As the name suggests, the Whoodle is a hybrid dog. So far, this mixed breed dog has become very popular among dog lovers around the world.
However, it is extremely important to point out here that this dog is relatively new in the canine world, meaning that there hasn’t been sufficient time to finalize breed standards for it.
For this reason, the exact physical characteristics and personality traits of a Whoodle can vary from one dog to another.
In our comprehensive guide to the Whoodle dog, we take a closer look at everything you need to known about this fascinating dog…
Including physical characteristics, temperament, health and general dog care requirements, so you can make an informed decision regarding whether this is the best pet for you.
So keep reading!
Table of Contents
What is a Whoodle?
The Whoodle is a mixed breed dog that is created by crossing the Standard Poodle with the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
This means that you can expect the physical characteristics of both the Poodle and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in your mixed breed dog.
Poodle Wheaten Terrier Mix dogs are intelligent, just like Poodles, and friendly, just like the Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.
This mix also tends to create teddy-bear-like Whoodle puppies, so you may be stopped on the street by strangers who want to take a closer look at your unique dog.
The Whoodle has also not yet been officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) since it is considered to be a designer breed (hybrid dog). Therefore, this designer dog is still rare.
Doodles (dog breeds that have the poodle in them) come with some fancy nicknames, and the Whoodle is no different.
The Whoodle is also affectionately known as the Wheatenpoo, Wheatendoodle, Sweatenpoo, and Swheat-N-Poo, to mention but a few of the fancy names you are likely to come up with for this fascinating mixed breed dog!
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Like other crossbreeds, Whoodle dogs tend to inherit traits apparently at random from both sides of their parentage, which makes each dog unique.
? Due to this large variety of traits, full grown Whoodles can vary considerably in size, height, weight, coat color, personality and health.
Generally speaking, most satisfied Whoodle owners have reported their pets to be extremely playful and affectionate dogs that simply enjoy being in the company of their family.
The History of the Whoodle Dog
As we’ve already mentioned, the Poodle Wheaten Terrier Mix or the Whoodle dog is a cross between the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Standard Poodle.
Since this is a relatively new crossbreed, little is known about its origin and history.
Let’s take a look at the parent breeds of the Poodle Wheaten Terrier Mix so that you can understand the physical characteristics, personality traits and health issues to expect in your Whoodle puppy.
The Wheaten Terrier:
One of the Whoodle’s parents, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a type of Irish terrier that has been around for over two centuries now.
They were developed to work on farms and regarded as a “poor man’s dog”.
These dogs would perform a wide range of tasks in the farms, including hunting, herding and guarding livestock. They are believed to be one of the oldest terrier breeds that hail from Ireland, but their exact origins are a bit murky.
For many years, these Irish terriers would breed freely, and the breed standards were set by the Irish Kennel Club in the 1930’s when there were at least four different terrier breeds.
The Wheaten Terrier is also thought to be one of the parent breeds of another Irish breed known as the Kerry Blue Terrier.
These adorable little terriers were officially recognized as a unique breed by the Kennel Club in the year 1943 with the AKC following suit in 1973.
Over the years, the Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers have earned a reputation of being gentle, friendly and affectionate dogs. These traits make them excellent family companions and pets.
The Poodle:
On the other hand, the Whoodle is created from the Standard Poodle.
This is a very important thing to note since the term “poodle” includes three different breed variations. One of them is the Standard Poodle. The other two are the Miniature Poodle and the Toy Poodle, both of which were developed from the Standard Poodle.
A very popular dog breed, the Poodle was originally bred in Germany where they were commonly used for water retrieving, including waterfowl and duck hunting.
Poodles are one of the smartest and most trainable dog breeds in the world.
A popular characteristic of Poodles is their silky, hypoallergenic coat, which comes in a wide variety of colors.
Full of energy, Poodles require plenty of physical exercises and mental stimulation to thrive in any household.
Aloof with strangers, Poodles might need time to get used to new people.
