Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

In Ireland, Terriers were a poor man's dogs. Though much is not known about the early years of the Soft-Coated Wheaten, it is generally considered to have mirrored the closely related breeds of the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Irish Terrier.

Terriers were bred to be working dogs on Irish farms and handled things such as herding, watching livestock, and hunting and killing vermin.

This breed eventually moved into dog sports and dog shows but is best known for being the perfect family pooch.

Though the breed spans back over 200 years, they have only been in Australia since the 1970s.

Who are Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs best for?

These are very good family dogs and will get along very well with all family members, including the four-legged ones.

This is one of those breeds which are nearly perfect in any situation. They adapt equally well to apartments as they do to large homes. They love city life as much as being in the country. This is one of those breeds that love cats, small kids, and strangers.

These dogs are very willing to live in pretty much any situation as long as you give them lots of love, attention, and exercise.

The only exception would be someone who is a clean freak. These dogs love to get dirty.

From active families to elderly couples, these dogs will be an amazing addition to the home.

How much grooming does a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier need?

It should be obvious, but these dogs have extensive grooming needs. With that said, they do not shed all that much and nearly never drool.

Their fur, especially the Irish, loves to get dirty, knotty, and matted. So, you will need a few specific tools for their daily brushing. The two most essential grooming tools are a slicker brush and a pin brush. Also, pluck any excessive fur growth in and around the ear cavity.

As far as bathing goes, you should only bathe them once every 4 to 6 weeks, no more or less. And, you need to stay on top of their nails and teeth. It would help if you brushed their teeth at least three times a week.

If you can handle brushing their coats and teeth, then a trip to the groomer every six weeks will be fine.

Do Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier bark much?

As far as Terriers go, the Soft-Coated Wheaten is less aggressive toward other dogs, and this includes barking. With that said, if not properly trained or trained at all, they can be a breed that loves to be loud.

Do Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier bite?

Nipping is a common trait for dog breeds that were originally bred for herding. The same is true with this breed. The nipping is a form of disagreement, correction, or change of mind. They can be playful, bordering on aggression towards other dogs and other pets, including cats, especially if challenged.

Their hyperactive pupper stage lasts until they are around seven years old. So, training from a young age is essential.

What is the temperament & personality of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

As far as describing their temperament and personality, several words come to mind:

• Affectionate

• Exceedingly friendly

• Smart

• Wanderer

• Playful

• Spirited

• Adaptive

• Diggers

They are not aggressive but are not quick to flee from a fight either. So, even though they get along with cats very well, cats don't have an easy time bullying these dogs.

What is the weight & size of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

This is a medium-sized dog breed, and as is common with most dogs, there is some size difference between males and females.

Their heights average:

• Male: 46 to 48 cm

• Female: 43 to 46 cm

Their weights average

• Male: 16 to 18 kg

• Female: 14 to 16 kg

How much training does a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier need?

Their temperament can make training them a bit of a challenge and typically requires a professional. They are very intelligent dogs, but they tend to have their own agendas. Thus, you need to occupy them with mental stimulation, or they will find their own.

This is a high-energy breed and can be very headstrong, so obedience training is a must, and it needs to begin early.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

This is generally a healthy dog. However, most of these issues are inherited concerns and relying upon a credible breeder can relieve some worry.

The most common health problems to be concerned about are:

• Protein-Losing Nephropathy (PLN)

• Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE)

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Hip Dysplasia

• Renal Dysplasia

• Addison’s Disease

• Eye disorders

  • Microphthalmia

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

• Degenerative Myelopathy

• Paroxysmal Dyskinesia

What is the lifespan of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

This is a breed with an average to above-average life expectancy. The typical lifespan of a Soft-Coat is between 12 to 15 human years or a dog's age of 84 to 105 years old.

How much should you feed a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

This medium-sized dog is prone to obesity if permitted to eat at will. So maintaining its weight needs to be a daily balance of diet and exercise.

As this breed is susceptible to PLN and PLE, many people believe it requires a special diet. However, that is a myth, and diet will not prevent those disorders.

They should be fed 240 grams a day, and the adult dog should have its food divided into 2 or 3 meals. Puppies should be fed four times a day up to the age of 12 weeks, and puppers 3 to 6 months old should have three meals a day.

What is the price of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in Australia?

The average price would be considered average to even a bit below average for a purebred dog.

By finding a reputable breeder through your local breed club, you can expect to pay between AUD 1,100 - 1,700.