Featured Image Credit: @dodger.theminiwhoodle (IG)
If you’re a fan of fluffy, curly-haired dogs, then you’re going to experience love at first sight with a mini Whoodle.
Because of their soft, plushie-like coat, you might catch yourself wondering if they are actual dogs or teddy bears in disguise.
Whoodles are already adorable as they are but imagine an even smaller version of these lovely mixed breeds. However, there is more to these dogs than their irresistible appearance and size.
For those who are looking for both a friendly and active pooch in a small package, then a mini Whoodle might just be for you. To help you decide better, let’s know all the buzz about this designer dog.
What Is a Mini Whoodle?
Photo from @whoodlin_with_brady (IG)
A mini Whoodle is a cross between a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a miniature Poodle. They are smaller versions of the standard Whoodle mixed breed. Even if they are extremely active dogs with a stubborn side, they are intelligent dogs that make wonderful family pets.
Miniature Whoodles are popular among city dwellers who live in small apartments.
Aside from their affectionate personality, you will surely enjoy their company because of their playfulness. There will be no dull moments with these frisky dogs.
These super cute canines not only go by the name Whoodle. They are also called Wheatendoodle, Wheatenpoo, Sweatendoodle, and Sweatenpoo, all of which are derived from their parents’ breed names.
Regardless of how you refer to them, there’s no denying how charming they are.
Mini Whoodle Size and Weight: How Big Do Mini Whoodles Get When Fully Grown?
A miniature Whoodle is one of the three different types of the Whoodle designer dog.
Normally, a mini Whoodle will stand at 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 25 and 35 pounds. They reach their full size at around 9 to 10 months old.
Toy Whoodles are the smallest versions that can reach a height of only 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder. Their adult weight is around 15 to 25 pounds.
As for standard Whoodles, their adult height can be anywhere between 18 and 20 inches while their weight is estimated to be around 35 to 50 pounds.
This size classification is due to the fact that Poodles also come in different standard sizes. These include toy, miniature, and standard Poodles.
If the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is paired with a “miniature” Poodle, they can produce a mini Whoodle.
Since the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog, a mini Whoodle is only possible with the genes of a smaller Poodle.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers stand at around 18 to 19 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. Miniature Poodles can only reach 11 to 15 inches tall and weigh around 15 to 17 pounds.
Mini Whoodle Appearance: What Does a Mini Whoodle Look Like?
When you combine the genes of a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and miniature Poodle, you won’t only expect a cute-sized dog but a pup with distinguishing features from both its parents.
Let’s start with their most admirable trait which is their coat. Mini Whoodles have a single coat of hair which is generally dense.
If they take on the genes of their Poodle parent, their hair will appear curly and the coat can come in a variety of shades including black, chocolate, apricot, silver, or spotted.
The picture below is a perfect example of a mini Whoodle with curly, light apricot hair:
Photo from @josie_miniwhoodle (IG)
If the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier’s gene is stronger, the mini Whoodle will have straight or wavy hair that can grow long enough to fall over their eyes.
Their coat colors are usually lighter and can be any shade of wheaten which ranges from pale beige to yellowish gold.
You might also find some red, white, or black hairs in the muzzle and ears which can occasionally have blue-gray shading like the cute pup below:
Photo from @xnolanchristopher (IG)
One important thing to note is that they are usually born with a darker solid coat which fades to a lighter shade when they get older, typically at two years old.
This occurs due to the presence of the fading gene in the G locus of a mini Whoodle dog.
Generally, they have amber or brown eyes and their button noses can either be black or brown (liver).
The rims of the eyes and lips can also be liver or fully black. Their ears are flopped down to the sides and their expression is always alert and happy.
To see how they look like, here is a video of mini Whoodle puppies playing and enjoying their toys:
Mini Whoodle Puppies<a href="https://youtu.be/zTJrqKJ5ue8" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FzTJrqKJ5ue8%2F0.jpg" alt="Mini Whoodle Puppies" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Mini Whoodle History and Origin: Where Does the Miniature Whoodle Come From?
Breeding designer dogs has been practiced for many years so it’s no surprise that the first Whoodle may have been produced a long time ago.
It’s very likely that over time, they decided to breed smaller versions of the original Whoodle from runts.
Even though the exact history of these precious pups is unknown, it’s certain that they aren’t a recent discovery in the dog world.
It’s estimated that Whoodles were first deliberately bred in the United States sometime in the last 20 years.
Many breeders were fascinated by the individual temperaments and appearance of the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Poodle so they decided to produce a hybrid dog. They were able to produce an intelligent dog with alluring fur.
However, their parents’ history is a different story. Poodles originated in Germany and were first bred as duck hunters.
Meanwhile, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers were popularized in Ireland during the 1700s as herding dogs.
As designer dogs became more popular, mini versions of Whoodles were favored to cater to owners who want a smaller dog with the same attributes as the standard size.
