Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

Dog Breed Group: Terrier Dogs
Recommended for: Families
Maintenance Level: Low-Medium
Life Span: 12-15 years
Height: 46-51 cm
Weight: 16-20 kg
Temperament: Active, Loyal, Curios, Self-Confident, Steady
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Colors: White and black, few red, blue/grey

Adaptability

Friendliness

General Health

Trainability

Exercise Needs

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Breed Overview

The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, in further text “Wheaten Terrier”, is a medium sized dog with the distinctive and unique coat.

His single coat is wavy, soft or curly, and it comes in shade between gold to beige, but there is a possibility to have red, black and white hair. There are four varieties:

Heavy Irish
The Traditional Irish
American
English

The Irish coat is the silkiest and thinnest. You don’t have to worry because they don’t shed, but similar as Poodles, their hair grows continuously and requires regular trimming.

Wheaten Terriers can reach up to 51 cm in height and 20 kg in weight.
Their life expectancy is approximately 15 years

Suitability for Children – High
Tendency to Bark – Medium
Energy – High
Suitability as a Guard Dog – Low
Grooming Requirements – More than Once a Week
Trimming Required – Occassional
Amount of hair shed – None
Food Cost – $10 to $15
Average Monthly Pet insurance Premium – $44

Origins of Wheaten Terrier

They were based in Southern Ireland, and they are considered as ancestors of Irish terrier and Kerry blue terrier, but still, experts don’t know that much about them. They were recognized in 1938 by Irish Kennel Club.

In the past, Wheaten Terriers were poor men’s dogs that helped in hunting chasing vermin’s and guarding properties. The first came in the United States in 1946 and since then they became widely recognized.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Temperament

Wheaten Terriers are highly-intelligent dogs but they can be independent and wilful, which means that training involves persistence and challenge. In the same time, they are very confident, curious and loyal dogs, but they can be distracted easily.
When it comes to kids, they are great because of the sturdy body that can handle rough play; however, you shouldn’t leave them without supervising with children. Unlike other terriers, they are not aggressive and territorial towards other pets, but you have to socialize them from a young age.

Common Wheaten Terrier Conditions and Diseases

Allergies – Allergies can be the main problem with Wheaten Terriers, especially to flee and some food. If you find your dog rubbing his face often and licking his paws, go to vet as soon as possible. Don’t forget to get Pet Insurance for your Wheaten Terrier because that could help you save money for injury treatments and other examinations.

Interesting Facts

Wheaten Terriers don’t like food with gluten.
They are not suited for too hot weather.

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