Ever since the concept of pairing Poodles with popular breeds took root, the popularity of Doodle dogs has steadily skyrocketed and shows no signs of diminishing.
However, keeping up with all the Doodle dogs and their associated traits and temperaments is no easy task.
If you’re curious about the Whoodle, you’re not alone as they aren’t one of the most well-known Doodle dogs, but that’s sure to change in the near future.
What is a Whoodle? A Whoodle is a mixed-breed dog resulting from the pairing of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier to a Poodle. Whoodles range in size from 20 – 50 pounds; have a soft, wavy coat; and come in a variety of colors including black, cream, wheaten, apricot, and gray.
Perhaps you’ve read elsewhere that the Whoodle is the perfect dog and has nothing but ideal traits.
Well, if you’ve ever spent any time around dogs, you know that no dog is perfect; each one has a few negative traits, just like people.
Here, we’ll take an honest look at this mixed breed and explore all of the Whoodle’s characteristics – both positive and negative.
Whoodles at a Glance
When a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is paired with a Poodle, the result is the Whoodle – an adorable shaggy mix with an even, reliable temperament.
Some Whoodles may strongly resemble one parent in terms of size, temperament, and appearance, but most Whoodles will be a pleasing combination with blended traits from both parents.
With friendly, loving natures and a happy, playful attitude, Whoodles are a great fit for active individuals and families alike who are looking for a loyal, energetic companion.
Although Whoodles can be boisterous at times, may jump on people, might enjoy digging and barking, and may have a tendency to chase small animals, overall, they are delightful pets who will reward you with a lifetime of unconditional love.
Whoodle Facts
| Parent breeds | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Poodle |
| Also known as | Sweatenpoo, Sweatendoodle, Wheatenpoo, and Wheatendoodle |
| Height | 12 – 22 inches |
| Weight | 20 – 50 pounds |
| Coat | Soft; wavy, curly, or straight |
| Colors | Black, gray, shades of red, chocolate, shades of brown, cream, white, parti |
| Temperament | Affectionate, loyal, gentle, friendly, and playful |
| Good for families? | Yes |
| Good with children? | Yes |
| Excessive barking? | Not likely |
| Exercise needs | Minimum 45 – 60 minutes daily |
| Grooming needs | Moderate |
| Cost | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Health | General healthy dogs |
| Life expectancy | 12 – 15 years |
What to Expect With a Mixed Breed
Mixed breeds are full of surprises.
In a litter of mixed puppies, some may favor one parent, some will strongly resemble the other, and others will have a unique appearance all their own.
Temperament can be unpredictable as well.
Puppies may behave just like one of the parents, but most will possess a combination of temperament traits from both parent breeds with the strongest traits nicely softened for an ideal personality.
Thanks to the larger gene pool when purebreds are mixed, mixed breeds often enjoy superb health and avoid many genetic conditions commonly seen in the parent breeds.
What Does a Whoodle Look Like?
Whoodles are muscular, sturdy dogs with a luxuriously soft, wavy coat.
They often have heads similar in shape to a Terrier, complete with a long, broad muzzle. A Whoodle has folded ears and alert, round eyes.
Colors and markings will vary based on the color of the Poodle parent, but often the hair on the muzzle is a different color than that of the face, providing an interesting contrast.
Do Whoodles Have Docked Tails?
Although tail docking is a common procedure with both the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Poodle, a Whoodle’s tail is almost always left in its natural state.
Though some breeders may dock tails upon request of the future owner, the procedure provides no benefit to the dog; it is merely done for cosmetic reasons.
How Many Sizes of Whoodle Are There?
Whoodles are most often produced from either a Standard or Miniature Poodle, so the most common terms you’ll hear in reference to size are Standard Whoodle and Mini Whoodle.
Some breeders experiment with using Toy Poodles, and some are engaging in generational breeding.
In these cases, they may use slightly different terminology, such as Mini, Medium, and Standard, according to the estimated future weight of the pups.
