Soft Coated Wheaten
Terrier
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 Description:
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is medium
sized, well balanced, sturdy and very attractive.
This breed is largely recognized for its
distinctive soft and silky wheaten colored
coat along with a steady cheerful disposition
which is considered less scrappy than other
terriers. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
originated in Ireland and was used as an
all purpose working farm dog to herd, guard
and protect livestock as well as hunt small
game. Wheatens are very people oriented
and were also used as companions, just as
they are today.
While the complete history of the Soft Coated
Wheaten Terrier is left up to debate, records
indicate these type dogs have been well
known in Ireland for over 200 years. In
addition, it is believed the Kerry Blue
and Irish Terrier largely contributed to
this Irish breed.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was first
imported to the United States in the 1940s
by Lydia Vogel, however, it was not until
the '50s a genuine interest was taken in
this breed. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
was recognized by the American Kennel Club
in the Terrier Group in 1973.
Height:
The height for a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
can be 17 - 19 inches (43 - 48 cm).
Weight:
The weight of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
is between 30 - 40 pounds (14 - 18 kg).
Coat Type:
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a single
coat which is soft and silky with a slight
wave. The coat should be left in its natural
form, so when grooming, a wide or medium
tooth comb is suggested as opposed to a
brush. Regular combing is essential in order
to maintain the coat and help prevent matting.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a very
light shedder.
Color:
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier coat can
be any shade of wheaten.
Temperament:
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a steady
disposition which is merry, friendly, playful
and affectionate. Lively and exuberant.
They are great with well behaved children,
yet usually not recommended for much younger
kids since Wheatens are so active and require
a lot of time and direct attention from
their owner. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
does well with training, however, it needs
to be done in a proper manner. Firmness
and consistency are imperative - both in
training and leadership of the owner. Wheatens
can be stubborn and headstrong and will
give it their best shot to be in charge,
which of course an owner must never let
happen. Wheatens require patience and never
should be harshly treated. What is required
of an owner is a lot of time, attention,
dedication and leadership skills - this
is a breed that loves people and thrives
on their companionship. The Soft Coated
Wheaten Terrier is very alert and will bark
at strangers, however, this is not an aggressive
type of dog. This breed is known to greet
people by jumping up on them giving kisses
- a trait which is hard to break. A daily
walk is sufficient exercise for a Soft Coated
Wheaten Terrier. Also, they must be kept
on a leash or in a secure area.
Health Concerns:
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
is a healthy breed, although it is susceptible
to protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) and
protein-losing nephropathy (PLN). Other
health concerns include renal dysplasia
and Addison's Disease (endocrine or hormonal
disorder). Wheatens can also suffer from
flea allergies. The average life expectancy
for a Soft Coated Terrier is 12 to 15 years.
Special Interest:
• The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
is called Wheaten for short.
Classifications:
AKC: Terrier Group
ANKC: Terriers Group 2
CKC: Terrier Group 4
FCI: Group 3 Section 1 Large & medium-sized
Terriers
KC: Terrier
NZKC: Terrier
UKC: Terriers
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