Black Mini Whoodle Dog: Wheaten Terrier Poodle Mix
- Poodles are popular mixes that dog owners love. Not only are these dogs as smart and loyal as Poodles, but they also inherit traits from the other mix. One of the Poodle mixes that you can now own is a Whoodle, which is a mix of a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle.
- They can be as large as a fully grown Poodle or much smaller based on which side they take after more. As a designer dog breed, they are popular with owners who think they look like large teddy bears.
- Whoodles typically have a coat that is both curly and soft, which it gets from its Poodle parent. It has a smaller size thanks to the other parent and is sometimes called a Poodle Wheaten Terrier mix.
- These mixes do just as well with families and small kids as they do with couples who don’t have kids and singles. If you want a dog you will love coming home to and one that loves you back, the Whoodle is a good choice.
- They are almost always cheerful and friendly and can greet you at the door after a long day with a dance and a smile. If you want to find out whether a Whoodle is a perfect dog for you, check out each section in our following guide.
What is a Whoodle?
- That’s right. The Whoodle. You might have not heard about this designer dog breed, but that’s going to change. These hybrids have more than enough to offer to the right owner. Intelligent, affectionate, friendly and energetic, the Whoodle has a dedicated following with good reason. Also known as the Sweatenpoo, Wheatendoodle, Wheatenpoo, or Wheatiepoo, this designer dog can thank his impressive lineage for his many impressive qualities. The name might feel a bit weird coming out of your mouth, but trust us. Just a few minutes alone with one of these guys will have you screaming “Whoodle” from the rooftops.
- A cross between the Poodle and the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, he is a medium-sized dog with a soft, curly coat and a wonderful personality. Of course, because Poodles come in three sizes, the Whoodle also comes in three sizes – miniature, medium, or standard. So whether you want a large athletic companion, a petite energetic pooch, or something in between, you can find it all in this designer dog breed. This designer dog can truly be all things for all owners. You just have to find the right Whoodle.
- While their adorable teddy bear looks and cheerful temperament make Whoodles popular with many pet owners, they do have some specific requirements and personality traits that might not make them an ideal match for your own family. Just like all dogs. Not every dog is meant for every owner, but certainly those who are the right fit for their Whoodles love them. To find out if the Whoodle is your perfect pup, read on!
- Whoodles also comes in three sizes – miniature, medium, or standard.
Origin
- Hybrid dogs have been quite common for many years, so the first crossing of Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle may have occurred long ago. However, it’s not those accidental litters of mixed breed puppies that “count” as first Whoodles. Don’t be absurd. Nope, it’s only the hybrids that were developed intentionally that are thought of as the original Whoodles. Sadly there’s not enough information about their start in the world of designer dogs. Yet, even though it’s unclear when the Whoodle precisely came into existence, we all can be certain that this pup will be around for a long, long time.
- Like the majority of hybrid breeds, the Whoodle doesn’t have a well-documented history. It’s most likely, though, that breeders first developed Whoodles sometime in the last 20 years. And, since Australia and the United States seem to have produced the most of today’s hybrid breeds, it’s safe to assume that one of these two places was the “birthplace” of the breed. This might not be the most satisfying explanation for where these adorable doggos originated, but unfortunately it’s the best we can do. Fortunately, even though we’ll never now exactly where Whoodles came from, it doesn’t mean that we’ll love them any less.
Pedigree
- The Whoodle is a hybrid breed, a cross between the Standard Poodle and the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. Since the Poodle comes in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard), the Whoodle also comes in three sizes – miniature, medium, or standard. Naturally, owing to the differences in size, if the Poodle is of a smaller variety, the mother of the litter will always be a Wheaten Terrier. It just wouldn’t make sense (or even be physically possible) otherwise.
- As the majority of Whoodles are the mixed breed offspring of two purebred dogs, they are in the category of first generation hybrids. While this usually fares well for the health of the puppies, it also means that their appearance will vary dramatically. Some Whoodle puppies can look more like one of the parents, while others could inherit traits from both. Until this crossbreed gets a few more generations, their offspring won’t be as easy to predict as a pure breed pup.
- Of course, that hasn’t stopped some breeders from striving to create a standard for the Whoodle. To achieve a more uniform look and behavioral traits, they turn to multigenerational crossing. Whoodles are crossed to other, unrelated Whoodles or one of the parental breeds. That’s all that can be done for now. Check in on the Whoodle after a few more generations raised through trusted breeders and things will be different.
How would you describe the appearance of your Whoodle?
Whoodles can vary in appearance depending on whether they take after their Poodle or Wheaten Terrier parent.
They can come in a variety of different coat colors, ranging from black, brown, red, silver grey, and cream.
Whoodles usually have a coat that is medium in length and is silky, soft to touch.