Because there is no breed standard in place for Whoodles, sizing terminology is left to the breeder’s discretion and can be admittedly confusing.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common Whoodle sizes.
| Variety | Height | Weight |
| Mini | 12 – 18 inches | 20 – 30 pounds |
| Standard | 18 – 22 inches | 30 – 50 pounds |
When Is a Whoodle Full Grown?
Most Whoodles will reach 90% of their adult height and weight between the ages of 9 and 12 months.
Up until the 18th month mark, they will likely continue to fill out a bit as they gain muscle mass, but the majority of growth is complete by 12 months of age.
Whoodle Colors
Although shades of tan, including the wheaten color, are the most common, Whoodles can have a variety of colors, including black, gray, white, chocolate, shades of red, and cream.
While many Whoodles are solid in color, some will have small patches of white on one or more areas of the body.
Parti-colored Whoodles are common too and will sport large patches of color on a white base coat.
Do Whoodles Change Colors?
Whoodles typically lighten in color as they mature.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are born dark in color, and between 6 months and 2 years of age, the color fades to the classic wheaten shade.
A Poodle’s color too can lighten, especially if the fading gene is present, so don’t assume that a Whoodle puppy will remain the same color throughout his life, as this likely will not be the case.
Whoodle Coat
Most Whoodles will have an ultra soft, fluffy, luxurious coat of medium length.
The majority of Whoodle coats will have gentle, flowing waves, but some Whoodles will have a curlier coat similar to a Poodle’s, and others will have a flat, straight coat similar to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
Whoodle Temperament
Whoodles are affectionate, gentle, loyal, friendly, and playful dogs who adore spending time with their owners.
As Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are prized for their stable, easy-going dispositions without the attitude and scrappiness common to Terriers and Poodles are held in high regard for their intelligence and effervescent personalities, you can expect the same traits to appear in Whoodles.
However, there are a few traits that some people may view as negative.
Whoodles can be stubborn at times, and if they take after their Terrier relations, they may have a fondness for enthusiastic digging.
Also, jumping up on people is a behavior commonly seen in this mixed breed.
Are Whoodles Aggressive?
Well-bred Whoodles should not be aggressive in any way. Rather, Whoodles should display a friendly, playful, affectionate disposition at all times.
Aggression may result from poor breeding practices, insufficient attention given to puppies, lack of socialization, and abuse, but it is certainly not to be expected with this crossbreed.
Are Whoodles Cuddly?
Whoodles love to both give and receive affection and won’t pass up the chance for some quality snuggle time.
A Whoodle will actively seek out human interaction and will thrive when lots of physical demonstrations of love are given freely.
Are Whoodles Loyal?
With two parent breeds known for their exceptional devotion, it’s no surprise that Whoodles are incredibly loyal as well.
This mix loves to interact with people, participate in all family activities, and will form a strong, lasting bond with each family member.
Are Whoodles Good Family Dogs?
Whoodles are excellent for active families who enjoy spending time outdoors and are home more often than not.
Whoodles are usually quite playful, gentle, and tolerant with children of all ages and will thrive when given the attention and affection that a loving family provides.
Are Whoodles Good With Other Dogs?
Whoodles are sociable animals and typically get along well with other dogs, especially those of the same household.
Properly socializing a Whoodle when he’s still young will ensure that he understands correct doggy etiquette and displays acceptable behavior when in the presence of other dogs.
Are Whoodles Good With Cats?
Whoodles who have been socialized to and raised around cats may do quite well with cats.
However, due to their Terrier background, some Whoodles will have a high prey drive and won’t be able to resist the opportunity to chase and harass a cat or any other small, furry critter.
Whoodle Energy Level – Are Whoodles High Energy?
Although Whoodles aren’t considered to be hyperactive, they do have fairly high levels of energy and will require adequate exercise daily to prevent them from running laps inside the house and getting into trouble.
As long as they are allowed to run and play frequently, they will be calm and well-mannered when indoors if they’ve been trained properly.
How Much Exercise Does a Whoodle Need?
The average Whoodle will need approximately 45 – 60 minutes of daily exercise.
