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Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual

Get to know this furry, lovable, “all-purpose” canine companion.

Wheatens have served for years as farm dogs, guardians, and devoted pets. This guide shows you how to be the best possible friend to your new dog, including:

The best places to find and adopt a wheaten terrier
The gear you need to make sure your wheaten terrier settles in at home
Feeding, grooming, and training tips to keep him healthy and well-behaved

Breed Profile: Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

The origins of the wheaten are subject to some debate. Some believe that these Irish terriers descended from a cross between the Irish wolfhound and several other local breeds, while others believe that the wheaten itself is an ancient breed whose true lineage has been lost to time. The wheaten’s known history dates back 200 years to farms in the Irish counties of Munster, Cork, Tipperary, Waterford, Limerick, and Kerry. Wheatens served as all-purpose dogs who guarded the homestead, watched over the children, herded cows, eliminated vermin, and went bird hunting with their masters.

The wheaten first came to the United States in the late 1940s, when Lydia Vogels, an exhibitor of Kerry blue terriers, imported a male and female. The American Kennel Club recognized the wheaten in 1973, and the breed now serves as a gentle and loyal family pet.

Appearance

The following description is of an “ideal” wheaten. Not all wheatens will fit the description exactly, but that’s not an issue unless you want one who can participate in dog shows.

Height: Height ranges from 18–19" (46–48 cm) for males and 17–18" (43–46 cm) for females.
Weight: Weight ranges from 35–40 pounds (16–18 kg) for males and 30–35 pounds (14–16 kg) for females.
Coat: The wheaten’s single coat covers his entire body and is soft and silky with a gentle wave. The coat goes through some changes as the wheaten grows older: Puppies are born a red-brown to mahogany color, giving way to a tangerine or honey red at about six months of age, which then fades to a pale color during adolescence.

Temperament and Personality

The wheaten is a happy, lively dog who combines characteristics of the terrier with those of the working dog.

Traits

Here are some traits to consider when determining how well a wheaten is going to fit in with you and your family.

Companionability

Having served as a family dog for hundreds of years, the wheaten is a gentle and loyal pet. He is an excellent watchdog and may bark at visitors but is likely to treat strangers kindly once he meets them. He also has a knack for understanding the moods of his owners and responding accordingly. This breed gets along very well with children and may take to being their guardian, though all children should be instructed on the proper way to interact with a dog.

Environment

Wheatens can adapt to many different living situations as long as their exercise needs are met and they receive sufficient attention from their owners. Wheatens have a tendency to chase small animals and cars, so they should not be allowed off a leash outside unless they are in an enclosed space. Wheatens are also relatively hypoallergenic, making them a good fit for owners who suffer from allergies.

Exercise Requirements

Soft-coated wheaten terriers are agile and energetic and require a moderate amount of exercise, but this usually can be accomplished through vigorous daily walks and play periods. A fenced yard or other enclosed space is ideal for this breed because it gives them a secure place to exert energy outdoors.

Trainability

Wheatens are more easygoing than most terriers and have a basic urge to please their owners, making them easier to train than other terrier breeds. However, they still have the terrier’s stubborn streak, which you must address by clearly establishing your status as pack leader and training with consistency and firmness.

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