About Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dogs

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a dog breed that is native to Ireland. The moderately-sized breed shares heritage with both the Irish Terrier and the Kerry Blue Terrier. The earliest function of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was to work on farms, hunting rats, herding livestock or guarding from outsiders.

  1. Appearance

    • The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a square and athletic body, with long and sturdy legs. The typical height range for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is between 17 and 20 inches, with the female dogs being slightly shorter than the male dogs. The weight range runs from 30 to 45 lbs, and again, female Wheatens weight slightly less. The breed has a single coat that has a thick, silky and wavy texture. At birth, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are generally deep apricot in color. With age, the coat turns light brownish (wheaten). Up close, some Wheatens may have black, white or red hairs, as well.

    Maintenance

    • For the most part, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a low maintenance dog in terms of grooming. However, daily combing and brushing is necessary to keep up the appearance, comfort and cleanliness of the animal. Without sufficient brushing, matting and tangling can occur. To prevent a frizzy appearance, it can help to groom with a metal-toothed comb. The breed is non-shedding. It is also important to routinely clean the breed's ear and eye area.

    Temperament

    • The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is noteworthy for its gentle, smart and friendly demeanor. With adequate and early socialization, the breed interacts well both with other types of dogs and pets (including cats), as well as with young children. The people-loving breed has a confident, energetic, playful, loyal, curious, courageous and protective temperament, and does not bark very often.

    Health

    • Like the majority of other terrier breeds, the Wheaten usually enjoys good health. In general, the breed is expected to live from 12 to 15 years of age. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, however, may experience some health issues including allergies to fleas, protein-wasting diseases (immune disorders), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and hip dysplasia.

    Exercise

    • The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a lively spirit, so once-daily exercise is necessary. To keep a Wheaten in optimal shape and health, it can help to take the dog outdoors for brisk, roughly hour-long walks every day. The breed has an athletic nature, and enjoy activities such as hiking.

    Training

    • The breed can display willful and stubborn tendencies, and so calls for a dominant and firm trainer. For Wheaten owners, it is crucial to start obedience training from very early in the puppy stages. The Wheaten can be very sensitive and can become nervous with training techniques that are particularly tough. To train a Wheaten well, it can be effective to be calm and patient. A lot of praise and rewards can also be helpful for Wheaten training.