This could be in the form of brisk walks, hikes, backyard playtime, swimming, trips to the dog park, games of fetch, dog sports like agility, or a combination of activities.
How Much Does a Whoodle Cost?
Most Whoodles are priced between $1,200 and $3,000.
Though you may find one for less than $1,000, things like genetic testing and puppy socialization are often neglected at prices that low.
Quality breeders invest a lot of time and money in producing the healthiest, most even-tempered Whoodles possible, and the price tag should reflect their efforts.
How to Potty Train a Whoodle
The process for housebreaking a Whoodle is the same as for any other breed. Success hinges on your consistency.
Here are some tips:
- Puppies can generally “hold it” for only one hour per month of age.
- Take your Whoodle to the same predetermined spot outside every time. The odor will help him get the idea.
- Reward success immediately and profusely.
- Your puppy should be taken out after waking from a nap, after every meal, and after vigorous play or excitement.
- Begin crate training the day you bring your Whoodle home – it will speed housebreaking significantly.
- Never “allow” accidents just because you’re feeling lazy. This will set back any progress your Whoodle has made.
Do Whoodles Have Sensitive Stomachs?
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers often do have sensitive tummies, so it’s possible that a Whoodle may have digestive issues as well.
Feeding only a high-quality, nutrient-dense diet free of grains, questionable ingredients, fillers, and additives is recommended to avoid stomach upset and food-related allergies.
Are Whoodles Yappy – Do Whoodles Bark a Lot?
Whoodles are not typically yappy, but they may bark excessively if not given enough routine exercise, are bored, are overly excited, or have not been sufficiently trained.
Early socialization and training are key to preventing nuisance barking from becoming an issue.
Are Whoodles Hypoallergenic?
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, the Whoodle doesn’t shed much at all and is considered to be a good fit for those with allergies.
With this mix, allergy-friendly properties are inherited from both sides of the family as both Poodles and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are usually well tolerated by allergy sufferers.
Do Whoodles Shed?
Poodles are famous for their extremely low-shedding coat, and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are a low-shedding breed as well, so most Whoodles will shed very little.
Routine brushing will remove loose hair before it rubs off on your furniture or becomes entangled within the coat.
Do Whoodle Puppies Shed?
Sometime between the ages of 6 – 12 months, a Whoodle puppy will gradually shed the thin, soft puppy coat as the adult coat starts to come in.
Aside from losing the puppy coat, Whoodle puppies will not shed any more than adult Whoodles.
Grooming a Whoodle
Whoodles will need brushing at least every other day and a bath about once every four weeks. A professional trim every six weeks or so will be needed.
The ears should be checked for signs of infection and cleaned every two weeks, and the nails should be clipped once per month to prevent cracking and uncomfortable overgrowth.
Lastly, the teeth should be brushed three or four times each week with a dog-safe toothpaste (this kit has it all – safe toothpaste, toothbrush, and a finger brush).
Best Brush for a Whoodle
A slicker brush (this self-cleaning brush is easy on the hands), is ideal for most Whoodles, though for Whoodles with a particularly plush coat, a pin brush with longer bristles may be needed as well.
A sturdy steel comb is a requirement for working through tangles, combing the facial area and legs, and for smoothing the coat.
How Often Should You Bathe a Whoodle?
Routine brushing will remove much of the debris in the coat picked up when outdoors, so unless your Whoodle is extremely dirty, muddy, or smelly, bathing will only be needed once a month or so.
A gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo (I use this line on my Doodles), a quality conditioner, and a detangling product (this one is amazing – smells great, eliminates tangles instantly on wet or dry fur) are must-haves for every Whoodle.
Whoodle Haircuts
Depending on your Whoodle’s coat type, you could have it styled in a classic Wheaten cut, complete with a long “fall” over the eyes and a goatee, but most owners opt for an easy-to-manage puppy cut or similar short clip.
Are Whoodles Smart?
Thanks to their Poodle side of the family, Whoodles are quite smart and possess an amazing ability to think things out for themselves.
