Introduction
It’s easy to fall head over heels for the charming Whoodle. Born from the beloved Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the clever Poodle, Whoodles (also affectionately known as Wheatendoodles, Sweatenpoos, Wheatenpoos, or Sweatendoodles) look like cuddly teddy bears with a warm, affectionate nature to match.
As a relatively new hybrid, the Whoodle isn’t officially recognized as a breed and doesn’t have a fixed standard describing their look or temperament. However, their well-established parent breeds provide clear insight into what you can expect when welcoming a Whoodle into your home.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers were originally bred as hardworking Irish farm dogs. According to the American Wheaten Terrier Club, these terriers are “lively, curious, and exuberant dogs who openly express their affection for people.” Beneath their signature soft, wavy coat lies a sturdy, muscular dog with a strong heart.
Poodles, with origins in Germany, were originally trained as water retrievers for duck hunting. Their thick, luxurious coats were vital in protecting them from icy cold waters. Known for their elegance and high energy, Poodles are also celebrated as one of the smartest dog breeds worldwide.
The adult size of your Whoodle will largely depend on their parents. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers typically weigh between 30 and 40 pounds, while Poodles come in three sizes: Toy (4–6 pounds), Miniature (10–15 pounds), and Standard (40–70 pounds). So, depending on which Poodle size your Whoodle descends from, you might bring home a petite companion or a larger, more robust dog.
While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, both Poodles and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are recognized as low-shedding, low-allergen breeds. This means Whoodles may be a great choice for individuals sensitive to dog allergens.
Caring for a Whoodle
Whoodles require thoughtful and dedicated care. Their higher-than-average intelligence and energetic nature mean they thrive best with experienced pet parents who can provide consistent, positive training alongside engaging physical and mental activities. They may not be ideal for homes with very young children, as Whoodles often express their affection through exuberant full-body hugs and enthusiastic jumping, which can overwhelm little ones.
But it’s not only their minds and bodies that need attention—their gorgeous, soft, curly coat demands daily maintenance. Although they don’t shed heavily, their fur is prone to mats and tangles, necessitating daily brushing and combing. Additionally, professional grooming every four to eight weeks helps keep their coat healthy and manageable.
Whoodle Health Issues
Both Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers and Poodles are generally healthy breeds, with life expectancies ranging from 12 to 18 years, so Whoodles typically share this lifespan. Nonetheless, these parent breeds are susceptible to certain health conditions that can be inherited by Whoodles.
Protein-Losing Enteropathy
Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a condition characterized by the excessive loss of protein from the intestines. Normally, proteins absorbed into the bloodstream are contained by healthy intestinal vessels, but damage can cause proteins to leak into the intestines faster than they can be replenished.
While any dog can develop PLE, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a higher predisposition. Although PLE can’t typically be cured, management focuses on treating the underlying cause to improve quality of life.
Protein-Losing Nephropathy
Protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) is a kidney disease affecting the glomerulus, the kidney’s filtering unit. In healthy kidneys, the glomerulus prevents large molecules like proteins from passing into urine, but diseased glomeruli allow protein loss through urine.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are more susceptible to PLN. Treatment generally involves medications and supportive care, as the disease can progress to chronic kidney failure if untreated.
Renal Dysplasia
Renal dysplasia is an inherited developmental disorder where one or both kidneys fail to mature properly. Though it affects several breeds, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are especially vulnerable. Puppies with severe renal dysplasia often succumb to kidney failure by six months old.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint develops abnormally, resulting in joint instability and arthritic changes. Larger dogs, including Standard Poodles, are more prone to this condition.
Common signs include:
- Limping or favoring a leg
- Hesitation to rise or jump
- Shifting weight to the front legs
- Muscle loss in the hind limbs
- Signs of hip discomfort
Mild cases can often be managed with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, but severe situations might require surgical intervention.
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy, a neurological disorder causing recurrent seizures without a known cause, is more frequently seen in Poodles.
Seizures typically last under a minute and may involve loss of consciousness, uncontrolled muscle movements, and loss of bladder or bowel control. This condition is managed with anticonvulsant medications.
Sebaceous Adenitis
Poodles are prone to sebaceous adenitis, an inflammatory skin disease that affects the hair follicles. In long-haired dogs like Poodles, symptoms can include:
- Hair loss
- Odor along the hairline
- Clumps of matted fur
- Dull, brittle, or coarse hair texture
- Itching and scratching
- White, scaly skin patches
- Clusters of skin lesions, especially around the head
Treatment depends on disease severity and may involve oral medications and medicated shampoos designed to control infection and inflammation.
Von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is a hereditary blood clotting disorder more common in Poodles. It causes a deficiency in von Willebrand factor, a protein crucial for platelet function and blood clotting.
Dogs with vWD usually appear normal but can experience excessive bleeding during trauma or surgery. Veterinarians often recommend screening susceptible breeds before procedures like spaying or neutering, and blood transfusions may be necessary to manage bleeding episodes.
What To Feed a Whoodle
Every Whoodle is unique, especially given that their Poodle parent may be Standard, Miniature, or Toy-sized—making universal feeding recommendations tricky.
