About Whoodles
Welcome to the #1 resource on the Whoodle breed; from looks, care, temperament, and more!
What is a Whoodle?
Whoodles are a medium-sized, hybrid breed of dog with a blocky body and an appearance similar to a teddy bear. The Whoodle hybrid cross comes from two of the most incredible family dogs in the world. A purebred Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier crossed with a purebred Poodle.
Origin of the Whoodle
The first Whoodles were bred in the mid-1900s to combine the natural intelligence and workability of the Poodle with the alluring fur of the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. Like most hybrid breeds, they are a relatively new breed still in the making. It’s our goal to maintain and improve the breed as a whole.
What colors are Whoodles?
Whoodles can come in almost any coat color, but the most common is the standard “Wheaten” or cream, associated with the Wheaten Terrier. There are also combinations of black/cream, red/cream, cream/merle, solid colors, merle, and tri-color coats. Whoodle appearance and coat color can have a wide variety of coat colors! Whoodles are also known for lightening in color over time due to the “fade gene” carried by some Poodles. The fade gene can make predicting their mature color difficult, though it is equally as possible that they will retain the full and vibrant color they were born with. Knowing this, the adult coat can be somewhat of a surprise.
What Size are Whoodles?
Whoodles come in a wide range of sizes, generally ranking somewhere in the middle. This is due to the size variation in the Poodle parent. Whether a Standard-sized Poodle is used or something as small as the Toy Poodle, the Whoodle will usually grow to the average size of both parenting dogs’ height. My Whoodle specializes in “Mini Whoodles,” which typically range between 20lbs and 30lbs.
Whoodles Temperament
Whoodles are extraordinarily loyal and build close bonds with each family member. Because of their intimate family relationships, they tend to be very intuitive and affectionate. They are quite playful and silly yet still gentle enough to play with children. Whoodles are very adaptable with minimal barking and are usually an excellent fit for the active family and more laid-back families alike. Whoodles are very friendly and get along with strangers and other animals very well. What more could you want in a new pet?
Can you predict the temperament of a Whoodle?
While there is a generally expected temperament for Whoodles, each individual puppy has its own “personality.” Volhard Temperament Testing can help you determine the natural character of most puppies, whether it is considered to be reserved, playful, independent, outgoing, etc. Our testing will reveal which pups are more assertive and brave amongst others who may be more reserved or timid. Most Whoodle puppies will excel effortlessly in pet homes, and others may have the temperament and potential to become Service Dogs. Some Whoodles can prove to be a better fit for a more active lifestyle, as an outdoor adventure companion or even a Search and Rescue (SAR) dog. You’ll also find out which puppies have natural fetching instincts. While all dogs can be taught to fetch, an innate predisposition will make it easier.
Temperament profile testing is a significant necessity for those acquiring a puppy as a service dog prospect. It’s also incredibly reliable in identifying the ideal puppy to fit any particular lifestyle.
Are Whoodles hypoallergenic?
This is a significant concern with other “Doodle” breeds who may not inherit the desired coat genetics. With Whoodles, you don’t have to worry since both parenting breeds are 100% Hypoallergenic; there’s no chance that a Whoodle could inherit an undesirable coat. The Whoodle has a soft silky non-shedding coat that is hypoallergenic, one of the breed’s most sought-after qualities. Their fur makes them great for families with young kids or anyone that suffers from allergies!
Whoodle Grooming
Whoodles do require regular grooming due to their non-shedding coats. It’s best to have their coats clipped monthly, approximately every 3-6 weeks.
Brushing your Whoodle regularly will keep your puppy looking sharp and aid in keeping him comfortable. Blowing out the coat after each bath using a high-velocity blow dryer (a standard piece of equipment for groomers or available for purchase online.) can help reduce painful matting between haircutting sessions and is highly recommended.
Do Whoodles make good family pets?
Because Whoodles are Sweet, Loving, and super Intuitive, they make wonderful family dogs and amazing companions. They love to snuggle and cuddle on the couch just as much as they love to go on hikes and be part of the family. Whoodles love kids and get along well with other animals. They are usually fairly quiet (minimal amounts of barking).
How much exercise do Whoodles need?
Generally speaking, most Whoodles have a very high metabolism. This means their body naturally does an excellent job of processing excess fats. That being said, it’s recommended that Whoodle owners spend 30 minutes or more per day exercising their dog. A morning and evening walk (15 minutes) daily will generally suffice. However, the exercise level needed for each dog can vary a bit depending on the Whoodle’s natural temperament.
At My Whoodle, we assess the disposition of each puppy through observation as the puppies grow. Once they reach the proper age, we employ the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test to help determine exercise needs. For example, puppies with inherently low anxiety will require much less exercise than a puppy with higher anxiety. Watching for these indicators and breeding to perfect the Whoodle temperament allows us to pair each family with a puppy that’s right for them.
Are Whoodles predisposed to any health conditions?
A good and reputable breeder will always DNA test both the Wheaten Terrier parent and the Poodle parent to ensure that they are free of any mutated genes that either parent may be predisposed to. Mutated genetics could cause certain diseases to develop in the offspring, so it’s crucial to complete this testing prior to any breeding. As a reputable breeder, we perform OFA/PennHIP testing on the parent dogs before breeding to ensure they are cleared and have no predisposition to hip dysplasia or joint problems.
At My Whoodle, we hold the very highest Breeding Standards, by performing full DNA panels through PawPrint Genetics with all or our parent dogs to ensure we are free of “problem genes(like PLN or DM)” and minimize health risk in our Whoodles. We also have their hips and joints checked to ensure our parents have above average scores and the risk for dysplasia is minimal.
See our 8-Year Health Guarantee.
What is the life expectancy for a Whoodle?
The average life expectancy of a Whoodle is between 12-15 years. This is based on studies confirming that the Poodle and Wheaten Terrier have the same average lifespan. Peer-reviewed studies on the life span of the Whoodles themselves have not yet been conducted as the breed has only been recognized for approximately ten years. Thus, the average life expectancy stated above is the average of both parenting breed’s average lifespan. The numbers above do not take into account the “Hybrid Vigor” factor, which suggests that hybrid dogs may have an extended average life expectancy compared to purebred dogs.
What are the highlights of this breed?
Whoodles are a fantastic well-rounded breed. Great for first-time owners and equipped for family life, they make excellent companions, exercise partners, and are a truly stunning example of “man’s best friend.” They fit into various lifestyles, compatible with people living in just about any size of home or location due to their friendly and adaptable personalities accompanied by their minimal exercise requirements. Whoodles have such a sweet and loving personality combined with the Poodle’s highly observant and intelligent nature, which makes them excellent candidates for Service Work, Emotional Support Animals, and Therapy dogs.