Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Origin, Personality, Training

Group: AKC and KCGB Terrier

Also Known As: Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier; Wheaten Terrier; Wheaten

AKC Ranking: 62

About Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Origin and History of the Breed The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier originated in Ireland as a farm dog, herder, and hunter of small game and vermin. It has become very popular as a family dog. A General Appearance of the Dog A medium-sized, compact dog that moves gracefully, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is very well-balanced breed. The head is a rectangle as is the body. His body is short compared to his leg length. He has a mustache and beard. His ears are small to medium and break level with the skull with the drop going slightly forward. His black nose is rather large.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Calorie Calculator

Do you know how many calories your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier needs every day and how many cups of food you should be giving it every day? Click here to use our Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Calorie Calculator.

Coat Color

The coat of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is, of course, any shade of wheaten. Occasional red, white, or black guard hairs may be found. The overall coloring should be clearly wheaten. Puppies are born black and lighten over the next two years to their final wheaten color.

Coat Type

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a soft, silky, gently waving coat. Unlike other terriers, the Soft Coated Wheaten has only a single coat covering his entire body.

Height

Male: 18 - 19 inches
Female: 17 – 18 inches

Weight

Male: 35 – 40 lbs
Female: 30 – 35 lbs

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is sweet-tempered, easy-going and self-confident. This breed needs to be taught when it's young what is expected of it. Since it is a very intelligent breed, it will generally grasp quickly what is required of them. They need straightforward handling as they have a straightforward nature.

Affectionate and loving, they become extremely bonded with their family, making them an excellent choice for homes with children. They seldom bark unnecessarily.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an alert and happy dog who is graceful, strong and well-coordinated. Wheatens are playful and friendly. They are great watchdogs and announce guests readily but make friends of them quickly and go on. They can be amiable with other canines but often non-accepting of cats whose quick movements will undoubtedly cause them to pursue.

They are usually very loving with children and get along reasonably well with other dogs (provided they are socialized when they are young). The Soft Coated Wheaten should be well socialized with other dogs while they are young puppies.

Many Wheaten Terriers take a long time to fully housetrain. Wheatens remain puppy-like for much of their lives.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers want to be with their families, so are not too happy with being put outside alone.

They can live in an apartment but need daily long walks and several romps in a safe place through the week. A fenced yard is very helpful.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

They usually love children.

Activity Level

How Active is the Breed?

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is quite active and will play both indoors and outdoors. They do not tolerate heat very well.

How Much Exercise Does the Dog Need at every stage of its Life?

This breed’s exercise needs remain fairly constant throughout their lives.

Grooming

Their beautiful soft coat can be kept short in a puppy cut or left long and natural. The longer, natural coat will require daily brushing and combing by the owner with bi-monthly professional grooming and bath and blow dry.

The shorter cut will take less time for the owner but more frequent visits (every 6 weeks) professionally to keep shaped up and mat free.

Whichever you choose, it will be an investment in time or money and should be addressed if considering this high maintenance breed.

They shed very little so they make a good dog for allergy sufferers.

Health and Care

Genetic Problems

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is prone to allergies, especially to fleas. They also are prone to protein wasting disease.

Life Span: About 12 – 15 years

National Breed Clubs

British – Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Great Britain – www.wheaten.org.uk
US – Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America - www.scwtca.org

Other Recognition: IKC, CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, CET, CCR, APRI, ACR