They’ll usually be quite robust in terms of stature, with muscular legs and broad shoulders.
John gave us a description of his Whoodle, Edison.
My Whoodle has luscious wavy hair, long legs, and a friendly smile. He has white markings to accent his red hair – white “socks” a tuft on his chest, stripe on his nose that ends in a curl on top of his head, and a white tip on his tail.
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What size is a Whoodle?
- Whoodles can be small to medium in size. Usually they’ll range between 12 to 20 inches in height and they can be between 20 and 45 pounds in weight. They can come in three different sizes, as Chip’s owner Adriane explains.
- Whoodles come in 3 sizes: mini (15-25lbs), medium (25-35 lbs) and standard (35-50lbs). Chip is a standard Whoodle, coming it at 50lbs. Since he is a mix, it can sometimes be hard to know the exact size the dogs will be bc it’s based on the lineage of the parents.
- Andy is also a standard-size Whoodle given he had already hit 50 pounds at little over seven months old.
- Andy’s mom was a standard Poodle and dad was a Wheaten Terrier. His breeders said he would be between 40-50 pounds. He is only 7 months and already pushing 50. His vet thinks he will be closer to 60 pounds.
How would you describe the temperament of Whoodle?
Whoodles are usually friendly dogs that can make excellent companion pets. They like to be in the company of their pet owners, whether it’s inside or outside. This designer breed can have lots of energy to burn, with a playful streak. So you should be prepared to give them lots of exercise. Whoodles can have a stubborn streak that is attributed to the Terrier parent. As a result, consistent training is required from a young age, just like most dog breeds and cross breeds.
Andy’s parents used three words to describe their Whoodle’s temperament.
Loyal, happy-go-lucky and excitable!
Do Whoodles suffer from separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety is a chronic canine disorder that can affect any dog, irrespective of breed or mix. It occurs when a dog is left at home alone (or as the pet owners are preparing to leave). Usually, the symptoms of separation anxiety are incessant barking, howling or whining, destructive chewing or digging, or in some extreme cases, defecating or urinating.
Andy did suffer from some separation anxiety as a puppy.
When Andy was a puppy and still adjusting to his new forever home, he would whine whenever I left him. Now that he has realized I come back every time, he is fine to be left alone for a couple of hours.
Are Whoodles smart?
Poodles are considered the second smartest dog in the world ahead of the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. Only the Border Collie is ranked as a more intelligent breed. The influence of the Poodle genes means that Whoodles can have a high IQ.
Adriane explained just how smart her Whoodle Chip is.
Since Whoodles are bred with Poodles, they are much smarter than pure bred Wheaten Terriers. Chip potty trained easily and learned his commands quickly – whether or not he chooses to listen to the command is another story.
Do Whoodles make great family pets?
If you’re thinking about introducing your Whoodle to a family home, you’ll be wondering how they do with children.
Just like any dog, we never recommend leaving a Whoodle alone unsupervised with children.
With the right socialization and training, there’s no reason a Whoodle shouldn’t be able to thrive in a family home. It’s important that children are educated on how to handle and respect the boundaries of a Whoodle, or any dog for that matter.
John explained to us why he believes Whoodles make great family pets.
Edison makes a GREAT family pet. He loves all humans and all dogs, big and small. Gives lots of love to everyone he meets.
Andy’s high energy levels make him an ideal companion for children, according to his owners.
They’ve got lots of energy so they’ll keep up with the kids. They are also very friendly. Only thing to be concerned about is the “Wheaten greeting”. They tend to jump up on people quite a bit which can be problematic with small children.
Are Whoodle easy to train?
- Whoodles are so affectionate that any form of negative training will not work on them. Yelling at the dog because it didn’t make it outside to use the bathroom or smacking its nose for chewing on your shoe can scare the dog so much that it runs away from you. Positive reinforcement training is much better, especially when you combine soothing words with treats and toys. They prefer treats that are different from the regular food that they eat such as jerky treats and fresh veggies.
- Training is also important when it comes to introducing the Whoodle to new people. Whether you have a child who brings home a friend from school or you want to introduce the dog to a family member, you need to take things slow. Let it tell you when it feels comfortable around that person. With early training from the puppy years, adult Whoodles will have an easy time adjusting to new people.
- This designer breed also needs daily stimulation to prevent it from acting in destructive ways. You can leave chew toys around when you’re gone to give the dog something to focus on and do. When taking trips with your pooch, try mixing up where you go instead of sticking to the same few places. You can visit a new park, stop by a friend’s house on your way home to change the routes that you take on walks.
Are Whoodles easy to potty train?
This was a question that we noticed on Google so we put it to Gracie’s mom, Jaclyn. In spite of this being a commonly researched question, it appears Whoodles don’t struggle in this area. Jaclyn told us:
I potty trained Gracie in two months and she has not had an accident in the house since. Whoodles are very smart and pick up on potty training very easily. I didn’t even use training pads – Gracie just whimpers when she has to go to the bathroom and that’s that! I’ve talked to Whoodle owners and they have all had similar experiences.
