The Whoodle. A Designer Dog, NOT A Creature In Whoville! [with photos]

Rocky Kanaka |

May 18, 2023

The Whoodle dog is a mixed-breed dog with one Poodle parent and one Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier parent. An unusual variety of Doodle, you won’t find many Whoodles at the dog park or walking around your neighborhood. While some might consider this a “rare” breed, the Whoodle is better described as a mix that simply hasn’t gained traction—and for a few key reasons.

While popular Doodles like the Labradoodle have become popular thanks to the fairly compatible personalities of Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, the same isn’t true for crosses like the Whoodle. When you mix breeds, it’s best to combine like with like. In the case of the Whoodle, their genetics can conflict, producing unpredictable results. While many Whoodles make great family pets, they aren’t a good choice for first-time dog owners or someone looking for a low-key dog.

In this guide, we’re covering everything you need to know about Whoodles to help you decide if this mixed breed could be right for your lifestyle!

Meet 5 Insta-Famous Whoodles

Because the Whoodle isn’t a purebred dog breed, their looks can vary tremendously from individual to individual. Take a look at five examples of the Whoodle dog to see the range of looks you can expect within the mix. Without further ado, let’s dive in!

1. Stevie

^Source:^{@Stevie_Whoodle}

Miss Stevie is an 8-year-old Whoodle named after the great Stevie Nicks! A sweet girl with a handful of quirks—like an occasional fear of the stairs—Stevie is always keeping her humans on their toes.

2. Pretzel

^Source:^{@Jimmy_Pretzels_}

This mini Whoodle is basically just a living teddy bear if a teddy bear was super curious, cuddly, and playful! Pretzel likes to spend as much time as possible napping, but will also settle for keeping an eye on the neighborhood from a window or going out with his humans.

3. Jordie

^Source:^{@JordieTheWhoodle}

This handsome gentleman with an extraordinary beard is Jordie, a 9-year-old Whoodle from Nova Scotia! A total snuggle bug who loves his puppy toy more than anything, Jordie’s Wheaten Terrier parentage really shines through in his coat coloration.

4. Grizzly

^Source:^{@GrizzlyTheWhoodle}

Grizzly is a 3-year-old Whoodle from Minneapolis, Minnesota who loves walks, taking naps, and cheese! Grizzly is also a social pup who loves to spend time with his canine and human friends.

5. Karma

^Source:^{@WhoodleKarma}

Karma is still just a baby, so she might grow out of some of her markings—for now, she’s got an amazing almost-brindle pattern and a soft cocoa-colored coat!

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Poodle Mix Basic Info

Before we get into more details, let’s get one thing straight: What is a Whoodle, exactly?

WhoDoodles are a mix of Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and Standard Poodles. Most Whoodles are medium-sized dogs, but some breeders have also produced mini Whoodles, which are a cross of Wheaten Terrier and Miniature Poodle.

Considered a designer dog breed, this mix is relatively unpredictable and can produce a variety of results. Despite this, there are some pieces of information we can assume about this mix based on parentage and what we know about Wheaten Terriers and Poodles.

Whoodle Temperament

WhoDoodles are often high-energy, high-strung dogs prone to separation anxiety and reactivity. Both Poodles and Wheaten Terriers can become extremely attached to their owners, sometimes to the point of obsession. “I have a 6mo Whoodle and she is a sweetie and a bundle of energy. She is actually over-friendly, if that’s a thing,” says a Reddit user in a comment on a thread about Whoodles.

A whoodle — ^{Source: MARIE VANDERWEIDE-MURRAY / GETTY}

The user goes on to note that their very social puppy loves people, but doesn’t always love to listen to people: “She learns commands super quickly but knows when you have treats, so she might not do it if you don’t.”

Other Whoodle owners have shared similar experiences. “I recently got a wonderful Whoodle boy puppy…Despite him being super sweet and friendly he tends to get extremely worked up. His night-time energy results in him nipping and gnawing at us constantly. He never bites to injure, but he does get very aggressive if I try and assert myself. He’s given me some pretty nasty barks/growls while snapping at me, but never lands the snap on my skin (probably intentionally because I’m never ready for it). I think it may align with regular puppy play, but it’s really intense sometimes — somewhat scary,” said a Whoodle owner struggling to get their puppy to stop nipping.

This is a prime example of why the Whoodle may not be a good mix for a first-time or inexperienced dog owner. Wheaten Terriers and Wheaten mixes are known for pushing back against their owners, and for their sometimes explosive behavior. While this can absolutely be managed and Whoodles can become incredible pets, training requires a lot of work and patience. Long walks might work to tire out some dogs, but Whoodles need a whole lot more than a little exercise to relax.

Whoodle Size

Standard WhoDoodles stand at about 14—22 inches tall and weigh between 30—45 pounds. Mini Whoodles may be smaller, but keep in mind that Wheaten Terriers are fairly large, so no mix with Wheaten parentage will be truly small.

Whoodle Health

Both Poodles and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are prone to Addison’s disease, which affects hormone levels and overall wellness, Though Addison’s disease is quite uncommon, Whoodles risk inheriting this condition from either side of their parentage.

