Terripoo Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

6.8-9.0 kg

Height

30.5-38.1 cm

Lifespan

10-15 years

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About the Terripoo

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Not every dog needs to be purebred and not every family needs a large dog that requires a lot of maintenance and cleaning up after. Thus, if new and improved is more your style, we are happily introducing the Terri Poos.

They didn’t put much work into naming the breed, but we promise, the result was pretty spectacular.

This dog is a compact and portable security system, entertainment centre, and lifelong trustworthy friend.

No matter where you take them, Terri Poos guarantee they will make a scene and all eyes will be on you and your dog. So, dress accordingly.

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.

What is a Terripoo breed?

A cross between an Australian Terrier and a Poodle, this breed is sometimes called a Terripoo, Terri Poo, Terridoodle, or Terrypoo.

As a mixed-breed created from the Standard or Miniature Poodle and Australian Terriers, the Terri Poo’s name pretty much tells you everything you need to know about this dog.

They tend to get their temperament from their Terrier ancestry and their size and attitude from the Poodle bloodline.

Because Terri Poos are a mixed breed of dog, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, they are recognized by the:

Dog Registry of America
American Canine Hybrid Club
International Designer Canine Registry

Who is a Terripoo 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

Terripoo Grooming & Shedding

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 Terripoos bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height 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

Are Terripoos easy to train?

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.

How do Terripoos behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Terripoo have any common health issues?

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: A heart condition affecting the heart’s ability to function properly, leading to potential heart failure.
Addison’s Disease: A hormonal disorder where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, requiring lifelong management.
Cushing’s Disease: A condition caused by excess cortisol production, leading to various health issues, including weight gain and skin problems.
Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid that can cause weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A hip condition that can lead to arthritis and pain, especially in younger dogs.
Diabetes: A metabolic disorder that can affect energy levels and overall health, requiring dietary management and insulin therapy.
Eye Issues (Cataracts and Lens Luxation): Conditions affecting vision, potentially leading to blindness if untreated.
Skin Disorders: Various conditions, often related to allergies, that can cause discomfort and require treatment.
Joint Issues: Problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, particularly in larger dogs, can lead to pain and mobility issues.
Allergies (Mainly to Foods): Sensitivities to certain foods or environmental factors can cause skin irritation and digestive issues.
Weight Gain: Due to a combination of genetics and lifestyle, managing their diet and exercise is crucial to prevent obesity.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV): Also known as bloat, this life-threatening condition involves the stomach twisting and requires immediate veterinary attention.

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 does a Terripoo need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Terripoo FAQs

Do Terripoos like to cuddle?

This is a very intuitive dog. It does like to cuddle from time to time. However, most of the time when it wants to cuddle, it does so because it senses its humans need it, not them.

These dogs are very perceptive of human feelings and use cuddling to help and relax their human companions.

Are Terripoos prone to separation anxiety?

All pets experience separation anxiety to some degree. However, these dogs are not very susceptible to it.

Even though these dogs are very social and very in tune with the emotions of their human companions, they will still be OK for a few hours alone. But after a day or more, they will feel abandoned and fall into depression.