Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a robust farm dog that has safeguarded Irish land for centuries. This breed is well-balanced, elegant, and powerful. They are known for their upright tail and their unique, soft, wavy fur, which sets them apart from other terriers. These dogs are watchful and usually friendly, but they can be quite stubborn, particularly during training sessions. While they do jump, dig, and bark to signal alerts, they do so less frequently than many other terrier types.

Quick Info

Size
Medium
Colours
Any shade of warm ripening wheat, but never red or white; ears may be dark
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Height
17 to 19 inches
Type
Terrier
Hypoallergenic
yes
Weight
30 to 40 pounds
Family
Terrier

Personality

Wheaten Terriers are known for being loving and fun with their families. However, you might notice they can be a bit stubborn or lazy, similar to a teenager, especially when faced with tasks they dislike, like training. They do enjoy digging, jumping, and barking to get your attention, but they tend to do this less than other terrier types.

History

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is one of three big terrier breeds that come from Ireland. These dogs are versatile helpers on farms, having assisted farmers for many generations. They possess a natural ability to protect and watch over their surroundings.

Ideal Owner

Beneath the soft and cuddly look of a teddy bear lies a lively terrier, eager to get to work—and maybe test your patience along the way. These dogs can be headstrong or lack enthusiasm, so it's crucial for their owner to understand how to train and handle them effectively. Owners should appreciate this breed's unique traits and accept that they might not always get along with other dogs or people. It's essential to have time for energetic walks or a safe area for them to run around, along with plenty of patience for their training.

Exercise Needs

Different walking paths or open areas for running can keep a Wheaten happy and healthy both mentally and physically. They enjoy activities such as sniffing games, chasing objects, and fetching toys. Being lively and energetic, they thrive on encouragement to focus on positive actions instead of negative ones.

Space Requirements

Terriers have a strong instinct to dig, so it's important for their owners to have a safe, fenced yard that can withstand their clever escape attempts. These dogs can also leap quite high. Wheaten Terriers thrive in country or suburban settings where they can dig, keep watch, and run freely without bothering nearby neighbors.

Training

The Wheaten Terrier is a free-spirited dog that can push your buttons, but it learns fast when motivated properly. These dogs have a natural urge to chase, tug, and nibble, so providing them with toys and activities is essential. Keeping them mentally and physically engaged will make them joyful companions. Regular interaction with other dogs and pets is important for their social skills, and they should work on having a strong recall and a dependable way to fetch and drop items.

Grooming

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a smooth, wavy coat that doesn’t shed. To keep their fur looking nice and free of knots, you should brush them several times each week. If your Wheaten is a young puppy, especially between seven months and two years old, you’ll need to increase grooming as their adult fur starts to grow in. Their coats require a lot of care and can take a while to wash and dry, so some owners may find it easier to hire a professional groomer.

Suitability for Family Life

If your family enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, dog training, or other adventures in nature, a Wheaten could be a wonderful addition to your home. However, they may not be the best choice for families with very young kids since terriers can be a bit spirited.

Did You know?

A Wheaten has set the Guinness World Record for the Most Performances by a Dog in a Theater Show, making 1,365 appearances as Sandy in the musical Annie. Once, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers were considered dogs for the less fortunate. Irish farmers were legally prohibited from owning Hounds or Spaniels. This breed frequently appears in Victorian artwork. For example, you can find one in Frederic William Burton’s 1843 painting, The Aran Fisherman’s Drowned Child.

Similar Breeds

Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Welsh Terrier

Need to Know

Dogs suitable for experienced owners
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys vigorous walks
Medium dog
Some drool
Requires regular groomingChatty and vocal dog
Barks, alerts, and may be physically protective/suspicious of visitors