All Poodles, no matter their size, should be well socialized to get along well with small kids and other pets.
So, what can you expect from your new Whoodle puppy? Well, let’s first take a closer look at some of the physical characteristics of this wonderful dog.
The General Appearance of a Whoodle
Whoodle dogs generally have a head that seems to be relatively larger than the rest of the body. They have dark eyes that are usually hidden underneath their fur.
Their interesting looks complement their personality; this is a cuddly dog that craves your love and attention.
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How Big Will a Whoodle Get?
The size, height and weight of a Whoodle dog will be determined by his parents.
Since the parents are usually a Standard Poodle and a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, his size will be the average of the two.
Wheaten Terriers have a maximum weight of around 40 pounds while Poodles come in three different sizes. This means that the weight of a Poodle will depend on whether they are a toy, miniature or standard Poodle.
For Whoodle dogs that are born from two Whoodle parents, it is important to meet the parents in order to get a good idea of how big your pet is likely to become.
When it comes to their height, standard Whoodles will generally reach around 16 inches tall. Then again, if they take after the Poodle parent, they may grow up to 20 inches tall.
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But how big will a Mini Whoodle get?
Well, the Miniature Whoodle will normally stand between 11 and 14 inches tall and weigh around 8 to 20 pounds.
? Their tiny size makes these dogs ideal for people who live in apartments or smaller homes.
However, keep in mind that Whoodles, regardless of size, will still need plenty of exercises in order to keep them happy and healthy.
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Coat and Coat Color
The Whoodle coat is soft, silky and wavy.
Their coats come in many different colors, including black, red, peach, cream-tan or even spotted with various colors. They actually come in as many colors and color combinations as you can imagine.
ALSO READ: All About The Pekingese Poodle Mix (Peekapoo)
Whoodle Behavior and Temperament
Generally, the Whoodle is an intelligent creature. This is no surprise since the Poodle is one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world.
Whoodle dogs are also playful and affectionate. This may be the main reason why Whoodles are delightful dogs who make great pets, especially for families with young children. These dogs just enjoy playing with kids and can get along with everyone.
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Due to their non-aggressive nature, small children won’t be afraid of Whoodles, especially if they have been properly socialized.
Nonetheless, these little dogs don’t tolerate being handled roughly. Despite being very friendly, these dogs can become troublesome if they are treated poorly as puppies.
The Whoodle also becomes attached to his loved ones and doesn’t tolerate being left alone for extended periods of time. If left alone, Whoodles can become destructive and they might also bark endlessly.
These pups are wary of strangers and will alert the family members in case of strange sounds or movements.
Are Whoodles Aggressive?
Due to their terrier history, their temperament can be fierce at times. However, they are generally non-aggressive in nature, making them great with adults, children and other animals.
If your puppy tends to be fiery, there’s nothing to worry about, provided you don’t let the behavior get out of control.
Generally, the Whoodle is a very loving and personable dog. They enjoy taking part in family activities and playing games with humans. They are also protective of their owners and enjoy being in the company of their loved ones.
Is a Whoodle a Good Dog?
Another thing to consider when you’re thinking of getting any dog is whether he will be a good match for you and your family.
Most Whoodle owners report that their pups are friendly and loving pets.
Their easygoing demeanor means they adapt well in apartments and other small living spaces.
They are also laidback dogs who, with proper training and socialization, can be trusted to stay unsupervised for significant periods of time during the day.
As long as your Whoodle puppy is properly trained and well-socialized, he should grow into a great family pet.
Behavior with Children and Other Pets
Whoodle dogs do well in a home environment and they enjoy playing with the family’s children. They relish quality playtime and enjoy nothing more than having fun with the children.
Nonetheless, as with other dogs, it is advisable to supervise any interactions between young kids and pets to ensure nothing gets too rough, which is particularly true when toddlers and smaller kids are involved.
