Are Whoodles Good Dogs? (Pros and Cons)

Are you looking to adopt a new dog? If so, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the number of different breeds. Additionally, hybrid breeds like the Whoodle, a hybrid of the poodle and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier,  are becoming increasingly popular. 

are whoodles good dogs
Are Whoodles good dogs?

But there’s less information available on these designer breeds due to their recent emergence. Consequently, you might wonder which pups are the right match for your and your household. If you’ve been asking yourself, “Are Whoodles good dogs?” then you’re not alone. 

This guide could help answer that question and more! One of the best ways to answer that question is to explore the advantages and disadvantages of owning a Whoodle. Let’s get started. 

The Advantages of Owning a Whoodle

There are several reasons why you might adopt a Whoodle. These poodle hybrids tend to be incredibly popular among active singles and growing families, and for good reason. Whoodle dogs are:

  • Full of Energy
  • Incredibly Intelligent
  • Friendly Toward Kids
  • Cute as a Button
  • Loyal Family Members

Let’s explore each of these advantages in greater detail to discover why the Whoodle is such a beloved designer breed. After all, it’s challenging to know if a Whoodle might be right for you if you’re not aware of its best traits!

straight hair whoodle

Full of Energy

If you enjoy taking hikes and being active while outdoors, a Whoodle could be the ideal addition to your life and household. These pups are often described as ‘hyper’ due to their high energy levels. 

Whoodles also tend to enjoy swimming and spending time in the water, thanks to their poodle side. They benefit from plenty of exercise and time spent outdoors, which could be a fantastic advantage for those looking to adopt a high-energy, active animal companion.

Incredibly Intelligent 

Though the precise temperament of any given Whoodle is bound to vary, most are incredibly intelligent. That’s because Whoodles inherit half of their genes from poodles, one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world.

As such, you can train your Whoodle to perform a wide range of actions. Some Whoodles also respond well to speaking dog button training. If you’ve ever wanted to have a conversation with your dog, you may want to adopt a Whoodle. 

However, you’ll need to be ready to spend quite a lot of time training your pup. Though Whoodle dogs are brilliant, they can also be quite energetic. An excited Whoodle may forget its training when distracted or overstimulated.

Friendly Toward Kids

Some dog breeds aren’t compatible with young children. These breeds may react aggressively to loud noises or excessive petting, which is a significant problem for parents. Fortunately, the Whoodle is one of the friendliest and most kid-friendly hybrid breeds. 

Cute as a Button

One of the primary reasons why Whoodles have grown in popularity is their look. These hybrid dogs are often golden or brown, with medium-size bodies and soulful brown eyes. As such, people often compare them to playful teddy bears.

Still, it’s crucial to note that Whoodles can come in a variety of colors and sizes. Their precise appearance depends on their parents and genes. Whoodle pups born in the same litter can have strikingly different appearances and personalities.

That said, one of the more consistent personality traits associated with Whoodles is loyalty. This breed isn’t likely to become aggressive toward family members, especially when given the proper love, attention, and care it deserves. 

Loyal Family Members

Dogs may be man’s best friend, but Whoodles are loyal family members. Not only do they form strong bonds with adult owners, but they’re also known to be protective of younger family members. As such, the Whoodle could be a smart choice for parents and growing families.

whoodle dog in snow

The Drawbacks of Owning a Whoodle

Though Whoodles do have quite a few positive traits, they’re not without potential pitfalls. Before adopting a Whoodle, you’ll need to consider the common drawbacks associated with these dogs. For example, Whoodles:

  • Are Often Hyperactive
  • Require Constant Grooming
  • Need Daily Outdoor Time
  • Can Bark Excessively

For some, these disadvantages may not be particularly problematic. However, some pet parents might find that these traits are deal-breakers. 

Are Often Hyperactive

Life is all about perspective; One of the most significant advantages of the Whoodle dog may also be one of its more significant drawbacks. Families and individuals looking to adopt a laidback pup with minimal exercise requirements might not want to choose a Whoodle.

If you’re a first-time dog owner, you may find your Whoodle’s energy levels to be a little overwhelming. And not only do they tend to do best in homes with large yards and outdoor spaces, but they also need near-constant grooming to stay healthy and happy.

Require Constant Grooming

Though Whoodles have relatively short coats, they require consistent grooming. Their fur is often curly and thick, and you should brush it at least once a day.

And because Whoodles love to play outside, their coats can become filthy in a matter of minutes. Mud, dirt, foliage, and sticks can easily lodge themselves into your Whoodle’s coat, necessitating careful grooming upon returning indoors.

Ideally, your Whoodle’s coat should be clean, shiny, and soft. But to achieve this, you may need to provide weekly or monthly baths and schedule repeat grooming sessions. Generally, Whoodles respond well to professional grooming services. 

However, this is an additional expense that some pet parents might be unwilling or unable to dole out. Either way, Whoodle owners tend to spend a little more on dog shampoos, brushes, and grooming services. Families with Whoodles also tend to have large backyards that are perfect for their energetic pups. 

whoodle dog

Need Daily Outdoor Time

Though some folks adore spending time in the great outdoors, others would much rather stay indoors. If you’re a homebody that doesn’t often travel far from your front steps, adopting a Whoodle could become a stressful experience. 

Whoodles adore a good adventure. Not only do they need to be walked for at least 30 minutes each day, but they should also have plenty of opportunities to run away and burn off energy. If you live in a small apartment or a yardless home, you’ll need to invest more time into walking your pup and taking them to local dog parks for exercise.

Can Bark Excessively

It’s always possible for a positive aspect to become a negative one. In this case, a Whoodle’s loyalty can translate to excessive barking. This hybrid breed quickly becomes a friendly part of the family, but when visitors and strangers approach your front door, they may become defensive.

Providing adequate training can help lessen a Whoodle’s barking, but it won’t put an end to it. If you’re not prepared to handle the protective barks and yips of a Whoodle pup, it may not be the right breed for you. 

Are Whoodles Good Dogs?

When asking, “Are Whoodles good dogs?” the question isn’t truly whether or not Whoodles are good. All dogs are inherently good! Instead, the real question is, “Would a Whoodle be a good fit for me and my household?” 

To answer this, you’ll need to dig deep and consider your current habits and lifestyle. Whoodles are excellent dogs for families and active individuals. But they could be a poor choice for those with sedentary lifestyles or busy schedules. 

That’s because Whoodles require regular exercise and tend to be high-energy dogs. And while intelligent, they need proper training to prevent unwanted behaviors, such as chewing on furniture or barking at visitors. 

As such, it’s crucial to ask yourself if you might be a good owner for a Whoodle dog. If you feel like you’re not prepared for the responsibility of caring for this darling dog, you may want to select a different breed.

a wooden dog kennel
A wooden slightly off ground dog kennel

Final Thoughts

Whoodles are a hybrid between poodles and Wheaten Terriers. They’re a medium-sized member of the Oodle family that are most notable for their good looks, intelligence, and high energy levels. All dogs are good dogs, but Whoodles (also called Wheaten Doodles) tend to thrive in active households. 

The ideal Whoodle owner enjoys exercising with their dog and has enough time and patience to provide proper training. Pet parents looking to adopt one of these pups should be prepared to keep their Whoodle well-groomed. Still, this hybrid breed is a fantastic pick for families with children, dogs, and tons of energy.