Whoodles are a cross breed that don’t shed a lot – if at all.
The American Kennel Club clearly state on their website that there’s no such thing as a 100 per cent hypoallergenic dog breed.
However, the organization quickly add that some breeds are considered more hypoallergenic than other types of dogs.
Nowadays, a lot of pet owners will research whether a breed or mix shed before deciding upon a particular type of canine.
For example, the term “Whoodle shedding” has nearly half a million search results.
Editor's note: The content on this website is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as veterinary, medical or professional advice. There's no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog in spite of claims that breeders might make. It’s always best to speak with your vet or your doctor before deciding to get a dog if you suspect you may have allergies to pets.
In this article, we’ll take a look at why Whoodles are considered an example of a hypoallergenic cross breed.
Just remember, in spite of breeder’s claims, there’s no guarantee that a dog – even a hypoallergenic breed – won’t trigger a person’s allergies.
We’ll speak to Gracie (@gracie_the_whoodle), Chip (@chip_the_whoodle), Andy (@andy.the.whoodle) and Edison (@edison_the_whoodle).
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What does hypoallergenic mean?
The word hypoallergenic was first coined by the cosmetic industry in the 1950s to describe products that are less likely to prompt an allergic reaction.
While there was no guarantee an allergic reaction wouldn’t occur, these hypoallergenic cosmetic products were less likely than other cosmetic products to cause a flare up.
To underline that point, here’s WebMD’s definition of the word.
If you see “hypoallergenic” on makeup or a skin care label, it means that that maker claims its product causes fewer allergic reactions than other ones. That doesn’t necessarily mean it is allergy-proof or gentler for your skin. The U.S. government doesn’t have standards that products must meet in order to put “hypoallergenic” on the label.
What are hypoallergenic dogs?
If you’ve done research about dog breeds or mixes, especially Doodles, you’ll almost certainly have come across the term hypoallergenic.
Like we mentioned at the start of this article, the AKC write on their website that there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog breed in spite of what claims breeders often make on their websites.
However, there are some types of dogs that are more hypoallergenic than other varieties of canines. That’s to say, they may not shed as much but they could still leave salvia or urine on your clothes or shoes, triggering a reaction.
Here’s what the AKC have to say about hypoallergenic dogs on their website.
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, there are a variety of breeds that do well with allergy sufferers. These dogs have a predictable, non-shedding coat which produces less dander.
What causes an allergy to dogs?
There are a number of potential factors when we look at reasons why dogs can trigger an allergy flare up.
You’ll probably know that one of the common causes is dog hair. It’s the most obvious factor to consider and why low-shedding dogs have proven so popular (as well as the fact they don’t leave a trail of hair wherever they move around your home).
Having said that, it’s pet dander rather than pet hair that is the biggest culprit where dog allergies are concerned. Here’s how the American Lung Association define “dander” on their website.
Pet dander is composed of tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds and other animals with fur or feathers. These bits of skin can cause reactions in people who are specifically allergic to these triggers.
Some breed, such as the Poodle, don’t produce a lot of dander and any dander that they do produce is usually caught in their tight curls. Pet parents are able to wash out the dander when they groom their Poodle. The combination of the low-shedding coats and less dander are one of the big reasons Poodle crosses have proven so popular.
What are the symptoms?
If you suspect you’re allergic to dogs, you should speak to your local doctor to find out more. You can also discuss whether you should even consider getting a hypoallergenic dog breed. While some people with dog allergies claim that these hypoallergenic breeds don’t trigger their allergies, this isn’t always the case. It really can vary from person to person and dog to dog.
Here are some of the potential symptoms that could indicate you’re allergic to dogs.
• Sneezing or a runny or stuffy nose.
• Facial pain (from nasal congestion)
• Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
• Watery, red or itchy eyes.
• Skin rash or hives.
This article doesn’t constitute medical advice so we recommend speaking to your local doctor about any potential concerns you may have surrounding dog allergies.
Are Whoodles hypoallergenic?
Gracie the Whoodle (Photo: @gracie_the_whoodle / Instagram)
Whoodles are considered a hypoallergenic dog breed because both of their parents are touted as low-shedding breeds by the Kennel Club. The Poodle and the Wheaten Terrier are both listed on the Kennel Club’s website as dog breeds that could be suitable for pet lovers looking for a hypoallergenic breed.
Andy the Whoodle gave us an insight into this very issue.
They are one of the few Doodle mixes that are 100% hypoallergenic. Both Wheaten Terriers and Poodles are non shedding and hypoallergenic.
Do Whoodles shed a lot?
Neither the Poodle or the Wheaten Terrier shed a lot, if at all. It’s what makes them such appealing dogs to pet lovers around the world. Therefore, the Whoodle, which is a combination of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle shouldn’t shed.
Adriane emphasied that her Whoodle called Chip doesn’t shed at all.
There’s zero shedding – neither the Wheaten nor Poodle breeds shed!
Whoodles care and grooming
Chip the Whoodle (Photo: @chip_the_whoodle / Instagram)
While you won’t have to worry about getting the vacuum out to clean up dog hair or lint rolling your clothes to remove fur if you own a Whoodle, you will need to be prepared to stick to a regular grooming schedule. By brushing your Whoodle regularly, you can prevent their coat from becoming matted or tangled. It’s a good idea to trim the hair around the ears and eyes to prevent potential infection.
Jaclyn, who owns Gracie the Whoodle, gave us an idea about her grooming routine.
There are a lot of different ways to groom a Whoodle. I sent Gracie to a groomer for about 5 months and liked the way they cut her. They used a buzzer and cut her body and then cut her face with scissors. However, I have started grooming her on my own and cut her face, legs, hair on her paws, and tail with scissors. I use a buzzer for her body too. It takes around 2 hours to groom her. Whoodles are very calm so they won’t fight you when being groomed.
Hypoallergenic dog breeds
If you’ve got allergies to dogs and you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog breed, the American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club list a number of breeds that they consider to be hypoallergenic.
Here are the AKC’s 19 suggestions:
• Affenpinchser
• Afghan Hound
• American Hairless Terrier
• Barbet
• Bedlington Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Giant Schnauzer
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Maltese
• Peruvian Inca Orchid
• Poodle
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Schnauzer
• Xoloitzcuintli
Kennel Club goes even further with 31 different hypoallergenic breeds:
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Spanish Water Dog
• Bouvier des Flandres
• Giant Schnauzer
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russian Black Terrier
• Hungarian Puli
• Komondor
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Havanese
• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Lhasa Apso
• Intermediate Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Mexican Hairless
• Standard Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Standard Poodle
• Toy Poodle
• Miniature Poodle
• Shih Tzu
• Tibetan Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• Glen of Imaal Terrier
• Sealyham Terrier
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Anything else to consider?
If you want to learn more about Whoodles and the grooming routine that current owners have, we find that contacting an owner on Instagram is a great way to learn more.
In our experience, dog owners are forthcoming with advice, information and tips to help other would-be Whoodle owners.
Remember, if you’ve got concerns about a potential allergy to dogs, go talk to your doctor to learn more.
In conclusion
Edison the Whoodle (Photo: @edison_the_whoodle / Instagram)
So there we have it, Whoodles are considered more hypoallergenic than most dog breeds.
The American Kennel Club list the Poodle and Wheaten Terrier as hypoallergenic pure breed dogs so a Whoodle should be a low shedding or non shedding pooch.
However, you’ll need to stick to a regular grooming schedule to maintain the health and quality of their beautiful coats.
