Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriera
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January 25, 2015
Wheatens are one of the oldest Native Irish breeds and in the past were used as an all-rounder dog in the home and on the farm.
They are active, intelligent and compete in obedience and agility events as well as Bar n Hunt and Tracking and Rescue work. They have a natural tendency to hunt small prey but if trained from early puppyhood this may be contained to have other feathered and furry friends in the garden with them. Training is essential and can be difficult in the early puppy days when they are enthusiastic. They are very trainable if consistent, positive reward training methods are used.
They are naturally good with people and love being included in activities. They are intensely loyal, a great companion dog and suit being inside rather than being an outside dog. They are very good with children once an adult, but as with all dogs they should always be closely supervised with small children. As a puppy they can be very enthusiastic and this can be daunting for children and elderly. When young they have the tendency to jump “wheaten welcome”, however they train out of this very well.
They are a great watch dog but not a yappy dog. They are generally not prolific barkers so if they bark it’s for a reason. They are usually good with other dogs if socialised from an early age.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Origin Country: Ireland
Size: Medium
Main Colour/s: Wheat – They start off dark coloured, some even black, but usually by 8weeks coming home time you can see the blonde coming through at the base of the hair.
Coat Length: Medium Long – single, soft and silky with a wave, the shine discourages dirt to stick. Their coat can be trimmed short, still in wheaten style, or kept longer like a show dog.
Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 years
Weight: 13 – 20 kgs
Shoulder Height: 43 to 48cms
Intelligence: High
Training: Moderate
Exercise: Medium – Half hour walk each day is necessary, and more would benefit
Health: Generally very healthy with few problems as long as it’s well bred with usual precautions for health testing and avoiding parents with illnesses in their close relatives. Allergies to fleas can be a problem and can be prevented with proper flea control. Ears can get infected if wet and left hairy so grooming is important.
Serious illnesses are rare and include PLN, PLE, RD. There is a gene test now for PLN so ask the breeder if your pup is clear. RD is present from birth and some breeders renal ultrasound the pups to be sure there is none present. PLE doesn’t come on until about 4 years of age and is rare. This seems to correlate with poor food so good quality food and avoiding gluten may have a protective benefit in those dogs at risk from having parents with PLE/PLN. As a whole, the breed is a very healthy one.
Barking: low-moderate
Grooming: Medium – at least weekly full comb and brush, 3 monthly trim at a groomer once an adult. As a puppy second daily brush/comb and occasional trim. Wash and condition as needed.
Guard Dog: Medium
Aggression: low
Good with Children: Medium
Other Pet Compatibility: Medium if properly socialised.
In summary they are spirited and game. Good tempered. Most affectionate and loyal to their owners. Most intelligent. A trusty, faithful friend, defensive without aggression.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Image provided by Ardgaeithe Kennels.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Image provided by Ardgaeithe Kennels.
Written Ardgaeithe Wheatens.
Information to consider: The breed, Bringing home a puppy, housing/bedding ,feeding, exercising , training, caring, vet/vaccination, grooming/clipping/nails/teeth .Books suggested : Maureen Holmes’ The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier book, Karen Hedberg’s Dog Book (vet) https://dogsnsw.org.au/resources/online-store/the-new-dog-owner-s-manual-karen-hedberg-detail.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=13&category_id=1 . Issues of breeding, history and background of the breed: https://www.scwtca.org.au/, Wheaten health initiative https://www.wheatenhealthinitiative.com/Pages/home.html
https://irishwheaten.com/ This gives interesting history of the breed and also emphasises to TRAIN your wheaten. Very important.
but particularly Maureen Holmes book. “the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier” This comes wth our puppy pack when it is in print, we had some trouble getting it last litter unfortunately https://home.luna.nl/~wil.borst/book11.html
https://www.wheaten.org.uk/index.php/owning-wheaten
https://www.wheatensnsw.org/index.html
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