Are Whoodles hyper?
Some Poodle cross breeds have a reputation for being hyper dogs that can be difficult to handle. We put this question to Jaclyn.
As a puppy, Gracie was a bit hyper but as she got older (she is a year and a half now) her hyperness has subsided. The only time Gracie gets hyper is when she meets new people – it’s called the Whoodle Welcome! Mainly all whoodles have the Whoodle Welcome! Once they meet a new person or see a person they haven’t in a while, the Whoodle Welcome kicks in and lasts for about 5 minutes! Other than that, Whoodles need daily exercise where they can go on a walk or a run a day!
How much exercise do Whoodles need?
Poodles and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are active dogs that like to get regular exercise. So Whoodle owners should be prepared to give their dogs sufficient stimulation.
John revealed that Edison needs a run as well as regular walks to deplete his energy levels.
They are very energetic dogs, the Wheaten in them makes them a bit jumpy, but you can have them unlearn that behavior. A couple long walks a day typically won’t do – he needs a good run with his k9 buds to tire him out.
Do Whoodles get along with other dogs?
Just like any type of dog, Whoodles will benefit from socialization from a young age with other canines to cultivate and improve their social skills.
It’s important that interactions between young dogs are supervised and you should check with other dog owners to make sure their pets have all the necessary vaccinations.
Adriane gave us an insight into Chip’s experience meeting other dogs.
Whoodles are usually friendly, or at least Chip is. He’s been described to us as the cool kid at the playground, who is friendly and wants to play with everyone.
Do Whoodles like to cuddle?
So you’ve given your Whoodle a tonne of exercise, but will they be content to cuddle up next to you on the sofa? Here’s Jaclyn’s experience with Gracie.
Whoodles are one of the kindest dogs. Whoodles cuddles up to just about anyone and are genuinely sweet and warm animals. They are a warm light, extremely sincere, and extremely calm. Every night Gracie cuddles and sleeps with me and whether I’m on the couch or on the ground, Gracie cuddles in my arms.
Are Whoodles aggressive?
This was another question we noticed on Google during our research so we put this question to Adriane.
Generally, Whoodles are loving and happy dogs who want to please their people. Chip is not aggressive towards people and other dogs – but squirrels and geese be ware!
Do Whoodles bark a lot?
The Wheaten Terrier is a dog that was bred to act as watch dogs, so you may find your Whoodle likes to raise the alarm if someone is approaching your home.
Here’s Adriane to shed more light on this based upon her experience with Chip.
Wheaten Terriers were originally bred as watch dogs, Chip barks a lot when strangers come to the door – especially men he doesn’t know. However, the most he will do is bark and run around in circles. He quiets down after a few minutes though. He also lives howling with sirens – but I think that’s just him and not breed specific.
Are Whoodles hypoallergenic?
As we touched upon at the start of this article, Whoodles are considered a hypoallergenic mix breed. Health.com lists the Poodle as a hypoallergenic breed, although the organisation point out that no dog is completely hypoallergenic. Having said that, both the Poodle and Wheaten Terrier are considered hypoallergenic breeds so Whoodles should inherit this trait, too.
Andy’s owner explained that this charming Whoodle is hypoallergenic.
They are one of the few Doodle mixes that are 100% hypoallergenic. Both wheaten terriers and poodles are non shedding and hypoallergenic.
Do Whoodles shed?
Whoodles usually don’t shed at all, so that’s one perk to the breed.
Adriane emphasised this point.
There’s zero shedding – neither the Wheaten nor Poodle breeds shed!
Do Whoodles need regular grooming?
While Whoodles don’t shed, they’ll usually require quite a bit of grooming. Dog owners will need to brush their Whoodle regularly to prevent their coats from becoming matted or tangled. If you decide to take your Whoodle to a professional groomer, it can be quite expensive.
Jaclyn gave us an insight into Gracie’s grooming regime.
There are a lot of different ways to groom a Whoodle. I sent Gracie to a groomer for about 5 months and liked the way they cut her. They used a buzzer and cut her body and then cut her face with scissors. However, I have started grooming her on my own and cut her face, legs, hair on her paws, and tail with scissors. I use a buzzer for her body too. It takes around 2 hours to groom her. Whoodles are very calm so they won’t fight you when being groomed.
Do Whoodles have any health problems?
Usually mixed breeds are considered healthier than purebred dogs. Having said that, they can still be prone to some issues. It’s a good idea to research any potential health problems before you get a dog. Here are some health issues to be aware of:
- Kidney Problems
- Sebaceous Adenitis
- Eye Diseases and Disorders
- Addison’s Disease
Are Whoodles fussy eaters?
