Whoodle

Canis lupus

Last updated: March 21, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© iStock.com/Jonathan Koh

Whoodles are good swimmers


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Whoodle Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Whoodle Conservation Status

Whoodle Locations

Whoodle Locations

Whoodle Facts

Fun Fact
Whoodles are good swimmers
Diet
Omnivore

Whoodle Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Grey
  • Red
  • Black
  • Cream
  • Silver
Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Weight
60 lbs

Whoodle as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Low
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Warm climate
Exercise Needs
High
Friendly With Other Dogs
High
Pure bred cost to own
$1100
Dog group
Non-sporting
Male weight
20-60 lbs
Female weight
20-60 lbs

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Whoodles inherited a love of swimming from their poodle parent.

When you breed a poodle with a soft-coated Wheaten terrier you get what’s known as a Whoodle. This canine has a friendly, affectionate personality and is very energetic. Whoodles belong to the hybrid group of dogs.

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Though Whoodles originated in the United States, no one knows exactly when they were first bred. These dogs shed very little which is a trait they get from both sides of the family.

These dogs are popular with families because of their playfulness and ability to interact well with children.

Evolution

The Whoodle is one of many “designer dogs” developed in the 1960s in an attempt to combine the hypoallergenic, non-shedding coat and intelligence of the poodle with other popular breeds. The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is known for its beautiful, soft fur – so the combination produces a dog with a lovely, soft, low-shedding coat.



Whoodle sitting in car

Whoodles shed very little and are great pets for people with allergies.

©Dave Lauretti from Burlington, Canada / CC BY 2.0 – License

Health and Entertainment for your Whoodle

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The 3 Different Types of Whoodles and Whoodle Mixes

The size of a Whoodle varies according to the size of its poodle parent. The Whoodle will be one of three sizes depending on whether the breeding involves a toy poodle, mini poodle, or standard poodle. The three types of Whoodles include:

  • Toy Whoodle
  • Mini Whoodle
  • Standard Whoodle

3 Pros and Cons of Owning Whoodles

Pros!Cons!
Sheds very little
Whoodles shed very little hair which simplifies their grooming routine.
Very energetic
These dogs have a high energy level. An owner must be devoted to giving this pet at least 60 minutes of exercise once a day.
Child-friendly
Whoodles get along well with children which makes them a favorite of families with kids of all ages.
Tricky to train
Though Whoodles are intelligent, their high level of energy can affect their focus during training sessions.
Apartment-friendly
Toy and mini Whoodles are suitable in size for apartment living!
Doesn’t like to be alone
This dog suffers from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Their anxiety can take the form of chewing or causing other damage.
Whoodle relaxing

A Whoodle’s size depends on the size of its poodle parent.

©thatsmrbio/Shutterstock.com

Size and Weight

Usually, standard Whoodles can grow as tall as 20 inches from head to foot. Furthermore, these dogs can weigh as much as 60 pounds, fully grown. At 8 weeks of age, standard Whoodles weigh around 10 pounds and they are considered fully grown at 18 months.

Height (Male)20 inches tall
Height (Female)20 inches tall
Weight (Male)60 lbs. fully grown
Weight (Female)60 lbs. fully grown

Common Health Issues

Whoodles have the same health issues as poodles and Wheaten terriers.

©gorillaimages/Shutterstock.com

Understandably, Whoodles have some of the same health issues as poodles and Wheaten terriers. One of those issues is epilepsy. This condition is a result of abnormal electrical activity in the dog’s brain. It can cause a dog to have seizures. These seizures can come in the form of convulsions or a dog can lose consciousness. This is usually diagnosed in a dog between the ages of 1 and 5 years old. Fortunately, there are some medications that can control seizures.

Additionally, Progressive Retinal Atrophy can happen. This is when the cells in a dog’s eyes deteriorate over time leading to partial or total blindness. A dog that’s reluctant to go outside in the dark is one possible sign of this condition. Sometimes supplements can slow down its progression.

Also, Whoodles are prone to bloat. This is when the dog’s stomach becomes twisted trapping food, liquid, and air. Bloat decreases blood flow to other organs and is very serious. Eating food too quickly can lead to bloat. Some symptoms include a distended stomach, retching, and trouble breathing. A veterinarian can relieve bloat with a special tube or even surgery. It’s important for an owner to be aware of the signs of this condition.

