If you have never heard of a Whoodle, you are not alone. Initially, I thought the term ‘Whoodle’ referred to some new dance craze on TikTok. I was gravely mistaken when I came across a picture of one of these floofy cuties. So what are they? And should you buy one?
This article will aim to answer those two questions. We will explore the Whoodle’s origin, size, energy level, temperament, color, coat, and price. Read on to find out if the Whoodle dog breed is a perfect match for you!
What is a Whoodle?
A Whoodle is a Doodle breed which means it is a mix between the ever-so-clever Poodle and the affectionate Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. They are also referred to as a Wheatenpoo, Wheatendoodle, Sweatenpoo, or Sweatendoodle.
Whoodle Pictures
Poodle History
Poodles originated in Germany in the 1600s. They were bred to be hunting companions with exceptional skill in the water.
They are highly trainable and athletic, which made them perfect dogs to bring along on the hunt. Poodles often are associated with the country of France instead of their native country of Germany.
The reason behind this is due to the French nobles taking a particular liking to these talented dogs, which earned them the status as France’s national dog.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier History
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers were bred in Ireland in the 18th century.
Their main purpose was to serve as a helper on the farm. They are energetic and job-oriented, making them ideal for activities such as chasing rodents, digging, and keeping guard against strangers and animals.
Additionally, they are hardy dogs, for they endured the Great Famine alongside their native country peoples. They suffered a decrease in population but have since resurged.
As a hybrid of these two parent breeds, Whoodles inherit a mixture of both physical traits and personalities. These unique Doodle dog breeds possess the intelligence of Poodles coupled with the obedience of Wheaten-Terriers. The combination of the two creates an ideal furry companion.
Now before you go off and start looking at Whoodle puppies for sale, there are a few things to consider before bringing one of these adorable cuties home.
Size
Whoodles come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Mainly, this depends on the type of Poodle that serves as the parent. Poodles range in size from toy, to miniature, to standard [1]akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard.
A toy Poodle is very small, hence the designation toy. They range anywhere from 6 to 10 pounds. Miniature Poodles are still relatively small, ranging between 15 to 20 pounds. A standard Poodle is the biggest of the bunch and can weigh upwards to 70 pounds.
On the other hand, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers generally come in one size and typically range anywhere between 30 and 40 pounds.
Most commonly, you will see Whoodles that are bred with either a miniature or standard-size Poodle as the parent. If you are looking for a smaller dog to join the family then a miniature Whoodle, or mini Whoodle, might be just the pup for you!
They are super adorable and perfect sized. The size of an adult mini Whoodle can be expected to be in the range of 15 – 25 pounds. However, if you’re in the market for a bigger dog, then a standard Whoodle might better fit your needs.
A full grown adult Whoodle can be anywhere from 35 – 60 pounds. This is quite a large gap in size, so it’s best to assume they will grow to be on the larger side!
Energy Level
Whoodles are moderately high energy. If it were up to them, they would always be on the go. This high energy level can be blamed on the parents.
As mentioned, Poodles were bred to be hunting dogs which means they’re highly athletic and crave a job or an activity to do.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers don’t rank as high on the energy scale as Poodles but they still have a pep in their step and are certainly not a couch potato (well sometimes they can be a couch potato – see below ?).
Whoodles’ excitable and sociable nature makes them perfect entertainers for playful friends such as children and other dogs.
This means they often fit well into any household as long as they get enough daily physical activity and have space to play. As an owner, it is necessary to ensure your Whoodle gets plenty of stimulation.
After all, a tired puppy is a good puppy.
Temperament
One of the most important aspects of a dog to consider is their temperament. Luckily, Whoodles have a perfect blend of traits from their two parents.
Poodles are highly sociable but also highly vigilant. They are bright and attentive, with the ability to read body language and expressions.
They are open to meeting new dogs and people but are also acutely aware of their environment. They will be quick to sniff out any shady characters or funny business going on around them.
They are well-known for their intellect as well as their eagerness to learn and love.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are a little less open to strangers and are a tad less vigilant to their surroundings. They possess all of the classic Terrier characteristics in addition to being dedicated and tenacious.
This makes for a perfect complement to the Poodle’s more acute traits.