A well-balanced diet is crucial for your dog’s health and overall wellbeing. Making sure that your pooch gets all the nutrients they need should be one of your primary concerns as a pet parent! Whoodles, like most other breeds, do well on high-quality dry food for dogs. Granted, not just any type of kibble will do. It has to be made from natural, high-grade ingredients and tailored to meet the Whoodle’s unique nutritional requirements (and if you aren’t sure what those are, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian).
The Whoodle comes in three different sizes so you should choose a dog food formula appropriate for your particular dog’s size. Miniature Whoodles should be offered a dog food formulated for small-breed dogs while the standard Whoodle should be fed a medium-sized breed formula. To boot, you’ll have to pay attention if the food satisfies all of the age-related needs of your pet. Puppy blend kibble will have more nutrients for the developing dog, and it won’t be a good fit for an athletic adult or a senior canine. The same goes vice versa! It’s always worth carefully researching which food will best fit your Whoodle’s need at any particular moment in their life because it’s amazing what a difference the right type of kibble will make in your dog’s life.
It’s impossible to say how much food a Whoodle needs as they vary in size, but it’s important not to overfeed them. Stick to what the manufacturer recommends or consult a vet if you’re unsure about the portion size. Just because your Whoodle will seem thrilled to be getting their extra bites of kibble doesn’t mean it won’t hurt them in the long run. Paying close attention to your dog’s food portions will make a huge impact on their health.
The Whoodle responds well to training and can learn quickly.
Whoodle Price
As a so-called designer breed, Whoodles can be expensive. If you’re thinking about getting this cross, you could check your local rescue shelter to see if any members of this hybrid dog need to be rehomed. Otherwise, you can speak to other Whoodle owners to see which breeders they recommend. Whoodle puppies will usually cost between $1,500 and $3,000.
John kindly gave us an insight into how much Edison cost.
I paid $2500 for my Whoodle, so yes they’re on the expensive side.
Jaclyn paid a little less for Gracie.
Whoodles are around $1,500. I got Gracie from Furrylicious Boutique who got her from a farm in Iowa. The prices may vary but I paid around $1,500 for her.
Are Whoodles expensive?
Aside from the initial cost of Whoodles, you’ll need to think about the monthly costs of owning your cross breed.
These can range from pet food, pet insurance, grooming, trips to the vet and much more. As you’ll now know, Whoodles require regular grooming, which can be quite expensive if you go to a professional groomer. You can check out the best pet insurance options in the USA and the UK.
Whoodle to follow on Instagram
If you want to learn more about the Whoodle cross breed, you can always send a message to current owners on Instagram. They’re usually more than willing to offer advice and help. Here are some Whoodles to check out on Instagram.
- Andy (@andy.the.whoodle)
- Chip (@chip_the_whoodle)
- Gracie (@gracie_the_whoodle)
- Edison (@edison_the_whoodle)
Would you recommend Whoodles to first-time owners?
If you’re a first-time dog owners, let’s see if our current Whoodle owners would recommend this mixed breed for you.
Adriane said she would definitely put forward this breed for inexperienced owners.
Whoodles are great first time dogs. Easy going and loving.
What are the pros and cons of Whoodles?
Cons
- Jaclyn/Gracie: Can be expensive; Need exercise daily and some may have allergies.
- Adriane/Chip: Beacause of their floppy ears, they are prone to ear infections.
- John/Edison: They are too smart for their own good! They will learn what they can get away with pretty quickly – our Whoodle will get up at 5:30am each day to get attention. As a puppy he was a bit jumpy, could freak out non dog lovers, but he’s very loving and is the least bit intimidating.
- Andy: They do however require a lot of exercise. As long as he gets enough outdoor time/walks, he is a very well behaved boy. If he misses a walk, he can get very rambunctious
Pros
- Jaclyn/Gracie: Extremely kind; Extremely loving; Hypoallergenic; Very easy to socialize; Extremely calm; Extremely warm; Rarely bark; Good hiking and running partners; Easy to potty train; Easy to train (tricks etc) and smart dogs.
- Adriane/Chip: Wheaten Terriers and Poodles are both hypoallergenic dogs, so they are great for ppl with allergies.
- John/Edison: You will have a dog that loves everyone and everything!
- Andy: They are very friendly and loving. I always say Andy has never met a stranger and everyone is his new best friend.
Whoodle Pictures
Final Thoughts
We’ve reached the end of our feature on Whoodles.
As you’ll know, they’re a cross between a Poodle and a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier.
Although there are no guarantees, it does appear Whoodles are usually hypoallergenic.
Whoodles do require a lot of mental and physical stimulation given their high energy levels.
Overall, this particular type of Doodle can make great family dogs with the right socialization and training.