? When well socialized from an early stage, Whoodles are known to get along well with cats and other dog breeds.
If they have been introduced to the household cat at a young age, they get along well with each other. However, the soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a high prey drive and care should be taken when they are near other smaller pets or animals.
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Overall, Whoodles are great with kids and get along well with cats, birds and other dogs.
They are very friendly, which makes them an excellent family pet and companion. Again, socialization is extremely important if you want to keep your dog out of trouble.
Another advantage to owning the Whoodle is that they are not excessive barkers. They will only bark when they’re happy, excited or in alert mood.
ALSO READ: All About The Boston Terrier Poodle Mix (Bossi-Poo)
Whoodle Training
Whoodles are intelligent dogs, so training should be quite easy. However, you should start training your little Whoodle pooch at an early stage to make the process easier for both of you.
With proper training, Whoodles can be taught to perform almost any task since they are also obedient and eager to please.
The key to successfully training your pup is to be firm, but positive. They don’t seem to respond well to trainers or owners who they consider to be weak, and this is a mistake that some owners or trainers make.
When training your pup, you must establish yourself as the pack leader and use short, clear and firm commands.
However, your little Whoodle dog will also not respond well to loud voices or harsh treatment. You should give orders in a firm yet calm voice.
Use lots of treats and other positive reinforcement during the entire training process so your dog can learn to associate the experience with good things.
Whenever they get it right, you should praise and encourage them. This will help to ensure your Whoodle pup develops good habits and grows into a well-mannered dog.
Whoodle Dog Exercise Needs
The Whoodle can adapt well to apartment living, but he needs both physical and mental exercises to help control any excess energy.
Keep in mind that Whoodles have plenty of energy and will need to spend it playing. These dogs do well in a spacious, fenced-in yard where he can play and run around.
Your Whoodle will also enjoy long walks and playing all kinds of games with both adults and children.
If you plan to be away for considerable amounts of time, consider providing your pet with lots of interactive dog toys to keep him entertained and mentally stimulated.
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Does a Whoodle Shed?
You already know that having pets around the home can sometimes be messy. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about your Whoodle shedding hair and leaving it around your house.
? The Whoodle dog is hypoallergenic just like his parents, the Wheaten Terrier and the Poodle.
Apart from being non-shedding, this breed has low dander, making him a great choice for individuals suffering from asthma or allergies.
Despite the fact that the Whoodle does not shed and it is considered a hypoallergenic breed, you will still need to groom your pup properly from time to time.
Whoodle Dog Grooming Needs
The Whoodle has a single coat, so he doesn’t have excessive grooming demands and should do well with weekly brushing.
Besides weekly brushing and occasional baths, you should also check other body parts such as ears, eyes, and teeth. This kind of grooming routine is best for maintaining the cleanliness, health and well-being of your pup and should be performed every 9 to 12 months.
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The frequency of bathing your Whoodle will largely depend on his lifestyle. Quiet and indoor dogs should be bathed less frequently than highly active pups with regular access to the outdoors.
This breed is prone to skin allergies and other kinds of skin conditions. Therefore, It is important to use specifically formulated doggie shampoo when bathing your dog. Consult your vet in order to get the best shampoo for your dog.
You should also keep your pup’s ears clean. This is important for low-shedding dogs since they are susceptible to ear infections. Simply put, prevention is better than cure when it comes to taking care of your dog’s ears.
Lastly, make sure to trim his nails as needed and brush his teeth daily to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
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Feeding and Diet Information
The Whoodle is considered to be a small to medium sized dog and requires around two cups of high quality dog food each day.
If your pup is on the larger side, and tends to be highly active, then you may want to give them up to three cups per day.
Generally, Whoodles do well when they are fed small portions throughout the day. Any food you give to your dog should be made from natural, high-quality ingredients and formulated to meet your dog’s unique nutritional needs.
The Poodle comes in three different sizes (mini, toy, and standard), so does the Whoodle. This means that the food you choose for your dog should be appropriate for his size.
