Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

Size: Medium
Other Names: Wheaten, Softcoated Wheaten Terrier
Country of Origin: Ireland
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Terrier
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Terriers
United Kennel Club (UKC): Terrier
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Terriers
The Kennel Club (KC): Terrier
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Terrier
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Terrier

Height:

Male: 18-19½ inches

Weight:

Male: 35-45 pounds

Color(s):

Wheaten

Coat:

Soft and silky, loosely waved or curly

Description:

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is believed to be related to the Kerry Blue Terrier.  The Wheaten was originally bred to be an all-purpose farm dog, whose duties included herding, watching and guarding livestock, and vermin hunting.  Today, Wheaten terriers compete in obedience, agility, and tracking, and many are used in animal-assisted therapy.

Temperament:

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is an even-tempered, intelligent, energetic, friendly, and playful dog.  He is softer in temperament than some of the other terrier breeds.  He is spirited, and willing to defend, but not aggressive.  Some Wheatens are "enthusiastic greeters", and will often jump up in order to lick a person’s face, commonly referred to as the "Wheaten Greetin".

Training:

The Wheaten requires patient and consistent positive training.  Harsh training methods will often result in fear aggression.  As with all dogs, early socialization is recommended, with exposure to a variety of unfamiliar sights, sounds, and people.

Care & Grooming:

Wheaten Terriers do best when they are exercised daily.  The Wheaten’s hair does not shed like most dogs; like human hair, it keeps growing, needs regular trimming, and drops just a few hairs daily.

Shedding:

Low; the silky coat holds loose hair and needs regular grooming.

Health:

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers may develop protein-losing nephropathy, protein-losing enteropathy, and Addison’s disease.  Ask breeders about kidney and digestive disease in the line.

Lifespan:

12–14 years

Litter Size:

4–6 puppies