The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is considered to be the least intense of the Irish Terriers.
Alternate Names
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Wheaten
Appearance:
Body: Compact with good neck and shoulders, level back, deep chest, and well-sprung ribs.
Coat: A single coat of abundant, soft, silky, somewhat wavy hair.
Color: Wheaten; puppies have a darker coat of either red or mahogany.
Ears: Small, v-shaped, and folded forwarded.
Eyes: Medium size, almond-shaped, wide set, and brown or reddish brown.
Feet: Small and compact with black nails.
Head: Long, rectangular-shaped and well proportioned to the body with a flat skull, well-defined stop, strong muzzle, and large, black nose.
Neck: Moderate length and strong.
Legs: Forelegs are straight and well-boned. Hindquarters are strong with well-boned legs, well bent stifles, and well let down hocks.
Size:
Height is 17 – 19 inches
Weight is 30 – 40 pounds
Tail: Docked and well set.
Behavior
Recommended for experienced dog handlers.
Some are territorial.
Some will bark and will dig in the yard.
Can be aggressive towards other dogs of the same sexual gender.
Friendly, playful, and reasonably obedient, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is known for his soft, wavy, and loosely curled coat that is the color of ripened wheat. He maintains his lively puppy-like playfulness well into his adult years and loves to be a part of any games and activities his family partakes in.
AKC Standard says, “The Wheaten is a happy, steady dog and shows himself gaily with an air of self-confidence. He is alert and exhibits interest in his surroundings; exhibits less aggressiveness than is sometimes encouraged in other terriers.”
The Wheaten loves human companionship, and is generally good with other pets. Though his inherited instincts aren’t as strong as other terrier breeds, he will still take chase after cats and other small animals if he catches sight of them. Be sure his yard is well secured with a high fence to prevent him from jumping to freedom and possibly chasing prey into traffic or other harmful situations.
Though he is easily trained, he is best suited for an experienced dog handler capable of controlling his powerful drive to run and play. He needs an owner who understands his need for vigorous exercise, his strong desire to play hard for hours. Someone with patience, a firm but positive and respectful approach to training, and a love of outdoor activities.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Terrier Group
Originally bred as farm dogs for herding and protecting livestock.
Care and Grooming
Exercise: Vigorous daily exercise with time for some good hard game playing.
Grooming: Brush three to four times weekly. Trim feet. After bathing be sure to dry him thoroughly with a blow dryer.
Though they are considered a non-shedding breed and considered by some as being hypo-allergenic, they will still shed skin (dander) and can still produce an allergic reactions in people with allergies.
Health
Life Expectancy: 13 – 14 Years
Possible problems:
Addison’s Disease – insufficient production of adrenal hormones – can be fatal.
Renal Dysplasia – an eye disorder.
PLN – Protein Losing Nephropathy – digestive issues
PLE – Protein Losing Enteropathy – digestive issues
Recommended Certificates:
CERF – for the eyes
OFA – for the hips
Country of Origin
Ireland – 1700s