These Doodle dog breeds are generally not aggressive and are fast learners. They can thrive in any environment due to their active and friendly nature.
Their cleverness and love of human interaction makes them fun to have around. Ultimately, they are loyal and loving pups – which is just the way we like ‘em.
Coat Color
Whoodles can come in all sorts of colors. They may be just one solid color or they can be a beautiful mix of different colors. The large variation in color is mainly attributed to the Poodle side of things.
Poodles can come in a large variety of different colors: black, white, chocolate/brown, silver, red, and parti.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers stay true to their name when it comes to color. The word wheaten literally means ‘relating to, or made of wheat’ [2]merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wheaten.
Their coats are often yellow, gold, or light amber and can have highlights of black in certain regions.
It is impossible to pinpoint a definitive color for the Whoodle dog breed given the variety of colors of the Poodle. As a result, Whoodle colors have quite a range.
It is entirely possible to have a chocolate Whoodle, black Whoodle, silver Whoodle, golden Whoodle, white Whoodle, or maybe a mixed color such as a merle Whoodle.
The possibilities are endless, which makes Whoodles just that much more unique and cute.
Coat Type
Poodle mixes, or Doodles as we call them, can have a range of coat types. One Doodle may have tight curls while another may have soft, wavy fur.
It is possible for a Doodle to not have either curly or wavy hair, which results in a flat coat (or straight hair). Sometimes coats will even vary across the same litter.
As for Whoodles, they are known to have a dense, silky coat. The coarse, wavy coat of the Wheaten balances the soft, curly coat of the Poodle to produce a beautiful coat that is soft to touch and generally more hypoallergenic than other crossbreeds.
Whoodles do not shed, despite maybe a few loose hairs here or there.
How much do Whoodles cost?
Because Whoodles are quite a special and unique breed, they have the potential to be quite a pricey companion. The going rate for these Doodle dog breeds begins around $500 and could go up to $5,000 depending on breeder and location.
As seen in other Doodle dog breeds, rare colors and multi-color combinations will be more expensive.
Health Issues
Since Whoodles are hybrid dogs, they are at a lower risk of inheriting breed-specific diseases than purebred dogs. The reason behind this is attributed to hybrid vigor.
Hybrid vigor does not mean that Whoodles are free from any health conditions. They may be at a lower health risk but should still be checked for everyday health problems common in Wheatens and Poodles.
Whoodle dogs may be at an elevated risk for the following health conditions:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Addison’s Disease
- Ear Infections
- Renal Dysplasia
Source: American Kennel Club, Irish Kennel Club
To make sure your Whoodle is in tip-top shape, it is a good idea to schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the perfect family pup, there are many things to consider. So if you decide to bring a Whoodle dog into your life, be prepared for an extraordinary companion and an energetic, active lifestyle.
Get ready for a loyal, friendly, and intelligent family member that will bring you an endless amount of silky, curly, and cuddly fun. Now you better start looking for Whoodle dogs for sale!
Featured image is of Doug the Whoodle. Follow him on Instagram: @adougable
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Whoodles shed?
No, Whoodles do not shed since both parent breeds, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and Poodle, have only one coat. This is great news for the owner since you won’t have to spend hours scraping loose hair off couches or vacuuming up hair balls.
However, Whoodles do require frequent hair maintenance such as brushing, combing, and clipping. This keeps their coat happy and healthy while also helping them steer clear of tangles and mats.
Are Whoodles good service dogs?
Of course! Whoodles make for ideal candidates as either a service dog or a therapy dog.
Poodles are extremely intelligent and have a great long-term memory, which makes them highly trainable. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are obedient and love to be put to work.
The combination of these traits lends the Whoodle breed serious potential to be excellent service or therapy dogs.
Do Whoodles bark alot?
Possibly. The barking tendency of a dog stems partly from its natural born traits but may also stem from a variety of environmental and situational factors such as upbringing, training, and socialization.
Since the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier was born to keep the farm secure, it has the capacity to bark excessively if it senses any sort of disturbance or intruder.
The Poodle is rated as moderate on the barking scale, meaning it does not have an inclination to bark excessively but will bark occasionally, depending on the situation.
Are Whoodles good with children?
Yes. Both parent breeds have characteristics and traits that mesh well with children.
