What’s a Whoodle? Though it may sound like some wild creature dreamed up for a Dr. Seuss book, the Whoodle dog breed is actually the cute and cuddly combination of a Soft Coated Wheaten terrier and Poodle. And maybe there’s a bit of Teddy Bear thrown in there as well? The origins of this particular mix are a little blurry, but since both breeds are popular in the United States and Australia, it’s thought that they originated in one of those places in the last twenty years.
Is a Whoodle the right kind of dog breed for you? There are a lot of things to consider when adding a dog to your life, so we’ve covered just about everything you’ll need to know in this in-depth Whoodle breed profile. We consulted certified professional dog trainer and The Dog People panelist Nicole Ellis, who has long worked with Doodle breeds, breeders, and owners, for the essential facts about Whoodles.
Breed Characteristics
Key
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Origin: United States and/or Australia
- Size:
- Weight: 25–60 pounds, sizes are Toy, Miniature, Medium, and Standard
- Activity level:
- Barking/howling level:
- Good with dogs: yes
- Good with kids: yes
- Good with cats:
- Shedding:
- Grooming level:
- Training level:
Whoodle Appearance
Like most mixed breeds, there can be some variation when it comes to how each individual dog is actually going to look. The Wheaton part of the pup means that their coat may shed a bit seasonally—but not too much, thanks to the Poodle part. The fur is also usually medium length, dense, and ranges from soft and wavy, to soft and curly. They also come in a rainbow of hues, boasting everything from a creamy-tan color, to black, red, peach…the list goes on and on. They can even rock some colorful spots on occasion!
The size of each pup can also vary quite a bit since it’s determined by the size of their parents—and usually depends on whether the Poodle was a standard, miniature or toy. This means that in order to know how big your Whoodle may be, you’re going to need to understand the size of their ancestors.
And did we already mention the whole Teddy Bear aspect of this breed? It’s hard to avoid the comparison when discussing the round and cuddly face of this pup—which is why plenty of people have taken a shine to this mixed breed over the years.
Whoodle Dog Breed Personality
Whoodles really are the cream of the crop when it comes to personality. I mean, that Wheaton terrier friendliness coupled with the smarts of a Poodle, what more could you want?
They’re also known to be seriously social and fun-loving, which makes them wonderful companions for the younger crowd. They’re gentle with children and LOVE to play, which means they’ll want lots of attention, all of the time. So make sure your family is ready to shower them with affection—they’ll be expecting it!
Ideal Environment for a Whoodle
As we mentioned before, this breed truly loves to play, run, pounce, and bounce, which means that the best environment is somewhere that gives them plenty of space to exercise and frolic. Ideally this could be a big backyard (packed with plenty of pup toys, of course), or somewhere adjacent to a park where they can run. Warning—if you do have your Whoodle off-leash, make sure to keep a close eye on them since their prey drive is strong, and they’re likely to chase something small into the brush and get lost.
The Best Pet Parent for This Dog Breed
Since both the Soft Coat Wheaten terrier and the Poodle are working dogs, Whoodles tend to have very high energy levels, and are athletic and agile. This means that the ideal human for them should have plenty of energy as well—always up for a walk, a run, a game of ball in the park—anything that’ll help them stretch their legs and run like the wind.
Whoodles are happiest when they’re spending time with their people, which means that the ideal human for this breed is someone who is devoted to hanging out with their pup. These dogs dislike being left alone for long periods of time, so an active, energetic family who loves taking their Whoodle on adventures with them, would be the most ideal fit.
Whoodle Dog Breed Training
When it comes to training your Whoodle, it’s best to begin working with them at an early age—that way you give them a head start when it comes to learning acceptable behaviors. Just like their varied appearances, Whoodles are a diverse bunch when it comes to their tolerance of training as well. Some are a cinch to teach, while others are on the more stubborn end of the spectrum.
The key is to figure out what is most important to you; do you want a pup that sits when the door opens? Are you worried about barking, or about your furniture getting chewed up? Choose what matters most, and work on those behaviors early on.
Also, you’re going to want to keep the training sessions short and sweet—with plenty of fun, entertaining activities for your super-smart dog to enjoy. Your Whoodle will also respond positively to lots of praise and treats (I mean, who wouldn’t?), and since they’re big fans of chasing things, items like flirt poles are solid tools for training. Oh, and don’t forget to really hammer home the “stay” and “leave it” commands—those will come in handy whenever their urge to chase something comes up…which it will.
Whoodle Grooming
The key to keeping this breed looking its best, is constant fur maintenance. In order to keep tangles and mats at bay, you’re going to want to brush your Whoodle daily. It’s also a great idea to visit to a professional groomer occasionally to keep their nails tidy, and ensure that their ears (and everywhere else) stay healthy and well trimmed.
Whoodle Health
Like most dog breeds, Whoodles are prone to certain health issues. Sometimes cross breeds like doodles can actually inherit the health issues of both breeds in their lineage. This mix is prone to epilepsy, thyroid issues, and bloat. Your vet will be able to advise you on how to prevent, avoid, and treat any signs of these issues that your dog may develop, especially as they get older. Some pet parents opt for pet health insurance, in case of large health issues.
Whoodle Dog Breed History
Though we know that the Soft Coat Wheaten terrier was originally bred as a farm dog in Ireland, and the Poodle hails from the “City of Light”, not much is known about the actual origin of the Whoodle. However it happened, we’re just grateful these furry, friendly faces exist.
Getting a Whoodle Facts & Information
Whoodle Breeders
It’s always a good idea to meet the parents of your puppy, and to see how the litter interacts with each other, and this is especially important when choosing a crossbred dog, since you can see just what size the parents are. A good, trustworthy breeder (like this one) should have records of the parents’ lineage, too and should be able to tell you more about the specific mix of the litter.
Since Whoodles aren’t officially recognized by the AKC, you’d need to start your search for a reputable breeder elsewhere, and luckily, due to the popularity of these dogs, they shouldn’t be too tricky to track down. Make sure you wise up on puppy mills and internet scams—following some simple steps can help avoid further funding of this terrible practice, and help you end up with a pet whose breeding and early-life experience will more reliably result in a well-adjusted dog. Check out Fleury Farm Doodles and Texas Whoodles for more information.
Adopting a Whoodle
Whoodles may find their way to rescue centers for a variety of reasons, including dogs being rescued from puppy mills, but often it’s the simple fact that their previous owners simply felt unable to care for them any longer, perhaps due to a change in lifestyle or health.
A surrendered dog will often already be well trained and simply in need of a new, loving home. You can find rescue centers local to you with a quick internet search.
A Whoodle can make for a wonderful friend and they’re sure to be a source of joy, with plenty of laughs and perhaps a little bit of mischief along the way. So whether you’re planning on adopting or finding a breeder to find a puppy, prepare yourself, your home and your heart to welcome a dog with plenty of personality and energy.
More on Whoodle
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