Mini Whoodles will require a dog food that is specially formulated for small breed dogs while the standard-size Whoodle needs a medium-sized breed dog food formula. If you’re unsure about the quantity of food to give to your dog, consult your vet.
Apart from food, make sure your dog has access to clean water throughout the day to help keep him hydrated.
Whoodle Life Expectancy
The Whoodle has an average lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. However, it is not uncommon for these dogs to live even longer if they are properly taken care of.
This is largely because of their Wheaten Terrier genes that contribute to their longevity.
Whoodle Health Problems
Both the Wheaten Terrier and the Poodle are known for being generally healthy breeds. Therefore, their offspring (the Whoodle) should be healthy too.
However, they can still suffer from certain health conditions that affect both parent breeds. These include:
Hip Dysplasia: this is a genetic condition that occurs when the hip does not properly form in a dog.
Due to the abnormal formation of the hip socket, the serve form of the condition can cause painful arthritis and crippling lameness. A simple test by a qualified vet can help diagnose this condition and suggest ways to correct the problem.
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is still not well understood. However, it is believed that it is caused by a genetic factor. It refers to numerous degenerative eye problems that can result in blindness in both eyes.
Allergies: each dog is unique, but can still suffer from allergies to various elements, from the environment to the food they eat.
However, there are certain elements that are said to trigger allergic reactions in dogs, including mites, dust, pollen, chocolate, some nuts and so on. Consult a vet if you think your pooch is developing abnormal reactions to certain elements.
Ear Infections: infections in dogs are mainly caused by bacteria or yeast. However, ear infections are caused by allergies, excess hair, foreign objects, hormonal irregularity, wax and moisture in the ears.
You can check the condition of your dog’s ears and study his behavior to give information to your vet in case of an ear infection.
Finding Reputable Whoodle Breeders?
Most reputable Whoodle breeders are located in the USA, Canada and Australia.
When it comes to Whoodle puppies, you can expect to find a lot of differences with appearance and characteristics. This is mainly because there is no recognized standard for this breed and many dogs are first generation.
Some Whoodle puppies will resemble one parent more than the other while others are a perfect combination of both.
The litter size will normally depend on the size of the mother (i.e. mini, medium or standard). Generally speaking, the litter size is around 5 to 7 puppies.
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Whoodle Dog Price
The price of a Whoodle puppy starts at $1,500 USD and can reach up to $5,000 USD, depending on the pedigree of the breeding stock.
The Whoodle is a gold mine for puppy mills, so make sure to choose a reputable breeder.
These little dogs can look a lot like many other small pups that aren’t real Whoodles, and it can be difficult for some dog lovers to tell what breed it is.
To avoid this, it is advisable to ensure the breeder who you want to buy from can provide the correct pedigree information on both parent dogs. Otherwise, you can use the Embark DOG DNA Test KIT to ensure you’re taking home an actual Whoodle puppy.
Over time, the bred standard will be finalized. This will ultimately help to lower the cost. Until then, it is strongly recommended to find a reputable breeder.
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If you are put off by the cost of buying a Whoodle puppy for sale, you may want to consider Whoodle dogs for adoption.
The great thing is that most of these pups are excellent family dogs and being part of their rescue can be a very rewarding experience.
Again, shelter staff will sometimes make informed guesses regarding a dog’s breed, and we recommended using a dog DNA test like Embark Dog Dna Test kit to compare your pup’s DNA against a comprehensive database of breed-specific genetic markers.
That way, you can ensure you’re getting a real Whoodle puppy or adult dog.
ALSO READ: All About The Chihuahua Poodle Mix (Chipoo)
Conclusion
A cross between the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Poodle, the Whoodle is fun-loving, affectionate and loyal by nature.
They are also very good with children and other pets. They are known to be easygoing, friendly and even-tempered dogs.
With proper training, socialization and care, your Whoodle can grow into a reliable family pet.