A Poodle mix Terrier is a hybrid between a Poodle dog breed and one parent of the terrier dog breed group. Poodles are the most popular dog breeds that are being used by breeders to create mixed breeds. This is because of its generous personality that would make an admirable hybrid when mixed with a terrier. Mostly, the mix is small in size, long-haired, and a low-shedder.
This mixed breed is gaining popularity among dog fans especially here in the US. The Poodle mix terrier inherits the most alluring characteristics of both parents that are appealing. Given the wide variety of terriers, there are limitless possibilities which is why the mix is sought after. If you are looking for a smart, brave, and appealing mix, this cross is a superb choice.
From the Yorkshire terrier to Wheaton terrier, Australian terrier, and West Highland terriers there is a range of options for this mix. But before you make your mind up that you want to take this hybrid home, you should know what living with them means for you.
In this article, we have included everything that you need to know about the Poodle Terrier mix. Is it the temperament? Health concerns? Grooming, exercise, dietary, and training needs? You name it, we have it all covered.
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What is a Terrier Poodle called?
Due to the wide range of terriers available for crossing with a Poodle dog breed, there is no inclusive name for them. When dog designers are naming their Terrier Poodle mixes, they usually include “doodle”, “oodle”, or “poo” after the terrier’s name. For instance, a Yorkiepoo (Yorkshire terrier + poodle), Airedoodle (Airedale terrier + poodle), or Cairnoodle (Cairn terrier + poodle). And the list is endless.
Since a Terrier Poodle is not a purebred breed, they are not recognized by the AKC as a breed. However, some of them can be registered with other dog registries like the DRA among others.
Why mix with Poodle?
One question that most people ask is: why are poodle mixes so popular?
Poodles have fascinating characteristics that make breeders use them to develop mixed breeds. These dog breeds are also very intelligent, easy to train, loyal, affectionate, and good with kids and other pets. Poodles are excellent choices for people of all ages including retired seniors which is why they are popular as family pets or companions.
And did we mention that Poodles come with a beautiful hypoallergenic coat that is great for people that are allergic or sensitive to pet fur? That and more are why you mix with a Poodle.
History of the Breed
As with many hybrids, the history of mixing a terrier with a Poodle for the first time is vague. Most of these mixes came as accidental while some are thought to have been there naturally over the years. However, it has been only around two to three decades since breeders started mixing dogs on purpose. So, we can assume that is how long the breed has existed.
As with many mixes, the breeders wanted a Poodle Terrier that is healthier than its parents and with the adorable traits of the Poodle dog breed. To gain an in-depth understanding of the mix, let us have a brief look at their parents.
Table
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Not more than 15 inches |
| Weight | Under 25 lbs. |
| Lifespan | 11 and 17 years |
| Grooming | Minimal since they are low-shedders |
| Temperament | Intelligent, eager to please, affectionate but stubborn |
| Coat | Medium to long & might be curly |
| Coat colors | Depends on the type of terrier used to cross |
Parents
The Poodle – This dog breed was first developed in Germany with the aim of helping hunters retrieve wildfowl. Another part of Poodles history is that they came to France and grew into an exclusive breed that is now the national dog of France. During their time in France, Poodles served in circus performances before becoming the sweet companion dog we know of today.
Poodles are famous for their desirable qualities and disposition which makes them great family pets that also makes them excellent choices for mixing other breeds. This dog breed has excellent dog IQ and intelligence that ranks 23rd position in the smartest dog breed rating. This makes them easy to train obedience and work. Poodles were recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1887.
Although there are 4 types of Poodles, only 3 – Toy, Miniature, and Standard types are accepted universally and used when crossing breeds. They vary in size but have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Common health issues in Poodles include hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease, cancer, bloat, and cataracts.
The Terrier – The dog breed was initially developed in England for the purpose of hunting foxes and exterminating rodents. This nature made them very brave despite their small sizes, a trait they carry to date, although terriers of today are developed with a well-disposed temperament.
Terriers come in a range of sizes and types and have an above-average dog IQ which means they can be easy to train although they are very reserved. Unlike Poodles, terriers will do just fine on their own despite being affectionate to their owners. They will, however, need early training and socialization if you want to raise a good terrier.
The AKC only recognizes 31 types of terriers that fall into the category of the Toy, Small, and Medium-size dogs. Most terriers are small dogs and are susceptible to health issues such as dental disease, obesity, patellar luxation, and mitral valve disease. Terriers have a life expectancy of between 8 and 16 years.
Appearance
One of the most unpredictable things when it comes to mixed dog breeds is predicting what they will be like and the same goes for the Poodle mix terrier. This is because, both parents come in a variety of sizes, and any terrier can be used in the mix depending on preferences.
