization to learn to get along with Aussie Terriers especially if it is a standard Poo. Miniature and Toy Poodles typically get along well with other dogs even with minimal training.