Because of their intelligence, owners will need to ensure that their Whoodle receives sufficient mental stimulation routinely to prevent issues with boredom and resultant destructive behaviors.
Are Whoodles Easy to Train?
There’s no doubt that Whoodles are intelligent and capable of being trained not only for obedience commands but also for a variety of tasks, including work as service animals.
However, this mix can be headstrong when it comes to doing what is asked of him.
Stubbornness can best be combated with consistency, patience, reward-based training (these all-natural treats are a great incentive), and a firm, yet positive, approach.
Are Whoodles Stubborn?
Many Whoodles will have a stubborn side or display random instances of “selective hearing.”
While they can learn and retain new commands easily, it’s often a matter of whether they want to or not.
Yelling or punishment will not be effective with this sensitive mix.
Rather, a firm and gentle approach coupled with persistence on your part will be the most helpful in overcoming stubbornness.
Are Whoodles Protective?
Whoodles are very devoted and attached to their families, and many would attempt to protect them should the need arise.
However, being protective over food, toys, or territory is a behavior known as resource guarding and is not common in Whoodles who’ve been raised properly.
Are Whoodles Good Guard Dogs?
Although a Whoodle will function well in the role of family watchdog, barking to alert the presence of danger or an intruder, this mix is simply too friendly and gentle to make an effective guard dog.
While barking may be enough to deter intruders, don’t expect a Whoodle to viciously defend your property.
Can Whoodles Be Left Alone?
Although a Whoodle prefers to be with his family as much as possible and does best in homes in which people are usually home, a Whoodle can adjust to being left alone while owners run errands or go to work.
Help your Whoodle adjust by gradually increasing alone time over a period of weeks, leave safe toys and treats available, and don’t make a big deal about leaving or returning home.
Consider having a friend or dog walker stop by daily to give your dog a bathroom break and some attention and exercise.
Do Whoodles Have Separation Anxiety?
Both Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers and Poodles are extremely loyal and people oriented, so Whoodles, like their parents, do have a tendency to develop separation anxiety if frequently left alone for long periods without being gradually accustomed first.
Whoodle Health Issues
There are a few issues that are seen occasionally in Whoodles, though they are considered to be generally healthy:
- Addison’s disease.
- Progressive retinal atrophy.
- Kidney disorders
- Hip dysplasia.
- Allergies.
- Ear infections.
Although conditions common to either parent breed could possibly be of concern, Whoodles seem to enjoy above average health and don’t typically suffer from serious illness or genetic issues, especially if the parents were screened for conditions prior to breeding.
Whoodle Life Expectancy
Genetics, diet, amount of physical activity, lifestyle (living with smokers, forced to live outdoors, etc.), and veterinary care or lack thereof can all affect a Whoodle’s life expectancy, either positively or negatively.
With proper care, many Whoodles will live into their teens.
How Long Do Whoodles Live?
Under ideal conditions a Whoodle can be expected to live for 12 to 15 years.
Purchasing from a reputable breeder who performs genetic health screenings on all breeding dogs is a critical first step in ensuring your Whoodle is on track to live a long, happy, healthy life.
Where Can I Find a Whoodle Rescue to Adopt?
Chances are you won’t have much luck at finding a Whoodle in a local animal shelter, but it’s always worth the time to check.
Hop on social media to reach out to groups for Terrier and Poodle mixes. Someone, somewhere, may know of a Whoodle in need.
Also check with rescue organizations dedicated to the Whoodle’s parent breeds. Here are two rescues to get you started:
Related Questions:
Are Whoodles Good Swimmers?
Because of their Poodle heritage, most Whoodles love the water and are strong swimmers.
Supervision is mandatory of course, and the ears should be cleaned after every swim.
Also, brushing out the coat once it’s dry to work through any tangles before mats develop is recommended.
Are Whoodles Rare?
Whoodles are not very common but are gaining an impressively large following quickly thanks to their low-shedding coats and friendly, gentle temperament.
The number of Whoodle breeders is rather small, and most maintain a waitlist for puppies, so it may be one year or more before a puppy becomes available.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 00:59 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
