Whoodles?

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Does anyone know anybody who has a whoodle? Or have any info/opinions on them (wheaten/poodle). There are some being bred not too far from where my mom lives and they intrigued me. If ever I end up shopping for another dog....

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Yikes! Thanks for the info!!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You know, I knew that about Kerry blue terriers, and I know Airedales can be that way, too, but I didn't know it was a tendency among Wheatens. Now that you mention it, though, I do know of a female Wheaten terrier who can't be around other females. Very interesting.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

My mom had two Westhighland White terriers, both female who ALWAYS got along. I know other people who have terriers with no problems. I know people with shepherds (males) and akitas (females) who had problems I think it is a specific dog problem not a breed problem.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Westies are known among terriers as not having the typical terrier stubborness and tenacity. I have read that they are much easier to train than most other terriers.
There are breed specific tendencies, which makes sense when you think about what different dogs were bred to do. Akitas were bred strictly as guard dogs, so an aggressive, protective nature would be a desirable trait. Shepherds, despite what many people think, were bred to protect flocks; male shepherds were expected to fight off coyotes, wolves, etc. It's no accident that 2 of the 3 smartest breeds, GSD's and border collies, do herding work; the dogs are left alone far from home with large flocks of valuable livestock, and have to be able to make decisions and think on their feet.
There are always exceptions with individual dogs, but I think the breed tendencies are generally there. Mr. Half-Labrador-retriever Jackdoodle would agree with me, but he can't speak because he has a tennis ball in his mouth, lol.

[Moose&Mica]

My sister ran the Wheaten Rescue in south Florida and my parents still own a rescued Wheaten. They make lovely dogs if they are raised right. My mother has a small conure and the dog never bothers it even if it lands on the floor. Their wheatens never bothered their cats either. They do like to jump but no more so than any other breed that is exhuberant. They are a terrier (or as my sister calls them "terriorists") at heart. Terriers are custom made for people who like a higher energy dog. If you aren't that type then you will not like any terrier. Unfortunately, Wheatens do have certain health issues that are becoming more prevalent due to breeding issues. So breeding a dog that looks like a wheaten without the health problems might be one reason folks are doing so. Heck, I've already seen a couple doodles that could pass for a wheaten if they are shaved down. Same coat color, same size, slightly different body shape. :) Personally the tenacity of a terrier can come in handy. My parent's male Wheaten was attached by a neighbors larger dog (they think it was being trained for fighting). The Wheaten managed to fight off the other dog despite the difference in size. That attack could have ended in tragedy if the Wheaten wasn't so tenacious.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I love "terrorists"! As someone else said, it's hard to think of Toto and fluffy Wheaten terriers as being in the same classification as pit bulls, but they are. Some more than others, but most terriers are feisty dogs.

[Debbie and Thomas]

It is a long weekend here in Canada and I was just catching up on Emails when I noticed this comment. Being the proud owner of a beautiful soft coated wheaton terrior-I thought I would add my two cents worth. Buddy passed away on October 15th and we decided NOT to get another wheaton. So, we have our Golden Doodle now and are happy with this decision. The only reason I can think of breeding a wheaton with a standard poodle is to assure the non shedding coat and of course to increase the size of the dog. Our wheaton was a wonderful happy puppy. One day when he was just about two-something clicked in his brain and he decided he had to guard us, his house, our car, my children from anyone that was a stranger to him. He did not like strangers and made this perfectly clear. It was a problem when we went out with him, entertained, got gas, etc. etc. He actually tried to nip a few people. We had to be really careful with him. I did not seek the help of a trainer which I now know I should have. I was just one of those ignorant dog owners that thought it would go away. He did mellow with age a bit-but right until the end, he could act like a little jerk. However, we adored him and with us and our extended family, he was the dearest pet you could want. Of all the wheaton owners I knew and met, I would say at least 60% of these dogs had behavioural issues. One couple we knew actually put their dog down as he was out of control. The females are better, but can be bitchy at times. My cousin has a wheaton mixed with a schnauzer and he is delighful so far-but he is not yet two.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Debbie, I'm sorry for your loss of Buddy. We love and miss our dogs regardless of their issues.
It wouldn't make sense to mix Wheatens with poodles to ensure non-shedding, because neither breed ever sheds. And standard poodles are not much taller than Wheatens, and about the same weight, so it can't be size. I think it's just a gimmick-y, commercial breeder thing...they get a couple of non-shedding dogs and use them to make up mixes to appeal to uneducated consumers. Maybe it's a cheaper way to get the look of mini-doodles.

[Debbie and Thomas]

Awe thks-you are so right about loving our dogs regardless of their issues.What I meant when I said "to ensure non shedding" is that when you mix a GR or a lab with a poodle, there is no guarantee that they will not shed. So I just thought that maybe these two breeds were being introduced because poodles don't shed and wheatons never shed, the pups would be guaranteed non shed . Also, my wheaton was about half the height of a standard poodle. He was about 38 lbs in his prime but the vet told us he was too heavy-so after a diet of low cal dog food-he went down to about 34lbs. Our neighbours standard (male) poodle is really tall and weighs about 75 lbs. and our GD dogs father was also very tall. Therefore, I though that maybe they were breeding the dogs together to enhance the wheaton size. For whatever reason they are breeding these dogs-I too am sure it is just another commercial breeding thing. Like I said above, why would anyone breed a wheaton with a schnauzer?? I guess, because they can and people will buy them!

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

So sorry for your loss and thanks for your honest non-bias opinion of the breed. A wheaton/schnauzer? Is that a Wowzer?

[Debbie and Thomas]

Thks-as I said we adored him. A Wowzer is a great name for a wheaton/schnauzer, but what about a schnauwee or weeschnau. My cousins dog came from a pet store where his wife was working at the time-I'll ask him what they labelled him-shud be interesting?? He is cute though and so far very very good natured, although he tells me he can jump straight up in the air onto the kitchen table. So, I guess every dog has issues. LOL

[Debbie and Thomas]

My cousin just confirmed it-they are called "Wowzers" You were right.What next??