Mini Whoodle Temperament: Do Miniature Whoodles Make Good Family Pets?
When looking for a good family pet, owners seek intelligent, affectionate, and loyal dogs.
If you want all these traits in one pup, then you should get a miniature Whoodle. Aside from their natural intellect, they are always filled with energy and enthusiasm for new things.
If you have kids at home, they will definitely love being around a mini Whoodle. Like children, they adore toys and plushies and are always ready for a play session.
They crave to be around people that can match their energy and give them the attention they need.
When out and about, you’ll find the Whoodle to be an inquisitive dog who enjoys taking long walks — so your Whoodle is going to love living near a spacious park or somewhere with long trails, whether through the woods or along the beach.
During your daily walks, you can observe their genuine curiosity for their surroundings. They are free souls who like to sniff around and befriend other dogs that they meet. A daily dose of socialization can keep them happy.
In the household, you need to establish who is the leader because miniature Whoodles will confidently take the role if they don’t recognize who is in charge.
Training them while they are still puppies is important for them to get used to house rules.
Mini Whoodle Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Miniature Whoodles Healthy Dogs?
You will surely enjoy long years of companionship with a mini Whoodle. Their average lifespan is between 12 and 15 years. But despite the predicted long life, mini Whoodles can suffer from unexpected illnesses and conditions.
These health issues can be very mild or severe depending on your dog’s genetic predisposition and lifestyle growing up.
To help you be aware of these common diseases, check the list below:
Eye infections and Diseases: Your miniature Whoodle can suffer from different types of eye infections including conjunctivitis, uveitis, and ulcerative. Some common signs that your dog is suffering from one of these diseases are pain, swelling, redness, and irritation. Certain viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi can cause dog eye infections.
Kidney Issues: In dogs, kidney problems can either be acute or chronic. Acute kidney failure is often caused by ingestion of toxins or obstruction in the urinary tract. Chronic kidney failure, on the other hand, is common in older dogs which is frequently associated with bacteria build-up in the dog’s mouth.
Addison’s Disease: This condition is less commonly referred to as hypoadrenocorticism which is caused by the decreased hormone production of the adrenal gland. When the tissues of this gland are destroyed due to an immune response, trauma, or infection, it can cause your pup to feel lethargic, lose weight, vomit, and have diarrhea.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This term refers to a group of degenerative diseases that affect the photoreceptor cells of the eyes. When left undiagnosed, PRA can lead to blindness. Owners should look for early signs such as night blindness, clumsiness in dim-lit areas, and abnormal dilation of the eyes.
Make sure to buy your mini Whoodle from a trusted breeder that can disclose all health information and the detailed pedigree of your dog.
And of course, remember to prioritize your pup’s well-being by providing healthy food and a safe environment.
How to Care for Your Mini Whoodle’s Basic Needs?
Photo from @miathewhoodle (IG)
As a responsible owner, you should be knowledgeable of your miniature Whoodle’s needs in terms of food, training, exercise, grooming, and other aspects.
Ensuring that these necessities are met means that your dog will be in the best condition and be less prone to sickness.
Food and Diet
Giving your mini Whoodle a well-balanced diet is crucial for their nourishment. High-quality dry food with healthy and natural ingredients should be able to give your dog enough vigor for the day.
It’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian to know your pup’s specific nutritional requirements.
Because of their size, they should be given food that is formulated for small breeds as well as their age.
Besides, you need to be mindful of the amount of food you give them. Check the instructions on the dog food packaging for the recommended portion per day.
Overfeeding should also be avoided since it can lead to obesity and other weight-related health issues.
Treats are also the culprit for gaining extra weight so refrain from giving excessive treats even when they start showing off or being irresistibly cute.
You should also find out if they are sensitive to certain foods to avoid allergies and skin issues. Some of the most common food allergens include proteins, dairy, and gluten.
Training and Exercise
Mini Whoodles are highly regarded as intelligent mixed breeds due to their Poodle gene. Because of this, you can expect them to respond well to training and learn basic commands easily.
However, they can get pretty hard-headed so you need to be patient, firm, and consistent during training.
Although they are generally friendly, you still need to socialize them early with other pets and members of the house. Through positive reinforcement, you can raise your pup to be well-behaved and adaptable.
Unlike their standard size counterparts, mini Whoodles should have no more than 30 minutes of exercise per day.
It’s very important not to skip a day of physical activity since they are active dogs. Without any form of movement, they can resort to destroying household items and other behavioral issues.
You can mentally stimulate them through games and interactive puzzles. Teaching them new tricks is also a good way to get their brain working.
Cleaning and Grooming
Keeping your mini Whoodle clean and presentable can give them an extra boost of confidence. Because of their silky, medium-length fur, brushing and grooming should be scheduled regularly.
