Appearance of the Whoodle
|
| The walking masses of fur known as Whoodles can have a variety of appearances that are affected by their pedigree; some Whoodles favor the general appearance of their Soft Coated Irish Terrier ancestors, while others may look more like a Poodle. But the general characteristics of the Whoodle are muscular shoulders, broad hind legs and abundant fur. The cute appearances of these dogs belie their pack spirit somewhat, and unsuspecting owners may be caught off guard by their Whoodle's tendency to try to impose itself as pack leader. However, a properly bred and socialized Whoodle will become a complete indoor dog, often lying down and energetic, resembling an oversized stuffed doll with wavy curls of fur. Whoodles can also come in a rainbow of colors, thanks to the amount of varied and diverse pigmentation options offered by their parents. |
Temperament of the Whoodle
|
| Whoodles can be quite difficult to live with, as these dogs have a lot of energy and a somewhat heavy temperament. It's up to the owner to assert himself as head of the family, lest the Whoodle in question become aloof or even try to assert himself as the best dog in the family. Despite their somewhat tenacious personality, Whoodles do not respond well to strict training and will become very resistant to an owner who shouts and reprimands them too violently. Patience is the key to training a Whoodle, but you'll also need to strike a balance between putting your foot down and giving praise when it's deserved. Whoodles can learn to get along well with older children, if socialized early, but adult supervision is always recommended due to the Whoodle's aversion to fights and rough play. Ultimately, Whoodles are fun-loving dogs, but they will need a lot of guidance to become suitable family members. |
Needs and activities of the Whoodle
|
| Whoodles come in a multitude of sizes, and these sizes have proportionately different needs in terms of physical activity. Smaller Whoodles won't need as much exercise as larger dogs of the same breed, but a good sixty minutes of daily physical activity is a good minimum limit for all Whoodles. Whoodles have a good dose of energy, whatever their size, and a walking distance of 10 km a week is a good target to aim for to keep this breed healthy and happy. Whoodles do better in the cold than in the heat, however, so it's best to plan your walks accordingly to avoid heat exhaustion or heat rash. Exercising a Whoodle can be very difficult for those who don't engage in regular physical activity from the outset, as they are likely to be tired long before the Whoodle reaches its limits, but this breed can also serve as a source of motivation to become more physically active. |
Maintenance of the Whoodle
|
| To maintain the Whoodle's lustrous, shimmering coat, you'll need to plan daily brushing sessions. Both the Whoodle's parents have high grooming needs, so it's not surprising that the Whoodle has equally high demands in terms of hygiene, physical well-being and coat health. Proper care of a Whoodle can, in many ways, be a monumental task, which is another reason why this hybrid isn't exactly considered an entry-level dog. However, more experienced dog owners will probably be able to meet the needs of this breed without too much difficulty, and they may even have many of the tools needed to maintain the Whoodle's health at hand; pin brushes, scissors, clippers and combs will be needed to maintain a healthy coat, while regular nail trimming sessions will also be necessary. But if you're inexperienced or uncomfortable with the idea of trimming your Whoodle's nails manually, it's always best to call in a professional. |
English (United Kingdom)