History
– Bred in Ireland for over two hundred years
– Duties included herding, guarding livestock, and vermin hunting
– Common ancestry with Kerry Blue Terrier and Irish Terrier
– Referred to as the ‘Poor Man’s Wolfhound’
– Recognized as a breed in Ireland in 1937 and in the UK in 1943
– The breed’s history can be traced back to Ireland
– The Wheaten Terrier was used for herding and guarding livestock
– The Irish Kennel Club was established in 1922
Appearance
– Puppies have dark coats that gradually grow out to nearly white
– Adult coat is wheaten-colored with black, white, or darker brown guard hairs
– Medium-sized dog, ranging from 17 to 20 inches in height and 30 to 45 pounds in weight
– Soft, silky hair that does not shed like most dogs
– Irish coat tends to be thinner and silkier than the American variety
– The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a medium-sized build
– The breed has a soft, silky, and wavy coat
– Wheaten Terriers have a square-shaped body and a strong jaw
– They have a distinct wheaten-colored coat that ranges from light beige to golden
– The breed has a friendly and alert expression
Health
– Susceptible to protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE)
– Can be managed with strict dietary changes and pharmaceuticals
– Renal dysplasia, inflammatory bowel disease, Addisons disease, and cancer are other health issues
– Some Wheatens can suffer from food and environmental allergies
– Potential owners should discuss health issues with a breeder
– Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are prone to protein-losing nephropathy
– They may also develop protein-losing enteropathy
– Addison’s disease or hypoadrenocorticism is another health concern for the breed
– Regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor their health
– The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America provides resources for breed health
Temperament and Behavior
– Energetic and playful dog
– Requires patience and consistent positive training
– Enthusiastic greeter known for the ‘Wheaten greetin’
– Lively and active breed that needs regular exercise
– Friendly and loving pets, protective of their families
– Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are known for their friendly and outgoing nature
– They are intelligent and eager to please their owners
– The breed is generally good with children and other pets
– Wheaten Terriers can be independent and stubborn at times
– They require early socialization and consistent training
Other
– Wheaten Terriers are cool-weather dogs and can overheat easily in hot weather
– Strong prey drive due to their vermin-hunting origin
– Curious and may try to wander if left outside alone
– Can become very loyal and responsive to commands with proper training
– Generally friendly towards children and other dogs
– The breed requires regular grooming to prevent matting
– They have a non-shedding coat, making them suitable for people with allergies
– Regular brushing and occasional trimming are necessary to maintain their coat
– The breed requires regular exercise to prevent weight gain
– Proper dental care and regular ear cleaning are essential for their overall health.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft-coated_Wheaten_Terrier