The most common health issues for Whoodles include:

  • Epilepsy
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Bloat

Temperament and Behavior

These dogs have playful, goofy personalities and an affectionate temperament. They love to run, jump, and play games with their families. In fact, they are well-known for their energetic behavior! These dogs are intelligent and eager to please just like their poodle and Wheaten terrier parents.

Of course, the trait of intelligence is helpful when training any dog. However, they are inquisitive which means they are easily distracted during training time. So, having very few distractions around and keeping training sessions short are both helpful in providing obedience instruction to this hybrid dog.

Whoodle

Whoodles are a lively breed that is always ready to play.

©iStock.com/Jonathan Koh

How to Take Care of Whoodles

First of all, an owner who wants to take excellent care of their pet can begin by learning as much as possible about this breed before getting one. Taking into account the diet of a puppy or adult as well as its exercise needs, health issues, and grooming requirements can help an owner to make a sensible plan of care for this lively dog.

The Best Dog Food for Whoodles

Not surprisingly, a puppy and an adult dog require different types and amounts of nutrients in their diet. For that reason, discover some of the basic nutrients to include in the diet of puppies and adults.

Puppy food: Omega-3 fatty acids and DHA in a Whoodle puppy’s diet contribute to the healthy development of its eyes and brain. Supporting a puppy’s eye health early on can help to prevent Progressive retinal atrophy. Calcium is an important ingredient that provides strength to the puppy’s growing bones and teeth. Fat is essential for giving these active puppies the energy they need to explore and discover their environment. Plus, protein in the form of chicken, whole grain wheat, or pork liver adds strength to developing muscles and joints.

Adult dog food: Antioxidants support a healthy immune system in an adult Whoodle. Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to the healthy vision of this dog and serve as some protection against Progressive retinal atrophy. Protein supports strong muscles and tendons. An adult Whoodle should still have fat in its diet, but a limited amount. A limited amount of fat offers an adult dog the energy it needs without adding excess weight. An adult Whoodle should receive three small portions of food, three times a day. This prevents the dog from gulping down food (along with a lot of air) leading to a possible case of bloat.

So, due to the risk of bloat, use your judgment in picking out dog food. Helpfully, some experts recommend high-protein dog food with bone as a main ingredient, while others advise Whoodle owners to opt for wet dog food since it won’t expand in the stomach.

Therefore, the A-Z Animals’ choice for the best dog food is Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach Pate Wet Dog Food, FOCUS Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Entree.

Firstly, this is a canned pate-style dog food instead of absorbent kibble to reduce the likelihood of bloat. Plus, the sensitive stomach formula includes rice or oat with prebiotic fiber, which eases digestion. Moreover, there’s vitamin A for the eyes and all the necessary nutrients for nervous system support.

So, follow this link to get Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach Pate on Chewy and Amazon.

Best Wet
Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Pate Wet Dog Food
  • High protein wet dog food with real salmon taste and rice
  • Contains linoleic acid, an omega fatty acid, for healthy skin and coat
  • No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
  • Set of 12 13 oz cans
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Maintenance and Grooming

So, how much do these dogs shed? One of the many reasons why this hybrid is so popular is it sheds very little hair.

A grooming routine for the dog should include brushing it two to three times per week. A slicker brush is useful for removing mats and tangles. Make sure the bristles of the slicker brush have plastic covers, so they brush lightly against the dog’s skin. It’s a good idea to go over the dog’s coat with a nylon brush. This grooming tool stirs up natural oils and makes the dog’s black, silver, or rust coat look shiny.

Sebaceous adenitis is a common skin condition. Hair loss and redness are both signs of sebaceous adenitis. Luckily, there are some topical salves that can help treat this condition.

Animal, Beauty, Close-up, Color Image, Cute

Whoodles are intelligent and easy to train if you can keep distractions to a minimum.

©iStock.com/Jonathan Koh

Training

These are intelligent dogs. As a result, they’re easier to train. But, along with being intelligent, they are easily distracted. So, it’s best to schedule short training sessions in an area that is free of distractions.

In comparison, Labradoodles are easy to train and are not as easily distracted as Whoodles.

Exercise

Importantly, regular exercise plays a part in maintaining the good health of these dogs. They need around 60 minutes of exercise each day. Playing chase, walking in a nearby field or woods, or alternately visiting a dog park are all great forms of exercise for the dog.

