The amazing Whoodle is the crossbreed of a Poodle and Wheaten Terrier. You may have seen their pictures and are considering owning one someday. Well, the Whoodle may have inherited traits from either parent that makes them a bad fit for you. Together, let us explore what makes the Whoodle a great dog to own. And, we can also explore some deal breakers in the end. Plus a few pros and cons of owning a Whoodle.
Pros Of Owning A Whoodle
Like most humans, you may be wanting to hear the good news first. These pros are all the great things that come with owning a Whoodle.
Hypoallergenic
The biggest draw to all Doodles is their hypoallergenic coats. If you own a Whoodle, you can expect little to no shedding at all. Having a hypoallergenic dog has a lot of benefits. But if you are someone who is allergic to dogs, don’t expect Doodles to be the answer to your prayers. Whoodles still produce dander, which is what people are allergic to.
Whoodle Temperament
Your Whoodle will be one of the kindest, most gentle-hearted dogs. One of the first questions people ask is, “Are Whoodles aggressive?” To answer simply, no. These dogs do not make excellent guard dogs, and with socialization, they love everyone. While they have a gentle spirit, they are filled with joy and energy. They make great pets for people with active lifestyles.
Whoodle Size
Whoodles are one of the breeds that comes in multiple different sizes. With sizes ranging from mini to standard, your Whoodle should only weigh 20-45 pounds. This will give you a choice that will fit into your lifestyle more. Smaller Whoodles can even be great for apartments with regular outdoor activity.
Intelligence
Another great pro for the Whoodle is their high intelligence. Whoodles love training and respond well with positive reinforcement. Whoodles learn fast and will excel in training classes. They form passionate bonds with their owners and will perform anything for them. They enjoy everything from simple tricks to intense agility training. There isn’t any limit to what they can achieve.
Good With Kids
Whoodles are known to be excellent with kids. With proper training, your Whoodle will love and protect your children as their own. Your kids will love to play and run with your Whoodle. Your Whoodle will be kind and gentle around all kids if socialized from a young age. But this socialization goes both ways. Never leave children alone with a dog until they can be trusted.
Rare
Having an uncommon breed makes it slightly easier to find a reputable breeder. Most Whoodle breeders are not backyard breeders, but it is essential to do your research into any breeder. Having an uncommon breed also makes it easier to find properly bred dogs. You have a slightly reduced risk of getting a poorly bred dog, or dogs that are inbred.
Not Big Barkers
Everyone wants a dog that doesn’t bark. And while it is impossible to get a dog that never barks, Whoodles bark very little. They are not like your typical small dogs that bark at everything that moves.
If your Whoodle is barking at something, there must be a danger. And since they bark so little, you won’t have to worry about them disturbing your neighbors. So if you live in an apartment, Whoodles aren’t entirely out of the question.
Beautiful Colors
Whoodle’s beautiful coat comes in a variety of different colors. With options in red, black, brown, cream, and even silver, you can never get enough of the cuteness. All the options make it challenging to decide which one you love the most.
Long Life Expectancy
The average Whoodle has a long lifespan of about 15 years. Some Whoodles even live longer than that with great care.
As long as you:
- Keep your dog groomed
- Take care of all medical checkups Feed a high-quality diet
- And keep up with regular exercise
- Your Whoodle can live well for over 15 years.
Rescues Available
While the Whoodle is considered rare, in some cities, there are Whoodle rescues. Rescue dogs can be great for people who have the time and lifestyle to take in pets that need a second chance. Adopting is different than buying because these dogs are usually older and given up for various reasons. To look for a rescue near you, search for mixed breed rescues, Wheaten rescues, or your local animal shelter.
Cons Of Owning A Whoodle
Every dog breed has aspects that are not for every owner. These can make or break the suitability of your home for Whoodles. If you get to the bottom of this list and don’t see any deal-breakers, the Whoodle is perfect for you.
Grooming
Grooming your Whoodle may be the biggest downside of the breed. You will need to spend time every day carefully brushing your Whoodle to prevent mats from forming. You will also most likely have to invest in a range of grooming tools for at home. Then, there is the cost of taking your dog to a professional groomer every 6-12 weeks. These can all add up over time. If you can not afford to groom or take the time, a Whoodle is not in your best interest.
Are Whoodles Hyper?
You bet they are. Whoodles are a high energy dog that will need exercise every day. Taking an hour a day to walk and play with your Whoodle will keep them happy and healthy. For owners who are gone most of the day, this breed may not be for you. Also, they are not a good match for people who do not like active outdoor lifestyles.
Socialization Is Key
While Whoodles are known to be very gentle and loyal to their owners, it is another story with strangers. Whoodles will need a lot of social interaction from a young age to keep their temperament mild. This is especially important to those with children. Socialization will be a continual thing to work on. Without it, your Whoodle may not like people and become nervous in social settings.
Rare
Being a rare breed has its pros, but it also has its cons. Being so uncommon, you may find that your breeder has a long waiting list for puppies. It can also mean that you have to do some travel to find a breeder. All of these leads to higher prices for a well-bred puppy.
Constant Training
Whoodles are the type of breed that needs continuous training. Your Whoodle will need to have ongoing refreshers to keep them on track and mentally stimulated. They are a working dog that never likes to be idle. Without mental stimulation, they can become bored and frustrated. Frustration can lead to chewing and other misbehavior. If you do not have the time for training several times a week, the Whoodle is not for you.
Strong Prey Drive
Another con of the Whoodle is that they have a strong prey drive. While they can be sweet and affectionate towards children and animals, they need supervision. This prey drive can cause them to stalk and even hurt small children and small pets. That is why constant training and plenty of exercise is needed. If they are mentally and physically sound, this will curb the prey drive.
Separation Anxiety
Like most Doodles, the Whoodle can suffer from separation anxiety. Because they are so loyal and have higher intelligence, they thrive in social environments. For people who work long hours, this can pose an issue. You will need to make other arrangements. You may want to consider Doggy Daycare or dog walkers to help give your dog the attention they need.
Medical Conditions
Whoodles can be prone to several diseases. These pass down from both the Poodle and Wheaten parents to the mixed breed. It is that mixed breeds are healthier. Being a hybrid does not cancel out genetic traits for a disease.
- Whoodles are especially prone to:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye disease
- Allergies
- Ear and eye infections Kidney disease
- And Addison’s disease
These diseases can run in both the Poodle and Wheaten family lines. There are genetic tests that can verify a good mating match, but these are not 100%. Going to your vet regularly and having pet insurance can help save your pet should anything happen.
Cost
As mentioned before, since the Whoodle is uncommon, they are more expensive. Reputable breeders are known to charge $1,200-$5,000. These higher prices are for well-bred lines with great genetics and DNA testing. While it is not always a guarantee that higher rates mean better breeding. We recommend doing extensive research into any breeder before making deposits.
What Do You Think?
Do you think you are suitable for Whoodle life? If you don’t see anything on the cons list that holds you back, you are a perfect match. If anything concerns you about Whoodles, talk to a trusted breeder or vet before taking the plunge. Whoodles can be fantastic dogs to own with the right fit. They can be your best friend and exciting to have.
If the Whoodle is not your cup of tea, no worries, subscribe to our blog for more beautiful Doodles. You may find a perfect Doodle match just yet.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!!