Poodles are playful and energetic, which perfectly suits the needs of young, active kids. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are affectionate and also playful.
Both breeds are typically not aggressive and they take pride in keeping their owners safe from outside threats. The combination of all these factors makes the Whoodle dog breed an excellent choice for families with children.
What is the average lifespan of a Whoodle?
12-15 years. Both parent breeds share the same average lifespan.
Is a Whoodle a good dog?
Yes, Whoodles are good dogs. They inherit a family-friendly demeanor from the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier parent. The Poodle parent contributes intelligence and athleticism. Both contributions make the Whoodle a great dog choice for families and first-time dog owners.
However, like any dog, Whoodles require proper training and regular exercise. They are active dogs and need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Failure to give a Whoodle training and enough exercise will lead to poor behavior or what people refer to as a “bad dog.”
Is a Whoodle a good family dog?
Yes, Whoodles are a good fit for most families. Their sweet temperament and playful attitude mesh well with young children and adults. They are friendly dogs and will get along with other pets in the household. However, since their Wheaten parents are farm dogs, they may require some adjustment if your family has cats or other small animals.
How big will a Whoodle get?
Since Whoodles are medium-sized dogs, they usually reach sizes between 40-60 pounds. However, the size of a Whoodle depends on a few factors. Gender, generation, health, and parents size contribute to the final adult size.
The litter’s parents will be the best determinant of how big your Whoodle will be. Male Whoodles will typically be larger than female Whoodles. First-generation Whoodles, or F1 Whoodles, may differ in size from an F2 Whoodle (or F3 Whoodle).
At what age is a Whoodle fully grown?
A Whoodle will reach its full size at 24 months (2 years).
How big is a standard Whoodle?
On average, a standard male Whoodle will weigh around 50 pounds. A standard female Whoodle will weigh about 40 pounds.
What is the difference between a Mini Whoodle and a Standard Whoodle?
A Standard Whoodle is a mix between a standard Poodle and a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. A Mini Whoodle may be a mix between a smaller-sized Poodle, such as a Mini or Medium, and a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier.
Often, breeders will mix a miniature Poodle and a small Wheaten Terrier to get a litter of Mini Whoodles.
A Mini Whoodle may also be bred down in size from other Whoodles. The breeder will breed the smallest Whoodle from one litter with another small Whoodle to get a Mini Whoodle.
The breeder may backcross a small Whoodle with a Mini Poodle to get a Mini Whoodle.
The main difference between a Mini Whoodle and a Standard Whoodle is their size. Mini Whoodles are great for small apartments.
What is a Toy Whoodle?
Toy Whoodles are the smallest Whoodle size. They are a toy-size version of the standard Whoodle. Toy Whoodles are usually bred from Toy Poodles, which can be as small as 4 pounds. Their small size makes them ideal for Whoodle owners that want to carry their pup around or don’t have the space for a big dog.
How often should you groom a Whoodle?
It would be best if you groomed your Whoodle weekly. Daily brushing is ideal for keeping their coat healthy and clean. Even though they have a low-shedding coat, it’s essential to stick to regular grooming to avoid mats and tangles.
Having your Whoodle professionally groomed every 6 to 8 weeks would be best.
Where can I buy a Whoodle puppy?
There are Whoodle breeders throughout the United States. The best way to locate a Whoodle breeder near you is to search on Google or social media.
Joining Whoodle groups on Facebook and connecting with other nearby owners on Instagram is a great way to find a reputable breeder nearby.
Here at Floofy Doodles, I have dedicated some time to locating the best Whoodle breeders in different states. Even if you don’t live in one of these states, you may be able to have the breeder deliver a Whoodle puppy to you.
Check out my curated breeder list below:
- Whoodle Breeders in Texas
- Whoodle Breeders in Oklahoma
- Whoodle Breeders in California
- Whoodle Breeders in Florida
- Whoodle Breeders in Colorado
- Whoodle Breeders in Pennsylvania
- Whoodle Breeders in Michigan
- Whoodle Breeders in New York
- Whoodle Breeders in New Jersey
- Whoodle Breeders in Connecticut
- Whoodle Breeders in Illinois
- Whoodle Breeders in Ohio
- Whoodle Breeders in Indiana
References
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