Whoodle

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
fast facts

About Whoodle

Weight
20-45 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Group
not applicable
Best Suited For
Families with children, active singles and seniors, houses with yards
Temperament
Playful, energetic, friendly, loving
Comparable Breeds
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Poodle
Height
12-20 inches

Whoodle Basics

That’s right. The Whoodle. You might have not heard about this designer dog breed, but that’s going to change. Whoodles are becoming popular and loved hybrids that have more than enough to offer to the right owner. These doggos are intelligent, affectionate, friendly and energetic - all of which gives them a dedicated following with good reason. Also known as the Sweatenpoo, Wheatendoodle, Wheatenpoo, or Wheatiepoo, this designer dog breed can thank its impressive lineage for its many impressive qualities. The name might feel a bit weird coming out of your mouth, but trust us - just a few minutes alone with one of these guys will have you screaming “Whoodle” from the rooftops. They’re just that loveable. 


A Whoodle is a cross between the Poodle and the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier: the result is a medium-sized dog with a soft, curly coat and a wonderful personality. Of course, because Poodles come in three sizes, the Whoodle also comes in three sizes – miniature, medium, or standard. The size is largely related to genetics, and breeders never know for certain how a litter will come out. So whether you want a large athletic companion, a petite energetic pooch, or something in between, you can find it all in this designer dog breed. The Whoodle is a breed that can truly be all things for all owners. You just have to find the right one for you!



While their adorable teddy bear looks and cheerful temperament make Whoodles popular with many pet owners, they do have some specific requirements and personality traits that might not make them an ideal match for your own family. Just like all dogs. Not every dog is meant for every owner, but certainly those who are the right fit for their Whoodles love them. To find out if the Whoodle is your perfect pup, read on!


Whoodles also comes in three sizes – miniature, medium, or standard.


Origin

Hybrid dogs have been quite common for many years, so the first crossing of Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle may have occurred long ago. However, it’s not those accidental litters of mixed breed puppies that “count” as first Whoodles. Don’t be absurd. Nope, it’s only the hybrids that were developed intentionally that are thought of as the original Whoodles. Sadly there’s not enough information about their start in the world of designer dogs. Yet, even though it’s unclear when the Whoodle precisely came into existence, we all can be certain that this pup will be around for a long, long time.


Like the majority of hybrid breeds, the Whoodle doesn’t have a well-documented history. It’s most likely, though, that breeders first developed Whoodles sometime in the last 20 years. And, since Australia and the United States seem to have produced the most of today’s hybrid breeds, it’s safe to assume that one of these two places was the “birthplace” of the breed. This might not be the most satisfying explanation for where these adorable doggos originated, but unfortunately it’s the best we can do. Fortunately, even though we’ll never now exactly where Whoodles came from, it doesn’t mean that we’ll love them any less - they continue to rise in popularity and are equally loved all across the world. 


Pedigree

The Whoodle is a hybrid breed, a cross between the Standard Poodle and the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. Since the Poodle comes in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard), the Whoodle also comes in three sizes – miniature, medium, or standard. Naturally, owing to the differences in size, if the Poodle is of a smaller variety, the mother of the litter will always be a Wheaten Terrier. It just wouldn’t make sense (or even be physically possible) otherwise.


As the majority of Whoodles are the mixed breed offspring of two purebred dogs, they are in the category of first generation hybrids. While this usually fares well for the health of the puppies, it also means that their appearance will vary dramatically. Some Whoodle puppies can look more like one of the parents, while others could inherit traits from both. Until this crossbreed gets a few more generations, their offspring won’t be as easy to predict as a pure breed pup.


Of course, that hasn’t stopped some breeders from striving to create a standard for the Whoodle. To achieve a more uniform look and behavioral traits, they turn to multigenerational crossing. Whoodles are crossed to other, unrelated Whoodles or one of the parental breeds. That’s all that can be done for now. Check in on the Whoodle after a few more generations raised through trusted breeders and things will be different. For now, breeders are never exactly sure how a litter of Whoodles will turn out in regards to size and color. So, if getting a puppy directly from a reputable breeder, you won’t know for certain what you will get. But either way, you can be certain that the doggo will be beautiful and loveable no matter their size or color. These are just tiny variations. 


Food/Diet

A well-balanced diet is crucial for your dog’s health and overall wellbeing. Making sure that your pooch gets all the nutrients they need should be one of your primary concerns as a pet parent! Whoodles, like most other breeds, do well on high-quality dry food for dogs. Granted, not just any type of kibble will do. It has to be made from natural, high-grade ingredients and tailored to meet the Whoodle’s unique nutritional requirements (and if you aren’t sure what those are, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian).


The Whoodle comes in three different sizes so you should choose a dog food formula appropriate for your particular dog’s size. Miniature Whoodles should be offered a dog food formulated for small-breed dogs while the standard Whoodle should be fed a medium-sized breed formula. To boot, you’ll have to pay attention if the food satisfies all of the age-related needs of your pet. Puppy blend kibble will have more nutrients for the developing dog, and it won’t be a good fit for an athletic adult or a senior canine. The same goes vice versa! It’s always worth carefully researching which food will best fit your Whoodle’s need at any particular moment in their life because it’s amazing what a difference the right type of kibble will make in your dog’s life.


