Whoodle

The Whoodle is a hybrid dog produced by crossing a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier with a Poodle, typically Standard or Miniature, combining the Wheaten's friendly, exuberant and sociable character with the Poodle's intelligence, trainability and lower-shedding coat qualities to produce an active, affectionate and appealing companion that has attracted interest from families seeking a lively, low-shedding dog with terrier character and Poodle trainability. The Whoodle is not a registered breed with the Kennel Club and does not have a formal breed standard.

The typical Whoodle is a medium-sized, well-built dog with a soft, wavy to curly coat that inherits the characteristic soft, silky texture of the Wheaten Terrier parent, usually lower-shedding than either parent alone, though coat type varies between individuals. Colour varies widely - wheaten gold, cream, black, brown, parti-colour and various combinations occur depending on the Poodle parent's colour. Adults typically stand 38 to 55 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 14 to 30 kilograms depending on Poodle parent size.

The character is friendly, enthusiastic and playful - the Wheaten's warmth and exuberance combines with the Poodle's sociability and intelligence to produce a dog that is typically excellent with children, sociable with other dogs and actively engaged with its family. The Wheaten's characteristic enthusiastic greeting behaviour - launching itself at familiar people - may be present in the cross and requires early training to manage. The terrier heritage also brings an independent streak that can manifest in selective compliance if training is not established consistently from puppyhood.

Training is rewarding. The Whoodle is intelligent and responsive to positive reinforcement, with the Poodle's trainability providing some counterbalance to the Wheaten's terrier independence.

A critical health consideration: the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier parent lines carry a known risk of Protein-Losing Nephropathy and Protein-Losing Enteropathy, two serious inherited conditions. Both the Wheaten parent and its parents should be DNA tested for these conditions before any purchase, and any breeder who cannot provide this testing documentation should be avoided entirely. PRA DNA testing of the Poodle parent is also required.

Purchase prices from health-tested breeders range from £800 to £1,800. Monthly running costs average £80 to £150. The Doodle Trust and Wheaten Terrier rescue contacts are the primary rescue resources. The health risk situation with Wheaten lines is the most important factor for prospective Whoodle buyers to research before committing to a purchase. Breeders who cannot produce full health testing documentation for the Wheaten parent and its parents should be avoided without exception.

Friendly, exuberant and playful. Good with children. Devoted to family. The Wheaten greeting enthusiasm may be present. Sociable and active. Bonds closely with family.

Intelligent and responsive. Responds well to positive reinforcement. The terrier independent streak is present but Poodle intelligence counterbalances this. Early socialisation essential.

Minimum 45-60 minutes daily. Active and energetic. Enjoys off-lead running, swimming and interactive play. Mental stimulation through training important for this intelligent cross.

Critical: Wheaten parent lines carry risk of Protein-Losing Nephropathy and Protein-Losing Enteropathy. Both parents must be DNA tested. Also check PRA DNA for Poodle parent. This is non-negotiable.

Complete dry kibble twice daily. Adults typically 220-350g per day depending on size. Monitor weight. Both parent breeds can be prone to protein-losing conditions - discuss with vet if digestive issues arise.

Soft, wavy to curly coat requires brushing 3-4 times weekly to prevent matting. Professional grooming every 8-12 weeks. The Wheaten heritage produces a distinctive soft texture.

Purchase price £800-£1,800 from health-tested breeders. Monthly costs £80-£150 including food, insurance and regular grooming.

Active families, experienced dog owners, homes with gardens or access to outdoor space. Good with children. Not suited to sedentary households - needs regular exercise and mental stimulation.