Partnering with your veterinarian is essential to create a balanced, nutritionally complete feeding plan tailored to your Whoodle’s age, size, and health history.
How To Feed a Whoodle
Adult dogs generally thrive on two meals daily—morning and evening. However, Whoodle puppies have a higher metabolism and typically benefit from three meals a day, including a midday feeding.
How Much Should You Feed a Whoodle?
Feeding guidelines on dog food packaging offer a helpful starting point, based on your dog’s weight. For more personalized guidance, consult your veterinarian, who will factor in your Whoodle’s body condition, activity level, and any specific health concerns.
Nutritional Tips for Whoodles
If your Whoodle eats a dog food meeting the rigorous standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), additional supplements aren’t usually necessary. However, some dogs may require special prescription diets or supplements to manage or prevent particular health issues. Always discuss any dietary additions with your vet before introducing them.
Whoodle Personality and Temperament
Whoodles are highly intelligent, lively dogs bursting with energy and a joyful love for life and their families.
They generally enjoy being around children, but their spirited enthusiasm may overwhelm very young kids, especially with larger Standard Whoodles. Smaller Whoodles tend to do better with little ones. It’s wise to supervise all child-dog interactions and teach children how to engage respectfully and safely with pets.
Whoodle Behavior
Whoodles crave close companionship and benefit greatly from daily exercise. When left bored or lonely, they might resort to chewing, barking, or other unwanted behaviors.
Exercise needs vary by size—with bigger Whoodles needing more vigorous activity daily. Your veterinarian can help determine the right amount of physical activity for your pup. Keep in mind that Whoodles may have a strong prey drive inherited from their parents, so always keep them safely within a fenced yard or on a leash during outdoor time.
Whoodle Training
Early socialization is key—dogs learn how to interact with their world primarily between birth and 16 weeks old. Check with your breeder about their socialization efforts, then continue exposing your Whoodle to a variety of people, pets, sights, and sounds.
Although Poodles respond well to training, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers tend to be more independent, which can make training a mixed experience in a Whoodle. Patience and positive reinforcement techniques are the most effective approach. Also consider that training treats contribute calories, so adjust mealtime accordingly to maintain a healthy weight.
Fun Activities for Whoodles
- Obedience and advanced skills training
- Agility courses
- Swimming sessions
- Hiking adventures
- Leisurely neighborhood walks
Whoodle Grooming Guide
While Whoodles shed minimally, their exquisite curly coats demand committed grooming routines. Their coats can come in beautiful shades like brown, gray, black, white, and gold, each requiring daily care.
Skin Care
Protecting your Whoodle’s skin begins with diligent coat maintenance. Matted fur can trap moisture, burrs, and irritants that lead to skin problems.
Consult your veterinarian about the best bathing schedule for your dog. Overbathing can strip natural oils, resulting in dry, itchy skin, so find a balance that keeps their coat healthy.
Coat Care
Daily brushing and combing, reaching down to the skin, are essential to prevent painful mats. If mats do form, avoid cutting them out with scissors to prevent injury—instead, gently loosen them with your fingers or a comb.
Regular professional grooming visits and shorter haircuts can ease your home grooming workload.
Eye Care
Keep an eye out for any changes such as cloudiness, redness, or discharge. Trim the hair around your Whoodle’s eyes regularly to avoid irritation, and consult your vet if you notice any abnormalities.
Ear Care
Since Poodles can grow fur inside their ear canals, this can increase the risk of ear infections. Ask your vet how to properly clean your dog’s ears and how often. If you see signs like redness, foul odor, pain, or itching, seek veterinary care promptly.
Considerations for Pet Parents
Before bringing a Whoodle into your life, consider these questions carefully:
- Can I commit to daily brushing and combing to maintain a Whoodle’s coat?
- Am I prepared financially for regular professional grooming?
- Will I be home enough to provide the companionship this social breed needs?
- Is my home free from small children who might accidentally be overwhelmed by an exuberant dog?
- Do I have the time and energy to meet a Whoodle’s daily mental and physical exercise needs?
- Am I willing to invest the patience, skills, and dedication required for positive reinforcement training?
- Can I afford ongoing veterinary care to keep my dog healthy?
- Am I prepared to provide a loving, lifelong home, potentially extending to 18 years or more?
If you can answer these questions with a heartfelt “Yes!”, a Whoodle may be the perfect companion for you.
Are Whoodles low-maintenance?
Whoodles are far from low-maintenance. They require savvy, experienced owners who can dedicate time to positive training and daily mental and physical stimulation. Their coats need daily grooming to prevent mats and keep them healthy.
How much does a Whoodle cost?
Prices vary by breeder, but you can generally expect to pay over $1,000 for a Whoodle puppy. Be sure to research breeders carefully to find one that prioritizes the health and welfare of their dogs over profit.
What were Whoodles bred for?
Though the exact origins of Whoodles are unclear, they are likely bred to combine the teddy bear-like appearance, minimal shedding coat, and impressive intelligence of their parent breeds.
Do Whoodles bark a lot?
With working dog lineage, Whoodles may have a tendency to bark, inherited from their parents’ herding and hunting skills. Early and positive training combined with regular companionship can help keep barking under control.
