If you’re looking for a loyal and intelligent dog that has plenty of energy, then the lively Whoodle may be the perfect dog for you. Due to their hypoallergenic nature and adorable furnishings, Whoodles have been steadily increasing in popularity since 2014. Here are some of the top questions and answers:
Breed Breakdown:
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What are the parent breeds: Poodle + Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
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Do Whoodles shed? Yes, but not much.
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How big do Whoodles get? Generally between 15-45 pounds.
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How much is a Whoodle? $650-1600
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How long do Whoodles live? 12-15 years
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A Whoodle temperament? Energetic, affectionate, playful and intelligent.
History of the Whoodle
The Whoodle is a mixed breed that was developed in the early 2000s. The exact origins of theis breed are unknown, but it is believed to be a cross between the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Standard Poodle. This dog was bred to create a hypoallergenic dog that would still have the playfulness and personality of the Wheaten Terrier. The Whoodle is a relatively new breed, so there is not much known about their history. However, they are becoming increasingly popular as family pets due to their friendly and outgoing nature.
Do Whoodles Shed?
Because a Whoodle is a hybrid dog—a mix between a Poodle and Wheaten Terrier—(a breed that also sheds very little), they shed much less than other dog breeds. They don’t shed nearly as much as purebred Wheaten Terrier’s and compared to other dog breeds, they don’t shed as much.
Because there are many types of Whoodles (f1 Whoodles, f1b Whoodles, f2 Whoodles, etc.), their shedding is proportional to the amount of Poodle genes inherited from their parents. If a doodle has more Poodle characteristics, then that dog is likely to shed less.
These doodles come in 2 different coat types: wavy, or curly. A wavy coat Whoodle has very long, delicate curly hair, while a curly coat Whoodle may have shorter curlier hair. To elaborate, these features are determined by genetics. For example, when both parents have the genes for a curly coat, Whoodle puppies will most likely also have a curly coat.
Are Whoodles Hypoallergenic?
Truth be told, no dog breed is ever truly 100% hypoallergenic. All dogs have fur that can shed, making it a potential issue for people who have allergies. Despite being completely hypoallergenic, thes edoodles are an allergy-friendly dog breed.
This is mainly because of the mixture of Poodle characteristics. Pet dander, saliva, and urine are the three elements that can commonly produce allergic reactions. Luckily, because these doodles are a mix of both a Poodle and a Wheaten Terrier, the dog proceeds to inherit the allergy friendly components from both parents.
The Poodle parents, in particular, have a single coat with low dander, and their fur is non-shedding. Therefore, it’s safe to say if you decide to make a Whoodle part of your family, they’ll very likely be allergy friendly.
The degree of allergy friendliness is based on the type of doodle. For example, a f1b Whoodle will be more allergy friendly than a f1 Whoodle.
How Big Do Whoodles Get?
When it comes to Whoodle size, there are generally two categories: mini and standard. The size variation of these dogs depends primarily upon the type of Poodle parents and Wheaten Terrier parents used.
Mini Whoodles can be anywhere from 15-20 pounds when they are full grown Whoodles. They measure in at around 10-14 inches.
Standard Whoodles are the most popular size amongst pet owners, and they’re great for people who prefer the security of a bigger dog. Standard Whoodles (bred from a Standard Poodle & Wheaten Terrier) will generally reach about 21-45 pounds and 15-20 inches when fully grown adults. Because this is the biggest size, these dogs require more space to run around and play.
How Much Does a Whoodle Cost?
Whoodle price depends on a number of factors, although the general cost is $650-$1600.
Due to their hypoallergenic nature and their cute and fluffy looks, these breeds are more expensive than other dog breeds. There are also a number of factors that affect their price, such as:
Color: There are a number of different Whoodle colors. In addition to the typical black Whoodle or merle Whoodle colors, you can find Whoodle breeders who specialize in breeding tri color Whoodles, black and white Whoodles, phantom Whoodles or sable Whoodles, among others. The more “exotic” the color, the higher the price tag.