However, most terriers are small in size with a weight of under 25 lbs. and breeding them with a Miniature poodle will produce a tiny pooch. Breeders mostly use similar Poodle and Terrier sizes when developing hybrids. So, a miniature (or miniature) Poodle will be used to cross small and standard terriers while standard Poodles will be mixed with larger terriers.
There is no standard size for the Poodle Terrier mix due to the variance in sizes, especially in the terrier group. It will depend on the terrier type you prefer to cross a Poodle with. However, they will not be more than 15 inches tall at the shoulders.
Temperament and Characteristics
As with resemblance, you never know what personality you will get after mixing two purebreds. Typically, most terrier poodle mixes are as intelligent as their Poodle parent, active and playful like both parents, but fearless and independent like the terrier parent. They are not a top choice for first-time dog owners.
Poodle Terriers may be stubborn sometimes and want to dominate. But they are also eager to please you which is a good thing when it comes to behavior and obedience training. These dogs need to be socialized early and bond with all the members so they each can know how to treat each other. They are wonderful family pets and companions for the right people.
Although the terrier parent tolerates being alone, a Poodle mix terrier is different, and being left alone for long will lead to boredom. To prevent the development of destructive behaviors due to boredom, make sure they have toys and activities to keep them mentally stimulated.
Check this funny video of a Jack Russel Poodle mix pup
Ease of Training
A Poodle mix Terrier is very intelligent which means that they receive commands easily. They are eager to please you which is a plus especially when training obedience. Even though they may be stubborn, using positive reinforcement and treats will make training easy. So, you should avoid using harsh words and praise them for everything they do right. Training sessions will be enjoyable for both of you.
Train your terrier poodle how to socialize when they are puppies by taking them to dog parks often where they can enjoy mingling. This will improve how they relate with strangers and other pooches. While the terrier parent might be territorial, the Poodle parent’s calm nature can balance this trait so your mix will not show any signs of aggressiveness.
Exercise
While terrier poodles are active hybrids, their small size means that they do not need a lot of exercise. You can walk them for about 30 minutes a day divided into two sessions where you can incorporate games and allow them to play in the water if the Poodle parent genes dominate.
You will need to invest in durable toys that will withstand the pooch’s energy as well as games that keep their minds busy. These are good especially when you are not at home as they prevent boredom that can make Poodle mix Terriers very destructive.
Nutritional Requirements
Most Poodle mix terriers are small and so they will not eat as much compared to other larger or medium-sized mixes. The type of terrier used will also determine your mix’s nutritional needs as well as their activity level, energy, and age.
That being said, feed your Poodle Terrier high-quality kibble that is formulated for small to medium-sized pooches or large ones if the terrier parent was large. If you are not sure how much to feed, talk to your vet so you can develop the most ideal feeding schedule for your mix.
Health Issues
Like other hybrids, Poodle mix terriers are prone to some of the health conditions that their Poodle and terrier parents are susceptible to. Some of the common health conditions that terrier poodles are predisposed to include hip dysplasia, bloat, hypoglycemia, thyroid issues, Addison’s disease, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
To help your terrier poodle live in optimal health, keep up with the scheduled vet visits. This way, your vet can be able to tell any underlying conditions that need attention before they become worse. Remember, a healthy dog is a happy dog.
Life Expectancy
A healthy Poodle mix terrier will live between 11 and 17 years.
How to Care for them
Proper care for your Poodle Terrier mix begins with exercising them adequately, feeding them an ideal diet that meets their nutritional needs, and taking them for regular vet visits. That and good grooming lead to a healthier and happier pooch.
Grooming
Terrier Poodles do not shed a lot because both parents shed minimally. So, grooming them is easy and you do not expect fur all over your house.
Most terriers have a coat that needs to be brushed regularly – several times a week to keep them neat and distribute oil all over their little bodies. In addition, brushing them prevents matting and tangling and their luxurious coats will look healthy and stunning.
While baths are important, they should not be done unless necessary to prevent the skin from drying by stripping off natural oils. Their medium to long coats might be curly. So, they need a professional touch sometimes. So, make taking your mixed breed to a pro groomer for that professional trim.
In addition to taking care of their coats, you should clip your terrier poodle’s nails when needed and also brush their teeth every day to give them optimal dental hygiene.
Cost
The price of a Poodle mix terrier will vary greatly depending on the demand. And since they are a relatively new mix, you should expect to spend between $800 and $2,800 for a terrier poodle puppy. The price depends on the breeder’s reputation and location. Make sure you visit the breeder in their workplace, look at the environment, and ask for the health records of the parents.
Where to Adopt
If you choose to adopt a Poodle mix terrier, you are doing the world a favor by saving a life. Therefore, start from your local shelter and if you are not lucky there, try rescue centers.
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