Using an appropriate dog hairbrush, carefully comb your dog’s hair to remove tangles and prevent matting. This should be done on a daily basis for better results.
Hair trimming, on the other hand, should be done every 8 to 12 weeks to avoid unnecessary and unhygienic shagginess.
If you are unable to trim your dog’s hair, you can go to a professional pet grooming salon for full service.
Ear infections are also common in mini Whoodles so you should clean their ears regularly. And like with other dogs, you should trim their nails every two weeks and brush their teeth daily or give them dental chews.
How Much Does a Mini Whoodle Cost? Puppy Prices and Other Expenses
Photo from @scotiathewhoodle (IG)
A mini Whoodle puppy costs around $1,000 to $3,000 when bought from a reputable breeder. It can even go as high as $5,000 if they come from a high-quality pedigree.
They are quite expensive than standard Whoodles because breeders need to be selective when finding a miniature Poodle to mate with a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier.
But aside from the cost of buying a miniature Whoodle, you need to allocate a budget for other expenses including food, toys, crates, and other necessary items.
The table below shows a breakdown of the average annual and monthly cost of owning a mini Whoodle:
If you want to cut down these figures significantly, I suggest that you find cheaper alternatives and avoid professional grooming and training services.
There are also numerous tutorials online that you can refer to when housebreaking your mini Whoodle.
Places to Find Mini Whoodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption
So you decided to add a mini Whoodle to the family? If you haven’t started your dog hunt yet, I’m here to direct you to some trustworthy breeders and rescue organizations.
With this list, you don’t have to worry about finding the most suitable dog for you.
Here are some of the most reputable mini Whoodle breeders you can contact:
Heart of America Whoodles – If you are from Missouri, you can inquire for a miniature Whoodle from this ethical breeder. Their main goal is to produce service and therapy dogs but they also have companion dogs that make great family pets.
Whoodles of the Valley – What started out as a hobby became a full-time family business for Whoodles of the Valley breeders. The owners of this dog kennel ensure that their puppies are raised in a stimulating environment and given basic training before being sold to future owners.
Lesha’s Whoodles – If you’re looking for an experienced breeder, you can check out Lesha’s Whoodles. They make sure that all of their mini Whoodle puppies are properly socialized and free from any congenital diseases.
S’Wheaten Your Life Wheaten & Whoodle Puppies – This breeder has been producing standard and mini Whoodles for over 13 years. They strive to have the best family pets and therapy dogs. They make sure that their litters are raised in the highest standards of health and temperament.
If you find adoption as a better choice, you can contact the following rescues to find mini Whoodles for adoption:
S’Wheat Rescues & Adoptions – This rescue is dedicated to placing Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers and Wheatables (mixes) like mini Whoodles in permanent homes. Adopters are required to pick up their new dogs from the foster home. They don’t provide shipping or transport.
Doodle Rock Rescue – This is a rescue that treats and rehomes Doodles or Poodle mixes such as Whoodles. They have rescued over 1,000 dogs in South Texas in a span of 5 years. Before applying, make sure to read their list of minimum requirements.
Michigan Doodle Rescue Connect – This rescue is not only focused on the physical rehabilitation of dogs but also on giving them mental health support. They are monitored in a well-maintained environment until adoption.
Regardless of whether you adopt or purchase a mini Whoodle, they deserve unconditional love and care from people that will keep them until old age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo from @josie_miniwhoodle (IG)
Are Mini Whoodles Hypoallergenic?
Mini Whoodles are not considered 100% hypoallergenic but they are one of the few mixed breeds with low-allergen fur.
This means that they are still advisable for people with dander sensitivity. This is because both Poodles and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are low-allergy dogs.
Do Mini Whoodles Shed?
Miniature Whoodles still shed throughout the year but only in small amounts.
Because they are minimal shedders, owners don’t have to worry so much about the uncontrollable fur that can be found in any part of the house. This is another reason why they are quite favored by many dog lovers.
Are Mini Whoodles Hard to Potty Train?
Yes, mini Whoodles can sometimes be difficult to potty train. With much patience, some owners successfully trained them to urinate and defecate in a designated place.
However, if all else fails, you can always enroll them in a potty training class while they are still puppies.
Do Mini Whoodles Bark a Lot?
It is quite a common observation that small dogs tend to bark a lot. However, the same cannot be said for the mini Whoodles. They are less likely to bark at strangers or other dogs. This is because of their friendly nature.
Final Thoughts
Being a smart, sociable, affectionate, and loyal dog, you can’t go wrong with owning a mini Whoodle. You won’t expect anything less of an active and curious pup who loves to be around people.
Because of their highly energetic personality, owners should always make time for playing and physical activities.
If you are expecting a lap dog that loves to lounge around on the couch all day, then you might need to reconsider having one.
Make sure to do your own research about this designer dog breed to know what preparations you should do before you welcome them into your home as part of the family.
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