Whoodle Grooming
The Whoodle is a hybrid breed parented by two non-shedding purebred dogs. This means that grooming is an absolute necessity and should not be overlooked!
How Often Should You Wash Your Whoodle?
People have different opinions on the frequency of washing your dog, which tends to be based on the owners’ personal preference. The frequency in which you choose to bathe your Whoodle may be affected by their hair length. If you prefer a longer cut for your Whoodle, it can get dirty faster by trapping dirt and debris in the hair, making it difficult for the dander to escape the coat. Similarly, the activity level of your Whoodle could mean they enjoy digging holes, rolling in the dirt, playing in puddles of water, etc., affecting how long they can realistically stay clean.
If your Whoodle is an indoor dog that rarely steps off the pavement and freshly mowed lawn, you may not have much cause to wash him more than once a month. A Whoodle who frequently partakes in outdoor activities may need a bath twice a week or more!
Here are a few common Whoodle cuts fresh from the groomer!
Whoodle Basic Grooming
Providing your dog with essential grooming at home should include a bath as needed and brushing your dog regularly to prevent matting of the fur. Using extra tools and products like an oil-based shampoo can aid in the grooming process. You can also take additional steps, like feeding your Whoodle a quality diet or adding supplements to their food to help improve their hair and nail health.
Bathing Your Whoodle
- Tub (at home or a dog wash facility)
- Towel
- Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
- Tearless Shampoo
- Bath scrubber or bath brush
- Hair Dryer
- Cotton Balls
- Treats
How to Bath Your Whoodle
Step 1: Prepare your dog for a bath by first giving your Whoodle a quick once over with the brush to eliminate any tangles in the fur. Collect any needed supplies such as the soap, bath brush, and towel you will be using. You can gently stuff cotton balls in your Whoodle’s ears to keep them dry during the bath.
Step 2: Place your Whoodle into your bathtub or a tub at a dog washing facility. Once inside, you can wet your dog thoroughly. Add shampoo and distribute it throughout your dog’s coat, starting in the dirtiest places, such as your dog’s rear hocks. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat with conditioner.
Step 3: Once your Whoodle is clean, firmly run your hands along his back, tail, and legs to wring out any excess water. Dry using a towel. Still damp, you can complete the drying process by letting your dog air dry or using a blow dryer on low heat.
Brushing Your Whoodle
Basic Grooming Supplies:
- Hair Scissors/Grooming Shears
- Metal Comb (fine-toothed on one side, wide-toothed on the other)
- Detangling Spray
- Slicker Brush
- Warm wet washcloth
How to Brush Your Whoodle
Step 1: Start by propping your dog up on a chair or stool; this will make it easier to control your dog and prevent them from running away. With your grooming tools nearby, examine your dog and identify any matted fur. Using the metal comb and some generously applied detangler solution, gently work through the mat combing from the bottom, slowly progressing upward. If you find the mat too difficult to comb through, or your Whoodle is in pain, carefully cut the mat away. Repeat this process until your Whoodle is free of any matting.
Step 2: If the coat has been well maintained, you might skip step one altogether! You can then begin brushing the hair using a slicker brush, detangling the hair over the entire body. Be gentle! Some slicker brushes can be slightly sharper and cause pain if used abrasively on sensitive areas near the eyes, nose, paws, and genitals.
Step 3: Now that your Whoodle is completely brushed, press a warm wet washcloth against the underside of his eyes, near the snout. Whoodles occasionally have watery eyes or eye boogers that can harden in the fur below. The goal here is to soften any leftover discharge, loosening any dirt or debris caught in that area. After about 2-3 minutes, you should be able to comb the fur below the eyes removing the debris and anything remaining. Avoid pulling too harshly; if it requires force to remove any substance below the eyes, soak it longer.
Step 4: Using your grooming shears flat against your Whoodles skin, never pointing the tips toward your dog, trim hair surrounding the eyes for better visibility. You may also trim the “sanitary area” under your dog’s tail near the bum to prevent any poop from getting stuck in the hair.
How Often Should I Brush My Whoodle?
Whoodles need to be brushed 2-3 times a week. Brushing your dog’s coat at home can seem intimidating if you lack experience, but rest assured that once you and your dog become more comfortable with the process, it should feel more natural and take less time! The more frequently you brush your Whoodle, the easier it will be since you won’t have extensive tangling built up over time. Brushing your Whoodle 2-3 times each week can also improve their circulation and enhance the bond you share.
Long-Term Coat Care
The Whoodle has an ever-growing coat, and for this reason, long-term coat care is not optional. Having such a luxurious coat means additional time and attention will be spent maintaining it. Whoodles will require long-term care to trim their full-body throughout the year since the hair won’t shed out on its own. You can expect regular trips to the dog groomer for this purpose.
Taking your Whoodle for their professional grooming appointment will include a full-body clip in whatever style you prefer. The shorter the coat, the easier it will be to maintain, but it can still be sustained with proper care if you prefer a longer style cut. Make sure you communicate with your groomer to establish your needs and expectations since the result of your Whoodle’s haircut will dictate how much care will be required from you in each grooming session for the next month.
How Often to Cut Whoodle Hair?
It’s essential to have your Whoodle trimmed regularly. We’ve found that Whoodle owners typically go by the recommended 4-8 weeks between professional grooming and hair clipping beyond the regular grooming at home.
Whoodle coats are known for their silky soft, non-shedding coat capabilities. However, the benefits of the Whoodle coat come with the added upkeep and more intensive grooming to maintain it. This is just one of the many prices we pay for the animals we love, and it’s a small one at that. Just ask anyone who owns a Whoodle! They’re worth it!