Description:
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, sometimes spelled Softcoated Wheaten Terrier, is a compact and squarely proportioned dog. The moderately long head is rectangular in appearance and in proportion with the body. The strong muzzle is relatively short compared to the skull and has a defined stop. The black nose is large for the size of the dog. The teeth meet in a scissors bite and the lips are black. The wide-set eyes are almond shaped and come in a reddish brown, to a medium brown color. Light or yellow eye color can occur but is a breed fault in the written standard. The V-shaped ears fold forward and are level with the skull. The medium length neck gradually widens into the body. The back is straight, forming a level topline. The front legs are straight and the paws are compact and round with black toe nails. The high-set tail is either docked or kept natural. Note: docking tails is illegal in most parts of Europe. Dewclaws are usually removed. The single, wavy coat comes in shades of wheaten. Puppies are born dark brown, and lighten to the final adult wheaten color by age two. There are two coat varieties, the American and the Irish. The Irish coat tends to be thinner and silkier.
Temperament:
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is strong, agile and well-coordinated. A happy, playful, spirited and friendly terrier. Alert, they make great watch dogs and bark at the arrival of guests. They are usually very loving with children and get along reasonably well with other dogs. An unsocialized dog with a meek owner, who does not know how and when to correct negative behaviors may end up with a dog-aggressive dog. Some individuals who were not raised with cats, may not get along well with them. All it takes is some fast movement on the part of the cat, and the dog’s instincts will take over and he will chase them. The dog needs to be corrected right before they take off after the cat. They have a puppy attitude that remains with it throughout its life. Sweet-tempered, docile and self-confident. This breed needs to be taught, preferably when young,
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Puppy
but older dogs can learn, what is and is not acceptable behavior. It is very intelligent, so it will generally grasp quickly what is required of them. They have a straightforward nature and need to be handled in a straightforward manner. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers bond closely with their family. They seldom bark unnecessarily. The Soft Coated Wheaten should be well socialized with other dogs while they are young puppies, but adults can learn it is unacceptable behavior if they have an owner who properly communicates with them. In order to have a well behaved Wheaten, you must be firm, but calm, consistent and confident with the dog. Meek owners will find the dog will easily take over the home and will be hard to control. Do not allow this dog to jump on humans. Jumping dogs are not “greeting” the human. Jumping is a respect and a dominancy issue.
Height, Weight:
Height: Dogs 18-20 inches (46-51 cm.) Bitches 17-19 inches (43-48 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 35-45 pounds (16-20 kg.) Bitches 30-40 pounds (14-18 kg.)
Health Problems:
Prone to protein wasting disease (PLE and PLN) and flea allergies.
Living Conditions:
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is good for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and a small yard will do. This breed does not tolerate heat very well.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Fully Matured.
Exercise:
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can get by with moderate exercise as long as it is taken for daily walks.
Life Expectancy:
About 12-15 years.
Grooming:
When grooming the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, the object is to achieve a natural look and brushing can make the soft coat fuzzy. So using a brush is not recommended. Instead, frequent, even daily combing of the long, profuse coat with a medium-toothed comb is recommended to keep it free of tangles - beginning when the dog is a puppy. Clean the eyes and check the ears carefully. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier does not shed in the spring and fall, but loose hair should be combed out of the coat from time to time. A well-groomed dog will shed very little. This breed is good for allergy suffers.
Origin:
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier originated in Ireland and is possibly one of the oldest Irish breeds. They are related to both the Kerry Blue and the Irish Terrier. They were known as the “poor man’s dog” working on farms as herders, protecting the border and as hunters of vermin and small game. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was first imported to the United States in 1946. In 1973 it was recognized by the AKC. Some of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s talents are hunting, watchdog, herding, and ratter.
