Terripoo Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Terripoo?

While there is a lot of uncertainty about the exact origin story for Terri Poos, it is known that they are a product of the 1980s designer dogs craze to create the perfect poodle mix.

Specifically, Terri Poos are a Terrier Poodle mix. The parent breeds are the Australian Terrier and either a Standard or Miniature Poodle; three of the oldest dog breeds around. The specific Poodle used will determine the final size of the dog.

The resulting Australian Terrier Poodle mix is still a popular choice around the world.

Who are Terripoo dogs best for?

The Terrier influence does bring some precautions, such as:

• Not necessarily good around small pets, such as cats, rabbits and hamsters.

• Should be supervised when around small children.

Even though the Terri Poo is a small dog, it is generally very good at interacting with larger dogs, such as a German Shepherd or Labrador and Golden Retrievers. But it could get loud, as these dogs use their voice to claim dominance.

The Terri Poo are relatively active and very smart and thus require mental stimulation and exercise, which can both be accomplished indoors providing they have some space.

The ideal partner for this furry friend is:

• First-time dog owners

• Seniors

• Families with kids or other pets

• Singles

• Apartment dwellers

• Those in need of a watchdog

How much grooming does a Terripoo need?

As with a Poodle, the Terri Poo is not a low-maintenance dog. They have a medium to long coat length so it does require daily brushing. Their dog hair can get wiry if not properly maintained.

It is recommended that they go for professional grooming four to six times a year for full servicing, such as bathing, clipping, teeth, and nails.

Pet owners will need to handle the daily coat brushing as well as brushing their teeth a couple of times a week and monitoring their nails.

Do Terripoo bark much?

When it comes to being chatty, this dog is best described as an average talker. It is going to be most vocal when socializing with other dogs, such as at the dog park, or simply around other pets.

So, when home alone, you can expect things to be relatively quiet, but once this dog starts interacting with others, it can get loud. Which, by the way, makes them pretty good watchdogs.

Early socialization training will help with this greatly.

Do Terripoo bite?

On the list of ankle-biters, the Terri Poo is not a significant threat to your socks in most cases. However, due to their Terrier ancestry, they can be a bit chewy. So chew toys are a must for these dogs.

What is the temperament & personality of a Terripoo?

Most dog breeds want human interaction, and the Terri Poo is no different. Due to its parent breeds, and especially the Terrier, the Terri Poo loves to interact with its family.

This dog is:

• Very social

• Loving

• Very smart

• Active

• Bit stubborn

• Vocally dominant

• Confident

• Alert

• Protective

• Excitement turns a bit aggressive

The more negative traits are mostly exhibited by Terri Poo puppies but will linger into adulthood without the proper training.

What is the weight & size of a Terripoo?

This is a small dog, but males are slightly larger than females. Their size will also depend on the poodle parent.

Height

• Males average between 30.5 and 38.1 cm

• Females average between 22.8 and 30.5 cm

Weight

• Males average between 6.8 and 9.0 kg

• Females average between 4.5 and 6.8 kg

How much training does a Terripoo need?

An inherited trait from its Poodle parent breed, the Terri Poo is very amenable to training. And, early training is definitely an investment you should make.

Specifically, Terri Poo puppies need early socialization and obedience training. In addition, to help mitigate some of the possible health concerns as well as ensure that this doggo gets enough exercise, agility training is also highly recommended.

These are best accomplished by an expert in canine education and obedience training as opposed to Terri Poo owners attempting them at home on their own.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Terripoo?

Unfortunately, even though one of the reasons for creating designer dogs is to breed out health problems, that is not always the result.

As such, there are several health issues that Terri Poo can suffer from.

The most common health concerns to watch out for are:

• Mitral valve disease

• Addison's disease

• Cushing's disease

• Hypothyroidism

• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease

• Diabetes

• Eye issues (cataracts and lens luxation)

• Skin disorders

• Joint issues

• Allergies (mainly to foods)

• Weight gain

• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)

  • this is bloating and can be fatal for the dog

It is very important to maintain regular vet visits and follow any specific instructions either the vet or breeder may have provided you.

What is the lifespan of a Terripoo?

Typically, the Terri Poo has an average to above-average life expectancy.

You can expect them to live 10 to 15 human years (which is the equivalent of 64 to 89 in dog years). However, some have been known to live 18 years.

How much should you feed a Terripoo?

Terripoos can be difficult dogs to find the best diet for. They are a small breed type but with high energy. It is best to ask your vet for guidance on what healthy diet is best for your pooch.

In addition, they have inherited from their Poodle parents the propensity to get bloated. Scheduling their eating is very important. Be sure that they have at least an hour to relax both before and after meals. Otherwise, your dog will suffer from constipation and digestive issues, which can be fatal.

An adult Terri Poo is generally fine with a diet of 130 grams of quality kibble per day. The kibble should be formulated for small dogs and be rich in protein. It is a good idea to divide this into two or three separate meals throughout the day.

It is also important to identify early on about food allergies, as some in this breed do have them. In that event, you may need to be careful with specific animal proteins, gluten, and even dairy. Follow your vet's guidance regarding this issue.

What is the price of a Terripoo in Australia?

A Terripoo is a relatively expensive dog, but not necessarily as expensive as some other dogs are.

You could expect to pay between $800 and $1,000 for a Terri Poo puppy from a reputable breeder.