A toy or mini Whoodle would be suitable for apartment living. However, in terms of size, a standard Whoodle is a little too large to live comfortably in an apartment.

Puppies

Puppies are anxious to explore their environment from the get-go. It’s best for an owner to allow these puppies to wander in a fenced-in, safe area until they get some obedience training.

Whoodle puppy playing with frisbee

Once Woodle puppies have been socialized – they are great with children.

©Alex de la Osa/Shutterstock.com

Children and Whoodles

Once they’ve been socialized, these dogs are good with kids of all ages. They love to run around outside and have fun or cuddle next to a family member indoors.

Dogs Similar to Whoodles

white mini labradoodle

Mini-Labradoodles are similar to Whoodles.

©Lynxs Photography/Shutterstock.com

Other breeds similar to these dogs include:

  • Labradoodles – Labradoodles and Whoodles are intelligent and shed very little. Both dogs can have a black coat, however, a Whoodle’s fur can be many other colors such as silver, chocolate, or rust.
  • Goldendoodles – Goldendoodles and Whoodles have a friendly, playful temperament. In terms of energy, a Goldendoodle is less energetic than a Whoodle.
  • Cockapoos – Cockapoos and Whoodles have an affectionate temperament. When it comes to size, a Whoodle weighs more than a Cockapoo.
white Cockapoo standing on a couch

Like the Whoodle, socialized cockapoos are gentle and friendly with children.

©Maria Bell/Shutterstock.com

Popular names for these dogs include

  • Buddy
  • Sophie
  • Ollie
  • Ellie
  • Piper
  • Griffin
  • Abby
  • Duncan

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What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

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Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

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How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
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About the Author

After a career of working to provide opportunities for local communities to experience and create art, I am enjoying having time to write about two of my favorite things - nature and animals. Half of my life is spent outdoors, usually with my husband and sweet little fourteen year old dog. We love to take walks by the lake and take photos of the animals we meet including: otters, ospreys, Canadian geese, ducks and nesting bald eagles. I also enjoy reading, discovering books to add to my library, collecting and playing vinyl, and listening to my son's music.

Whoodle FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a Whoodle?

A Whoodle is a cross between a soft-coated Wheaten terrier and a poodle. The poodle in the mix is the one that dictates the size of the Whoodle. If the father is a standard poodle, then the Whoodle will be a standard size. The same goes if the poodle father is a mini or a toy.

Whoodles can be black, silver, rust, cream, brown, or spotted.

Breeders decided to combine these two purebreds to make a dog that is a low shedder, intelligent and affectionate.

How much does it cost to own a Whoodle?

The purchase price for a Whoodle is around $1100. But the price varies among breeders.

A Whoodle rescue organization is a less costly option for someone looking for a Whoodle.

The veterinary costs for a Whoodle range from $100 to $400 per year. Of course, costs change if the dog develops a health issue.

The food costs of a Whoodle range from $50 to $100 each month.

Are Whoodles good with kids?

Yes! Whoodle puppies and dogs are known to be good with kids.

How much does a Whoodle cost?

The initial price of a Whoodle is approximately $1100. This would be a price charged by a breeder.
Another option is to look for a Whoodle at a rescue organization. A rescue organization will charge less than breeders.

How long do Whoodles live?

The lifespan of a Whoodle is 12 to 15 years.

Are Whoodles aggressive?

No, these dogs have an even temperament and aren’t aggressive. Keep in mind any dog that feels threatened or trapped can become aggressive out of self-preservation.

How big do Whoodles get?

Standard Whoodles can be as heavy as 60 pounds and grow to 20 inches tall head to foot. A mini Whoodle can weigh as much as 20 pounds and measure 14 inches tall. A toy Whoodle can be 12 inches tall and weigh around 15 pounds. So, the size of a Whoodle depends on its type!

Are Whoodles hyper?

Some breeders categorize Whoodles as hyper. These dogs have a lot of energy which can be interpreted as hyperactivity. That’s why daily exercise is so important. It allows these active dogs to get the wiggles out!

What are the differences between Whoodles and Wheaten Terrier?

The main differences between a Whoodle and a Wheaten Terrier are that Whoodles are hybrids while Wheatens are purebred, Whoodles are “hypoallergenic,” and Whoodles can be larger or smaller, depending on the poodle parents.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. Dog Breed Info, Available here: https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/whoodles.htm
  2. Hello Bark, Available here: https://hellobark.com/dogs/whoodle/

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