Other common health issues that may affect Whoodles include:

Bone and joint issues (including hip and elbow dysplasia)
Eye and vision problems
Digestive problems
Bloat

Where To Find a Whoodle Puppy

Whoodle puppies are undeniably adorable, but acquiring one ethically is a bit of a challenge. The unregulated breeding of designer dog breeds like Whoodles is considered unethical by most standards. In particular, backyard breeders producing mixed breeds like Whoodles neglect to do the proper health checks for their parent dogs, which can result in health issues for the puppies.

Because of this, it’s really best not to buy a Whoodle puppy from a breeder or anyone advertising that they sell this mix.

Instead, try searching for your Whoodle at your local shelter or animal rescue, by checking online pet adoption databases like Petfinder, or working with breed-specific rescue organizations.

Whoodle FAQ

Do you have more questions about the Whoodle? Maybe you’ve just adopted a Whoodle puppy and need some training advice! Here are some of the top questions we get about this mixed breed.

Are Whoodles easy to train?

Yes and no! Whoodles are highly intelligent and can pick up on commands quickly. However, Whoodles are also known for stubbornness and may refuse to perform commands even if they know exactly what they are supposed to do. Because Whoodles love to push the boundaries, their owners need to have experience with canine behavior, plenty of patience, and a good sense of humor.

Are Whoodles hypoallergenic?

No. Whoodles are low-shedding since both soft-coated Wheaten Terriers and Poodles are low-shedding. Despite dropping little fur, Whoodles still carry the same amount of canine allergen as any other dog. Dander (dead skin), saliva, and urine carry the proteins humans are allergic to, so your dog’s fur doesn’t make much of a difference in terms of allergen potential.

Do Whoodles need regular grooming?

Yes! Whoodles need regular baths, brushing, and professional grooming to prevent matting, remove debris, and maintain the health of their coats. Whoodles may need trims as often as every 8 weeks but will need to be brushed between grooming sessions to keep their fur from tangling.

Are Whoodles recognized by the American Kennel Club?

No. Whoodles are not purebred dogs, and therefore not eligible for a spot in the American Kennel Club. Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers and Poodles are AKC-recognized, but mixed breeds are never officially recognized by this or any other official breeder organization.

What is the difference between a standard Whoodle and a mini Whoodle?

Standard Whoodles are medium-sized dogs whose parentage includes Standard Poodle genetics. Mini Whoodles are small-medium dogs whose parentage includes Miniature Poodle. While mini Whoodles can be quite small (relatively) they will never be extremely small or truly mini, since Wheaten Terriers are medium-sized dogs.

What is the best dog food for Whoodles?

What you feed your Whoodle will depend on their specific nutritional needs, taste, and medical history. Many Whoodles—and other breeds—do very well on fresh dog food formulas, but there are tons of high-quality dog foods available to you. Talk to your vet to get more information about your dog’s specific needs.

Do Whoodles bark a lot?

Sometimes! Some Whoodles are extremely vocal, while others are slightly more reserved. In general, Whoodles are high-energy, which can translate to being loud quite quickly. Prone to separation anxiety, Whoodles may be especially vocal when they are left alone, but can also be reactive towards other dogs, people, and noises.

Where can I find Whoodle puppies for sale, specifically mini Whoodle puppies?

If you’re looking to bring home a Whoodle puppy, including the miniature variety, there are several options available. You can search online classifieds, or connect with reputable breeders who specialize in Whoodles. By using specific search terms like “mini Whoodle puppies for sale,” you can narrow down your search and find breeders or sellers that offer these mini Whoodles. However, as we mentioned above, you really need to make sure the breeder you work with is reputable and following best practices. We never recommend buying dogs from pet stores.

Are Whoodles suitable for pet owners with different lifestyles?

Maybe. Whoodles make wonderful companions for experienced pet owners as they can be a little tricky. Before bringing home a Whoodle, it’s important to consider factors like exercise requirements, grooming needs, and the time and attention you can dedicate to their care.

What are the characteristics of miniature Whoodles?

Miniature Whoodles, also known as mini Whoodles, are a smaller version of the standard Whoodle breed. They typically inherit the same endearing traits, such as their hypoallergenic coats, playful personalities, and intelligence. Mini Whoodles are generally smaller in size, making them a suitable choice for individuals or families living in apartments or smaller homes. However, it’s essential to note that the specific characteristics of a mini Whoodle can vary depending on the parent breeds and individual genetics.

How can I ensure that the mini Whoodle puppies I purchase are from reputable breeders?

We always recommend starting your search from local shelters and rescued groups. But if you are certain that you want a WhoDoodle start by searching for mini Whoodle puppies for sale, it’s crucial to find reputable breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs. Start by conducting thorough research and reading reviews or testimonials about the breeder’s reputation. Ask for health clearances and certifications that prove the parent dogs have undergone proper health screenings. A responsible breeder should be willing to provide information about the puppy’s lineage, socialization, and any necessary vaccinations or veterinary care they have received.

What should I consider before bringing a mini Whoodle puppy into my home?

Before bringing a mini Whoodle puppy into your home, consider various factors to ensure a smooth transition and long-term compatibility. Evaluate your living situation and ensure you have the time, resources, and commitment to provide proper care and attention to a growing puppy. Additionally, research their exercise needs, grooming requirements, and potential health issues associated with the breed. It’s also essential to budget for veterinary expenses, food, toys, and other supplies to give your mini Whoodle the best possible care.