Coat: Breeders charge different prices based on the coat. Essentially, the more “Poodle” within the dog’s genetics, the more allergy-friendly the dog is. This can sometimes result in a higher price tag.
Size: Because the most common size is the standard size, you can expect to pay more money for a smaller version of this breed.
Location & Demand: Prices can fluctuate based on where you live along with how high the demand is. Bigger metropolitan cities such as San Francisco or New York will often have higher price tags, both because of the higher general cost of living, but also because these cities usually have a higher demand for allergy-friendly dogs.
Reputation of the Breeder: When it comes to purchasing a doodle from a breeder, you certainly want to do your research so that you purchase from a reputable, established breeder. While it may be cheaper to buy your doodle from an at-home breeder or from Craigslist, a good breeder can mean a world of difference. If you want a healthy, long-living dog, then it can certainly be worth spending the extra money on a reliable breeder who has done their due diligence in producing healthy pups. Keep in mind that you can also find these doodles in shelters and other rescue centers!
How Long Do Whoodles Live?
In general, these doodles will live between 12-15 years. However, there can still be outliers within these statistics. For example, smaller dogs usually live longer than larger dogs. An increased lifespan can also be attributed to crossbreeding (crossbred dogs usually outlive their purebred counterparts) along with purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder.
What’s a Whoodle’s Temperament?
Because of their playful and companion-oriented personalities, this dog breed makes the perfect family pet and is especially good around children. Whoodle owners will love their affectionate and loving sides. They’re also very athletic, have lots of energy, and love to play. Also, they love to have a “job” to do, so the more you can train them and engage them, the happier they are!
Daily Needs
- Exercise: At least one hour of exercise per day, so they are not the best breed for those who do not have an active lifestyle.
- Training: They require early socialization and training to prevent behavioral issues.
- Feeding: Should be fed a high-quality diet that is rich in proteins and fats. They may also need supplements to ensure they are getting enough vitamins and minerals.
Grooming and Haircuts
Whoodles require regular grooming, including brushing their coat, trimming their nails, and cleaning their ears. They should also be bathed on a regular basis.
Whoodle Health Issues
While Whoodles are generally healthy dogs, there are some health issues that they may be prone to. These health issues include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease, and epilepsy. It is important to talk to your veterinarian about these health concerns and make sure you are providing your pup with the best possible care.
Finding a Whoodle
If you are interested in adding a doodle to your family, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you should do your research and make sure this is the right breed for you. You should also talk to your veterinarian about any health concerns you may have. Once you have decided that a Whoodle is the right dog for you, there are a few ways to find one. You can check with local shelters and rescue groups, or you can contact a breeder. It is important to find a reputable breeder who can provide you with a healthy puppy.
Signs of a Reputable Breeder
- The breeder should be willing to answer any of your questions.
- They should also allow you to see the parents of the puppy.
- The puppies should be well-socialized and healthy.
- The breeder should provide you with a health certificate from a veterinarian.
- You should feel comfortable with the breeder and have a good feeling about them.
The Pros of Owning a Whoodle
- Hypoallergenic coat: These dogs have a hypoallergenic coat that is perfect for people who are allergic to dogs but still want to experience the joys of owning a furry friend.
- Low-shedding: These dogs also shed very little, making them a good choice for those who do not want to deal with hair everywhere.
- Super smart: They’re known for being extremely intelligent, which means they are easy to train.
- Great family dogs: They make great family dogs because they are good with children and other pets.
Cons of Owning a Whoodle
- Potential separation anxiety: These doodles can sometimes suffer from separation anxiety, which means they may become anxious and destructive when left alone.
- Barking: These dogs can be barkers, which may not be ideal for those who live in an apartment or have close neighbors.
- High energy: These dogs require a lot of exercise, so they are not the best breed for those who do not have an active lifestyle.
Conclusion
When you think about the perfect dog, you probably think about an incredibly cute dog that’s also loyal, easy to train, and great with your family. If that sounds like your kind of dog, then a Whoodle might be in your future. No matter if you’re an individual or you’re looking to bring a dog into a large family, you’re sure to enjoy the addition of your loyal, friendly new family member!