Whoodle

Appearance: What Does a Whoodle Look Like?

The Whoodle is a small to medium-sized hybrid dog, created by crossing an Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier with a Poodle. How large the mixed breed becomes depends on which Poodle variety is used in breeding. The following sizes exist:

• Standard Whoodle: one parent is a Standard Poodle, shoulder height up to approx. 50 cm, weight up to approx. 27 kg
• Mini Whoodle: one parent is a Miniature Poodle or a Toy Poodle, shoulder height approx. 35 to 40 cm, weight approx. 11 to 16 kg
• Toy Whoodle: one parent is a Toy Poodle, shoulder height approx. 20 to 25 cm, weight approx. 4.5 to 9 kg

Coat Colours and Texture

The Wheatenpoo is known for its silky-soft, wavy to curly coat. The dense coat can be “wheaten”, meaning cream, golden or fawn-coloured like the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. However, it can also inherit black, silver-grey, brown or reddish fur from the Poodle. Various colour combinations are also possible.

Thanks to the terrier influence, this mixed breed has a sturdy and athletic build. Its head shape may be broad or round. The large floppy or folded ears and expressive dark eyes give it a cheeky facial expression.

A Surprise Package on Four Paws

As with all hybrid dog puppies, it is impossible to predict exactly what an adult Whoodle will look like. Whether the mixed breed takes after the Poodle or the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier depends on which genes are more dominant.

The Whoodle is therefore a little surprise package. Even within the same litter, siblings can differ greatly in appearance.

© Marion Smith (Byers) / stock.adobe.com

Character: An Intelligent Family Dog

The Whoodle is considered an affectionate, people-oriented dog that does not like being left alone for too long. This friendly four-legged companion feels especially at home in active families where there is always someone around to play and cuddle with. This adaptable, loving hybrid dog usually gets on well with children, other dogs and cats too.

One of its parent breeds is the Poodle – a dog breed known for being exceptionally intelligent and eager to learn. There is therefore a good chance that this Poodle mix will also be highly clever and focused. The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier contributes its fiery temperament and lively nature.

Is the Whoodle Suitable for First-Time Owners?

Yes and no. Thanks to its natural “will to please”, meaning the desire to make its owner happy, the Wheatendoodle is usually fairly easy to train. However, whether its training is manageable for beginners also depends on how strongly the terrier genes come through in this mixed breed. The typical terrier stubborn streak can make training more challenging.

Some dogs bark a lot and greet “their” people very enthusiastically. This can sometimes lead to the Whoodle jumping up at people. This behaviour should be consistently discouraged from the very beginning.

Proper Care and Exercise for the Whoodle

Whether jogging, hiking or camping: this loyal four-legged friend loves being included in everything. A well-trained Whoodle will happily accompany its owner to the office, on holiday and in all family activities.

Alongside long walks, the clever Whoodle also loves mental challenges. For example, it enjoys playing with dog toys or learning new dog tricks. It may also inherit the Poodle’s love of water and swimming.

Is the Whoodle Suitable as a Flat Dog?

Thanks to its compact size, the Whoodle is also suitable for living in a city or flat. However, it is important to ensure that this active four-legged companion gets enough daily exercise and stimulation.

Because the Whoodle forms a close bond with its favourite person and needs lots of attention, it is well suited to dog sports such as obedience or agility. Training as a therapy dog, school dog or assistance dog is also possible.

Suitable Products to Keep Your Whoodle Entertained:

Grooming and Nutrition: A High-Maintenance Coat

The Wheatendoodle’s thick, curly coat grows continuously and sheds very little. This hybrid dog therefore needs to be brushed carefully every day . In addition, regular visits to the dog groomer are necessary to keep the coat trimmed and in shape.

For dog allergy sufferers, it may be beneficial that the Whoodle sheds very little. This designer dog is therefore described as an allergy-friendly or hypoallergenic breed. However, there is no guarantee that this four-legged companion will not trigger allergy symptoms in humans. Compatibility should therefore always be thoroughly tested before getting one.