It’s impossible to say how much food a Whoodle needs as they vary in size, but it’s important not to overfeed them. Stick to what the manufacturer recommends or consult a vet if you’re unsure about the portion size. Just because your Whoodle will seem thrilled to be getting their extra bites of kibble doesn’t mean it won’t hurt them in the long run. Paying close attention to your dog’s food portions will make a huge impact on their health.


The Whoodle responds well to training and can learn quickly.


Training

The Poodle is widely regarded as one of the most intelligent breeds, and the Whoodle is no dummy either. This being the case, the Whoodle responds well to training and can learn quickly. However, since these dogs can be energetic as puppies they require a firm and consistent hand in training. Positive reinforcement-based training methods are recommended and you should start your puppy with training and socialization as early as possible to prevent the development of problematic behaviors. On the plus side, your Whoodle will be a quick learner and respond well to training. So the extra effort will be worth it when everyone sees your well behaved pup. Just arm yourself with a lot of patience and a bit of tasty treats, and you will quickly see positive results mounting. 


Weight

The Whoodle is a cross between the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Poodle which comes in three sizes – toy, miniature, and standard. The Whoodle, then, also comes in three sizes – miniature, medium, and standard. The size and weight of your dog varies greatly depending on breeding but most weigh between 20 and 45 pounds. This makes the breed very adaptable to different living scenarios: there are Whoodles that could thrive in a city apartment and Whoodles that would feel at home in a big house with a big backyard. Of course, due to their weight and size, Whoodles are not exactly to be considered as “lap dogs” - carrying them around might not be easy for everyone. Still, their combined weight and size does not make them overly large doggos - of course, potential owners quickly think of weight and size because of their living environment. Whoodles have that perfect size that makes them fit well into moderately-sized apartments, classic homes, and even small apartments. As long as their environment is not constraining and too cramped, they’ll do well. All that’s needed is a bit of room for playtime and regular exercise.


Temperament/Behavior

The Whoodle exhibits a combination of the personality traits for which the Poodle and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are known. These dogs tend to be friendly and fun-loving and they get along particularly well with children. Whoodles are active and playful so they need a lot of exercise and active playtime. This is not an ideal dog for owners who can’t keep up with an active pooch. They will wear you down if you aren’t prepared. Also, because these dogs are also intelligent, they require regular mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored and developing problem behaviors. They love people and children, making a wonderful companion and family member. Provided that you can give them the support, attention, and playtime that they need, the Whoodle will love you until their final days and show it through seemingly endless amounts of affection and play.


Common Health Problems

For the most part, the Whoodle is a healthy breed. In many cases, crossbred dogs are less likely to develop congenital conditions than purebred dogs simply because the gene pool is much larger. That is not to say that the Whoodle isn’t prone to developing certain conditions – all breeds have the potential to be affected by a number of different diseases. Some of the conditions that could affect the Whoodle breed include hip dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, and progressive retinal atrophy. Buying your puppy from a responsible breeder can significantly lower the chances of genetic diseases as they will select carefully and with dog’s health being the imperative. Regular vet checkups also go a long way at keeping your pet healthy and happy as can be!


Life Expectancy

The average lifespan for the Whoodle is 12 to 15 years. Considering that the high-end lifespan for most dog breeds is 15 years, Whoodles are quite there at the top. This makes them great as companion dogs. Their great life expectancy, solid health, and their friendly and active character, all make them ideal furry friends for a good chunk of your own life. Perfect for creating those memories that last a lifetime! 


Exercise Requirements

The Whoodle is not an overly active dog, but it does require a good deal of daily exercise. This breed requires a long daily walk and would appreciate some active play time or free time in a large fenced yard. Because this breed is intelligent, it may be prone to destructive and problem behaviors if he doesn’t receive adequate exercise. So make sure that you are able to provide the exercise they need before committing to this breed. Otherwise, it’s going to be a tough relationship for you and your tup.


These dogs tend to be friendly and fun-loving and they get along particularly well with children.


AKC

The Whoodle is not recognized by the AKC because it is technically a hybrid of two pure breeds rather than a new breed. Unfortunately, the AKC simply doesn’t recognize hybrid dogs that are this early in their development. Hopefully at some point that will change. But for now, this breed is still recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the International Designer Canine Registry, and the Designer Breed Registry. So things are changing.


