Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

This is a medium-sized dog that originated from Ireland. It is an active and energetic breed known for its gentle and friendly nature. The coat of this breed is wavy and soft, giving them the name Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. This breed requires regular grooming to prevent matting but sheds very little hair.

As an active breed, it needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. It is a social dog that does well in families with children but can be territorial if not properly trained and socialized. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an intelligent breed that is easy to train and loves to please its owners. It is loyal, affectionate, and gentle, making it an ideal companion for families and active individuals.

UKC/AKC

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier originated from Ireland and belongs to the UKC/AKC Terrier Group. It is believed that this breed comes from ancient dog breeds found in Ireland for thousands of years, and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is thought to be related to the Irish Terrier and the Kerry Blue Terrier. 

History

This breed was developed from farm dog terriers in Ireland, the Wheaten Terrier, the Kerry Blue Terrier, and the Irish Terrier. All these terriers have similar bloodlines and were bred for the same purposes. 

 The Wheaten dog breed was first used as farm dogs and had to guard chickens, chase rats, herd cattle, and bird-dog. This all-purpose dog breed relaxed at the end of the day and became a great companion dog to farmers. The Wheaten arrived in the U.S. in the 1940s.

Physical Description

The confident Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed that has a square shape. With a long rectangular head and small drop ears that point forward, this breed has a large black nose and almond-shaped eyes. The eyes are reddish-brown or plain brown. 

The Wheaten is deep-chested and has a docked tail that is held erect. The Wheaten has a single coat that is slightly way and very soft. The coat is thick on the head, covering the eyes, and forming a beard. The Soft Coated Wheaten can be any shade of Wheaten.

Height

Dogs        18-19 inches      

Females   17-18 inches

Weight

Dogs 35-40 pounds

Females 30-35 pounds

Life Expectancy

12-15 years

Temperament

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is of a playful yet stubborn temperament. This breed is confident, loyal, and thrives on being with family. This dog breed cannot be left alone for long periods. This is a happy dog breed that is alert and always interested in its surroundings. The Wheaten is less aggressive than other terrier breeds but is sometimes provoked by other terrier breeds. 

Socialization should begin during puppyhood, and positive puppy training should focus on housetraining and be tailored toward the Wheaten’s wonderfully sweet temperament. This is an active dog breed that needs plenty of exercise. 

Terrier breeds are experts at digging and escaping. This breed is excellent with children and other dog breeds. The Wheaten does well in participating in family outings. This intelligent dog breed is so easy to get along with. The Wheaten can live in an apartment but needs frequent daily walks and trips to the dog park to socialize with other dogs and people. 

Activity Level

High

Special Needs

The Wheaten Terrier needs an active home. This breed requires regular exercise, positive dog training, and socialization. The Wheaten breed needs to be socialized from puppyhood and should never be isolated from people, other dogs, and animals. This breed bonds closely to all family members, including children. 

Wheaten needs to interact with people constantly so he does not become bored and mischievous. Positive training needs to tailor the specific temperament of this breed. 

The Wheaten is a happy and outgoing dog breed. That said, because it is also alert and energetic, the Wheaten has to have lots of environmental stimulation combined with exercise. 

All family members need to be on the same page with positive dog training methods. Although it may be difficult not to spoil this dog breed, it’s best to be on the same page as the rest of the family about what your Wheaten is not allowed to do at home. The Wheaten Terrier should live indoors and may have housetraining issues if not trained positively beginning at puppyhood.

Possible Health Concerns

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier may be susceptible to the following health conditions:

• Protein-Losing nephropathy (PLN) This is a glomerulus disorder characterized by protein loss in the urine. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a genetic predisposition to this.
• Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE) This is where protein is lost in the intestine. In both conditions, Wheatens are hypercoagulable; some have died from thromboembolism, with more pulmonary-related ones.
• Addison’s Disease. This is also called hypoadrenocorticism and is caused by a deficiency of adrenal gland hormones. It is mainly found in young to middle-aged Wheaten Terriers. Signs include extreme vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dehydration, and a gradual loss of body condition. Consult with your veterinarian if your Wheaten has any of these symptoms.
• Renal Dysplasia. This is a developmental or genetic defect of the kidneys. Wheaten pups and young dogs have an unusually high rate of this disease. Up to 70% of the kidneys can be damaged before symptoms appear. This is a genetic condition brought on by recessive mutation.

Exercise

The Soft Coated Terrier does well with moderate exercise. An energetic walk around the block or fun romps at the dog park will suffice. This breed enjoys dog training classes, obedience, agility, and some rally sports. 

The Wheaten has lots of energy and needs the mental stimulation provided by canine sports; as usual, excessive exercise should never be undertaken during hot or humid temperatures. 

All dog breeds need to be protected from extreme temperatures, and this dog breed enjoys playing with family members, loves Frisbee, and goes to the dog beach. 

Agility is fun for all dog breeds. Senior dogs can also participate, so it’s worth a try if your Wheaten enjoys jumping small jumps. It is also a family sport where you can bring along all your family members and make it a family day with your furry best friend.

Best Food for the Wheaten Terrier

High-quality dog food is recommended for the Wheaten. All dogs are different, and some dog food brands will be better suited for your Wheaten. Understanding your dog’s current health and nutritional needs is paramount regarding dog foods. There is no best diet since all Wheatens have different dietary needs, so it’s always wise to find the best dog food to match each dog’s individual needs. Consult your veterinarian if your Wheaten has a medical condition, is pregnant, or is lactating.

Here’s what to look out for when choosing dog food for your Wheaten:

• Healthy ingredients
• Fresh meat
• Vegetables and fruit
• No controversial ingredients
• No added hormones and steroids
• No unnamed meat sources
• The correct ratio of macronutrients
• By-products in dog food are acceptable when they are organ meats
• Dog food should not be overly processed

Essential ingredients should include whole meats, fruits, and vegetables. Those that add healthy antioxidants, like blueberries, cranberries, pomegranates, and pumpkins, are ones to purchase! 

That said, organic, natural, and preservative-free with no artificial ingredients are also vital to well-balanced and high-quality dog food! Remember that pups need to be on a puppy food formula and adult dogs on adult dog food formulas. Senior dogs also should be on a senior dog food formula.

Grooming

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a short silky coat that requires daily brushing. Use a slicker or pin brush to remove dirt, old hair, and dandruff. A medium-sized metal comb helps to remove tangles or matting. 

Try opening the matting with your fingers to prevent hurting your pup. 

Nails should be trimmed when needed, and ears wiped daily to check for infection or tenderness. 

Many Wheaten pet parents prefer taking their Wheatens to a professional groomer since this breed does best with professional clipping. 

Wheaten Adoption

 Some normal behaviors may occur after adoption, including digging holes, barking, or perhaps being slightly depressed. Give your Wheaten time to adjust to his new surroundings, and entertain him with non-toxic and safe dog toys and healthy dog treats. 

Digging

In addition, the Wheaten enjoys the comforting scent of people, most especially family, including children. So if you’re adopting a puppy Wheaten, allow your puppy to dig in an allocated spot in your garden by burying a few favorite treats. 

Visit this spot every day and encourage your pup to explore there, praising him and rewarding his efforts. Keep in mind that this is a dog breed that enjoys digging.

Enjoy this fun dog breed with plenty of trips to the local dog beach and dog park! The Wheaten Terrier loves to hang out, swim, and play Frisbee! 

Thanks for visiting.

Woofs & Wags! 

C.B