If you are looking to adopt or buy a terrier poodle mix, there are a few things that you need to know. There will be a variation in the type of terrier poodle mix that you go for, but in general there are certain things that you need to know.
Different Types of Poodle
Remember that there are actually three types of Poodle – the toy, miniature, and standard. Which one of these your terrier is crossed with will have a big impact on size, although most terriers are crossed with a Toy Poodle producing a Jack Russell sized dog.
Introducing the Terrier and Terrier Temperament
You should be aware that if you adopt or buy a Terrier cross dog then it is likely that your crossbreed will inherit the fiesty and energetic terrier personality. Terriers were bred specifically as hunters, most of them to hunt on farms and in the hills of England. They were historically used for fox and badger hunting as well as clearing vermin from farms, such as Jack Russell terriers and Patterdale terriers.
They have a Strong Prey Drive
Therefore if you have a terrier cross then you should expect your dog to be high in energy and need lots of walks – maybe an hour or two a day. They will also probably have a strong prey drive meaning that they may not be the best dogs to have around young children or other pets such as cats and rodents. Recall can be a challenge with a terrier breed or terrier cross because they chase instinct often trumps their owners recall, resulting in them bolting off in another direction after a squirrel or rat!
Training should start Immediately
Training for a terrier poodle cross should start as soon as your dog comes home and has settled in. It is likely that training will continue to adulthood – be committed to a sturdy training regime and a process of lifelong learning for you and your dog. The good thing is that terriers are often very food motivated and so in that sense they are great to train for obedience and agility – they aim to please!
Consider Grooming and Regular Flea Treatments
When you consider which type of terrier poodle mix to go for, consider what kind of coat you want and make sure that you can dedicate time and money to grooming. Many short haired terriers such as Jack Russells and Patterdales require minimal grooming, but have very dense and warm fur which is the kind that fleas love, so they should have very regular flea treatments. If you cross a terrier with a poodle it is likely to need more grooming because of the fluffy coat inherited from the Poodle. But the good news is that it’s quite possible that a Poodle Terrier mix will shed less.
Certain terrier poodle cross dogs will require a great deal of grooming, for example if you cross a Yorkie with a Poodle you will be mixing two dogs with dense or long fur. This type of crossbreed could need regular visits to a professional groomer – sometimes even weekly which can be costly.
Many people who are allergic to dense short fur of Jack Russells and Patterdales and so crossing it with a poodle can be a good option because it is said to minimise allergies. However, no matter what you hear, remember that there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog.
Which type of Poodle terrier mix should you get?
Remember that with a Poodle terrier mix you are going to get a great deal of variety. Although you can expect the size to be relatively small, with a crossbreed this is no guarantee! Some of the most popular Terrier Poodle mixed breeds include the Yorkipoo, Jackapoo and Patterpoo. They tend to be happy, loyal and affectionate family pets with the right training and household.
Yorkipoo
A Yorkipoo is a cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a Poodle. Yorkipoos often have a very high maintenance coat so be prepared for a lot of grooming.
Patterpoo
The Patterpoo is a cross between a Paterdale terrier and a Poodle. They are fun loving but quite hyperactive Poodle cross dogs! You may find the appearance of a Patterpoo to look like a Patterdale but with the fluffy dense fur of a Poodle.
Maltipoo
A maltipoo is a cross between the Maltese and Poodle. The Maltese is a small terrier type dog from Malta. These puppies are often born with the affection of a Poodle and Maltese combined with the confidence of a terrier.
Terripoo
A dog that is a cross between a poodle and an unidentifiable or just general terrier is often referred to as a terripoo. If you are not sure what type of terrier the poodle bred with then it is likely to be one of these!
Jackapoo
The Jackapoo is one of the most popular terrier poodle crossbreeds – it’s a cross between a Poodle and a Jack Russell terrier. They are very affectionate and intelligent, not to mention how cute they look! Their fur may resemble a Poodles but the Jack Russell colo
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