Coat

The Whoodle exhibits a coat that combines the appearance of the Poodle’s curly coat and the Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier’s long, silky coat. The Whoodle’s coat can be either wavy or straight and it comes in a variety of colors including black, red, chocolate, apricot, silver, or parti (spotted). These dogs can often vary just as much in appearance as they do in personality. But they are nevertheless very charming and elegant dogs, whichever parent they happen to take up after. Since the Whoodle’s coat is typically long, it will require regular brushing and frequent grooming from their owner. Whoodles should be trimmed every 8 to 12 weeks to avoid too much excessive shagginess and the problems that may cause. If you can’t tackle the grooming, you can count on the services of professional dog groomers. A one or two visits per month will be enough to keep your Whoodle in tip-top shape. The brushing, however, needs to be more frequent, and won’t require any skill or time whatsoever. This breed is a great choice for allergy suffers, as his coat is hypoallergenic and doesn’t shed much.


Puppies

As puppies, the Whoodle may have a dark coat that lightens with age as the puppy matures. As is true with all dogs, it is recommended that you start the Whoodle with training and socialization as early as possible to prevent the development of problem behaviors. Whoodle puppies are generally far more well behaved than most puppies though, so at least their training and socialization should be fairly painless.


Whoodle Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Whoodle cost?

The prices of Whoodle puppies can differ from breeder to breeder, but you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,500 per puppy in most cases. This might sound a bit steep, but it is the general range with designer breeds, so be ready for a bit of a cashout. That’s, of course, unless you’re adopting a Whoodle through a shelter or a rescue, when the costs can be a few times lower- and the reward greater, as you know you will be helping a dog in need find a home. Whenever there is an option – adopt. It is a much kinder approach to dog owning as it allows abandoned dogs get a second chance at a happy life. 


Are Whoodles hyper?

Yes! Whoodles are energetic, active, and playful dogs that can be considered hyper and will need an owner willing to help them spend all that energy productively. Long walls, hikes, dog sports, and active playtime are all great activities for a Whoodle. If you want a couch potato dog breed, then steer clear from Whoodles. Of course, a lot of hyperactivity can come from boredom or general neglect in a household environment. Fail to satisfy your pet’s energy needs on the daily, and you might have an overly hyperactive dog on your hands. To that end, make sure your pet is spending that energy well – lots of playing, walking, and running can make them calmer. So, before you introduce a Whoodle into your life, make sure you can match its activity levels, and to have a lifestyle that allows daily exercise, outings, walks, and playtime. If you are uncertain you can keep up with that, you could risk potentially neglecting your pet, and leaving them anxious, hyperactive, sad, or even aggressive. 


Is a Whoodle hypoallergenic?

Thanks to the Poodle parent in the mix, Whoodles are considered to be hypoallergenic or at least low allergy dogs. They won’t shed or will shed minimally, which can help a lot with the symptoms if you have dog allergies. Still, some moderate brushing or grooming is necessary, as with most dog breeds, so do take that into consideration beforehand, especially if you have a severe allergy to dog hair. Remember– less grooming means more hair and even worse issues. So maintain regular brushing and grooming - it takes just a couple of minutes per day, but does so much for your pet. 


Are Whoodles aggressive?

Despite their terrier roots, Whoodles are not at all aggressive dogs. They are sweet, friendly, and very affectionate. Of course, it all depends on the individual dog: if you neglect, mistreat, or fail to train and socialize your puppy, they can grow to exhibit some worrying behavioral patterns. For example, failing to socialize them and show affection at their earliest life stages can result in aggressive behavior in the future, or even excessive fear and timidness – this can become apparent around strangers and other dogs, where a Whoodle can become nippy, over-protective of its food and toys, and even lash out at strangers. Ensure plenty of socialization with your Whoodle puppy, and these problems won’t occur: meeting new faces and playing with other dogs is a certain recipe for a happy and affectionate adult dog that won’t be aggressive at all.


Are Whoodles high maintenance?

In terms of grooming, Whoodles can be considered fairly high maintenance as both of the parental breeds require regular grooming – those silky locks and soft curls need help to stay looking their best – and the same goes for this designer dog. They might not shed but they will need brushing almost everyday as well as routine visits to the grooming salon for a trim (unless you fancy going the DIY route). Otherwise, these doggos are really not that high-maintenance – aside from your regular duties as a responsible owner, such as providing a proper and balanced diet, plenty of walks and exercise, and mental stimulation, there’s not much else you need to take care of for your pet to be in top shape.


Are Whoodles good for apartments?

Whoodles come in different sizes which means that they will have slightly different requirements – and the smaller dogs would be better suited to an apartment, provided that they have regular exercise outdoors. Even bigger Whoodles could be happy in an apartment, as long as you don’t neglect their need for daily exercise! Still, remember that small and cramped spaces, such as really tiny apartments, are not ideal for any dog breed. Whoodles, like any other breed, won’t appreciate being left alone for several hours on end, particularly in small spaces: they can become restless, afraid, and anxious, eventually leading to separation anxiety. And that can result in a whole lot of troubles, including barking, peeing and pooping inside the house, and torn up furniture. Of course, if you have the option of spending enough time with your pet and taking them out for daily walks and exercises, then an apartment can still be fine for any size Whoodle.


Photo credit: NHTOOTHFAIRY/Shutterstock; thatsmrbio/Shutterstock

Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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