-
Activity Level:
moderate
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Shedding Level:
low
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Grooming Level:
high
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Trainability:
high
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Good for Novice Owners:
high
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Adaptability:
high
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Kid/Pet Friendly:
often
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Prey Drive:
high
-
Watchdog:
aware
- Average Size: Small
- Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Registered?: other
Mini Whoodle Dog Breed Information
Overview
Temperament
Adaptability
Health
Owner Experience
Grooming
Activity Level
Size
Life Span
Did You Know?
The Mini Whoodle is a cross between a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Miniature Poodle. As a mixed breed, they often take on any combination of characteristics common to their parent breeds. In general, Miniature Whoodles tend to be affectionate, playful, and loving dogs that bond closely with their families.
Although they are not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other dog registries. The American Canine Hybrid Club, Dog Registry of America, Designer Breed Registry, and more all recognize the Mini Whoodle.
With parent breeds that are known to be affectionate with their families, it should come as no surprise that Mini Whoodles tend to bond closely with their families and are very loving and affectionate with them. Provided they are well-socialized, they tend to get along well with children and other dogs.
Miniature Whoodles can be prone to chasing smaller animals, so they may need some extra training and socialization around smaller pets in the household. They tend to do better with animals they were raised with. Although they will tend to bark to alert you and may be initially wary of strangers, they tend to warm up quickly once introduced provided they are properly socialized.
Miniature Whoodles are highly adaptable dogs. Although they can be sensitive to their environments, they tend to adapt well to apartment living as well as larger homes provided they get enough daily exercise and attention.
They do relatively well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Their dense curly coat offers them some warmth during the winter, but you may still need to gear up with some winter dog products while out on walks when the temperatures drop.
These dogs also bond closely with their families and thrive on attention and affection from them. As such, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They also get bored easily and can become destructive if left to their own devices for too long.
Potential health concerns to be aware of in Miniature Whoodles can include hip dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, and progressive retinal atrophy. Although mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than purebred dogs, it’s not a guarantee. Mini Whoodle puppies can inherit all, some, or none of the health conditions common to their parent breeds.
Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Miniature Whoodle puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done on the parents or the puppies.
With some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners as parents, you can bet the Mini Whoodle is also a highly trainable dog that is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Although they can sometimes have a stubborn streak, it’s usually relatively easy to overcome with patience and consistent training.
These dogs are highly intelligent, pick up on things quickly, and love to learn new things. Because they get bored easily, you will want to keep training sessions short, try new things, and make sure things stay interesting to keep your dog engaged during training sessions.
The Poodle coat is one of the reasons why there are so many Poodle mixes. Between the Wheaten Terrier and the Poodle, Mini Whoodles tend to be soft, low-shedding, and fluffy. Although they don’t shed much, if at all, you will still need to do a lot of maintenance to take care of a Mini Whoodle coat.
As one of the fluffiest dog breeds, daily brushing is required to remove tangles and prevent mats. Bathing at home is on an as-needed basis. Professional grooming is recommended every 8-12 weeks, especially when seasons change to keep your Mini Whoodle comfortable throughout the seasons. 8-10 weeks is recommended if you prefer a shorter coat on your Miniature Whoodle with 10-12 weeks being the recommended trim for longer cuts.
In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Miniature Whoodle’s nails, ears, and teeth. Nail trimming once or twice monthly is usually sufficient to keep them from getting too long. Checking your dog’s ears weekly and carefully cleaning them as needed can help prevent ear infections. Good doggie dental care, like using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day in addition to cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent dental disease later in life.
Although they will have bursts of high energy, especially when they play, Mini Whoodles tend to sit in a more moderate range. Daily walks plus some playtime and a little more activity throughout the day are usually enough for these dogs.
They may be small, but they also tend to be athletic and sturdy. Swimming is a great low-impact activity they may enjoy. Once puppies are finished growing and cleared for higher-impact activities, you can try out hiking, popular dog sports, and more. Your Mini Whoodle is likely to be happy for the chance to spend time being active with you.
Fully-grown Mini Whoodles usually stand 13-19 inches tall and weigh 20-40 pounds.
Miniature Whoodles generally live for 12-15 years on average.
Miniature Whoodles are typically born with a darker solid coat that usually fades to a lighter shade as they get older. This typically happens around two years old.