What Food Does the Whoodle Need?

When it comes to coat care, the Wheatenpoo may be one of the more demanding dogs. However, it is uncomplicated when it comes to food. Whether dry dog food, wet dog food or BARF goes into the bowl is entirely up to the owner’s preferences. The important thing is that the food is high-quality, rich in protein and nutritious.

A selection of food for your Whoodle:

Health: Which Illnesses Can Occur?

Like other dogs, this mixed breed can inherit a tendency towards certain illnesses from its parents. Various breed-specific diseases are known in Poodles in particular, including hip dysplasia in dogs and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation in dogs, eye and kidney problems as well as Addison’s disease in dogs.

The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, on the other hand, is considered a comparatively healthy breed. One of the few breed-specific illnesses is protein-losing syndrome, also known as Protein Losing Enteropathy or PLE. In this condition, certain proteins from food are not absorbed by the body but instead excreted. The consequences may include vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss and/or peripheral oedema.

How Old Does a Whoodle Get?

The life expectancy of this curly mixed breed is around 12 to 15 years. Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger ones.

History: Where Does the Whoodle Come from?

Not much is known about the origin of the Whoodle. Like many other hybrid breeds, it probably comes from the USA. In the 1980s, breeders there began crossing Poodles with other breeds to create hypoallergenic, family-friendly dogs.

Some of the most popular of these so-called designer dogs include the Labradoodle, a mix of Poodle and Labrador Retriever, as well as the Goldendoodle, a Golden Retriever-Poodle cross. Compared to these two hybrids, the Whoodle is rather unknown and less widespread.

Not Recognised as an Independent Breed

The aim of breeding is to combine the Poodle’s intelligence with the attractive coat of the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. However, unlike pedigree dogs, there are no uniform standards for breeding hybrid dogs. Designer dogs such as the Whoodle are therefore not recognised as independent breeds by most breeding associations.

Breeding and Buying: What You Should Look Out For

Since breeders of hybrid dogs are usually not organised within associations, it can be difficult to find a reputable Whoodle breeder. Prospective buyers should always ask to see the puppy’s parents as well as their health certificates. You should also take a close look at the puppy itself: does it appear healthy and active?

You should also consider whether you might prefer a purebred version of one of the parent breeds (Poodle or Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier). In that case, you are guaranteed to find a breeder who belongs to a reputable association.

A Rescue Dog

Since the Whoodle is very rare in the UK, it is hardly ever found in rescue centres. However, anyone planning to adopt a dog should still visit their local animal rescue organisation.

Countless four-legged companions are waiting there for a second chance – young and old, pedigree dogs and mixed breeds alike. So the chances of finding a furry friend with a similar appearance and character to a Whoodle are not bad at all.

Conclusion: A Teddy Bear with a Fiery Temperament

With its teddy bear-like appearance and friendly nature, the Whoodle quickly wins over dog lovers’ hearts. However, prospective buyers should not forget that hybrid dogs such as the Whoodle do not always develop exactly as planned. The fiery terrier temperament hidden within this mixed breed in particular can make training more difficult.

Whoodle Profile

Special characteristics:	Hybrid dog created by crossing a Poodle and an Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
Character:	people-oriented, intelligent, lively, friendly
Height at the withers:	Standard Whoodle: up to 50 cm Mini Whoodle: 35–40 cm Toy Whoodle: 20–25 cm
Weight:	Standard Whoodle: up to 27 kg Mini Whoodle: 11–16 kg Toy Whoodle: 4.5–9 kg
Coat:	wavy or curly, in cream, fawn, chocolate brown, black, silver-grey or red, also possible in two colours
Coat care:	demanding, daily brushing, clipping every 2–3 months
Exercise needs:	moderate exercise needs, activities such as agility or obedience
Suitable for first-time owners:	generally yes
Barking:	fairly vocal
Life expectancy:	12–15 years
Common illnesses:	eye diseases, patellar luxation, kidney problems, Addison’s disease
FCI group:	not recognised
Origin:	USA