Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

16-18 kg

Height

46-48 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Liza Cahn

Veterinarian

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is one of the three big Irish Terrier breeds, and is often considered to be the most sociable.

A great starter dog, a great addition to a family full of pets, or simply that best friend you’ve been looking for, this dog is bred to complete nearly anyone’s life.

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

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is deeply rooted in Irish heritage and is recognized as one of the three primary Irish Terrier breeds. Its history, while not entirely clear, is believed to be intertwined with its relatives, the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Irish Terrier.

Initially, these terriers were not luxury pets but rather the working companions of the less affluent in Ireland. Their tasks varied from herding and guarding livestock to hunting vermin, showcasing their versatility. Over time, their prominence shifted from farms to the competitive rings of dog sports and shows. Despite their achievements in these areas, their most cherished role remains as beloved family companions.

Interestingly, while the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier boasts a history extending over two centuries, it only made its debut in Australia in the 1970s.

What is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed?

A perpetual pup, these upbeat and extroverted dogs dogs make good family pets but are poor guard dogs. Nevertheless, they are a sturdy and formidable breed and will do well in dog sports.

A distinguishing feature of this breed is their coat. The Irish variant of the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier boasts a silky, wavy coat with a slight oily texture that offers some resistance to water. In contrast, the American version has a denser coat, which, when appropriately groomed, resembles the fluffiness of a teddy bear and lacks the oiliness of its Irish counterpart.

While they come into the world with darker fur, as they grow into adulthood their coat transforms, typically settling into a shade of pale beige or gold known as wheaten.

Who is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier best for?

The Soft-Coated Wheaten is simply a great dog to choose if you aren’t sure about what dog to get!

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

They adapt equally well to apartments as they do large homes. They love city life as much as being in the country. These dogs are very willing to live in pretty much any situation as long as you give them lots of love, attention, and exercise.

From active families to elderly couples, these dogs will be an amazing addition to the home. The only exception may be for someone who is a clean-freak. These dogs love to get dirty.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Grooming & Shedding

It should be obvious, but these dogs have extensive grooming needs. With that said, they do not shed all that much and rarely drool.

Their fur tends to get dirty, knotty, and matted. So, you will need a few specific tools for daily brushing. The two most essential grooming tools are a slicker brush and a pin brush. They also tend to have excessive ear hair which may need to be plucked in some cases.

As far as bathing goes, you should bathe them every 4 to 6 weeks. This is when their coat may also need to be trimmed, as it grows continuously. And, you need to stay on top of trimming their nails and brushing their teeth.

Do Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers bark a lot?

As far as Terriers go, the Soft-Coated Wheaten is a moderate barker. With that said, proper and early training is important.

What is the average weight & height of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog?

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers fall into the medium-sized dog category, with slight variations between males and females.

Height:

Males typically stand between 46 and 48 cm.
Females have an average height ranging from 43 to 46 cm.

Weight:

Male Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers generally weigh between 16 and 18 kg.
Females usually tip the scales between 14 and 16 kg.

Are Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers easy to train?

These 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 high-energy breed and can be very headstrong, so obedience training is a must, and it needs to begin early. Their temperament can make training them a bit of a challenge and may require a professional.

How do Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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

Affectionate
Exceedingly friendly
Smart
Wanderer
Playful
Spirited
Adaptive
Diggers

Does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier have any common health issues?

This is generally a healthy dog. However, most of these issues are inherited concerns and relying upon a credible breeder can relieve some worry. Additionally, regular health checkups with your vet and preventative care will go a long way in keeping your pup healthy. The most common health problems to be concerned about in this breed are:

Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE): A digestive condition where the dog loses protein through the intestines, PLE can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, and fluid retention.
Protein-Losing Nephropathy (PLN): A kidney disorder associated with loss of proteins through the kidneys.
Addison’s Disease: This is an endocrine disorder where the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones. Signs can include lethargy, vomiting, weight loss, and occasional shaking.
Renal Dysplasia: A congenital defect involving the kidneys:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): An eye disease resulting in the gradual deterioration of the retina. It can lead to impaired vision, eventually progressing to complete blindness.
Hip Dysplasia: A genetic malformation of the hip joint, hip dysplasia can cause pain and arthritis. It’s crucial to monitor for lameness or difficulty moving in dogs predisposed to this condition.

What is the lifespan of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

This is a breed with an average to above-average life expectancy, that averages between 12 to 15 years.

How much does a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier need to be fed?

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.

You should work together with your trusted veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to decide the most appropriate food for your pup.

When choosing a diet, look for WSAVA and AAFCO seals of approval, indicating that the food is complete and balanced. Boutique diets such as raw or grain-free food should be avoided due to risk of infection and heart disease.

Most owners feed two meals per day after puppyhood, with the amount depending on your dog’s diet, size, and activity level. You can give your dog quality treats in moderation, especially during training, but avoid feeding table scraps as this could be unhealthy and also result in unwanted begging behaviour.

Fresh water should always be available.

How much can you expect to pay for a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in Australia?

The cost of this breed is average or slightly below average when compared to other purebred dogs, and you can expect to pay between AUD 1,100 – 1,700. It’s essential to recognize that the initial cost of the puppy is only a small part of the total expenses. Ongoing costs for food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and other necessities should also be factored into your budget.

Be sure that you find a breeder who follows responsible breeding practices and utilizes appropriate testing and veterinary care to contribute to the health and temperament of their puppies.

Adopting a dog through an animal shelter or breed-specific rescue is another excellent option.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier FAQs

Is a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier ideal for a first-time dog owner?

It is fair to say that this breed of dog is a good option for a first-time owner. They are very easygoing dogs and even do well in an apartment setting. Simply be aware of the dog’s grooming requirements and training needs.

Do Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes, this is a companion breed of dog and requires human interaction. They may get destructive when dealing with loneliness or boredom.

Are Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers hypoallergenic dogs?

Yes, this is one of the very few breeds of dogs that are considered to be hypoallergenic, and they seldom shed. However, it should be noted that there really aren’t any dog breeds that are 100% safe for people with severe allergic reactions.

Will a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier need professional grooming?

As far as dog breeds go, this one has a high maintenance coat There is an extensive amount of grooming effort involved with this breed, and using a professional grooming service is a good idea.