Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

A happy, well-balanced and friendly terrier, the Wheaten possesses grace and pride. They are self-confident, easy-going, and deeply devoted to their family. They get along well with older children and with dogs they have been raised with. This breed is not suitable for homes with cats or other small household pets. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier requires a great deal of effort and commitment and is not recommended for novice dog owners. This breed rarely barks, however, due to their size and loyalty they make an excellent dog for personal protection. They are very sensitive and reflect the moods of those around them.

The history of the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has been somewhat obscured by its closeness to the other Irish Terrier breeds. The Wheaten is probably the oldest of the four breeds. Its existence for at least 200 years can be inferred from textual references to "soft coated" dogs. The relation of the modern Irish Terrier to the Wheaten, though less well documented, appears to have been the result of deliberate breeding experiments. So the humble Wheaten probably has a fairly mixed ancestry. Despite the long history of the Wheaten, it wasn't until 1937, that the Soft Coated Wheaten was officially recognised by the Irish Kennel Club. The breed has grown steadily in popularity since and is now well known world-wide.

This is an athletic dog that needs a good daily workout, either in the form of a moderate to long walk or an invigorating game in the yard. He should be allowed loose only in a safe area because he still loves to hunt and chase. The Wheaten is best suited as an indoor dog. His long coat needs brushing or combing every two days. As a nonshedding dog, loose hair becomes entangled in the coat and will mat if not combed out. Bathing and trimming every other month is necessary to maintain the desirable coat and silhouette; pets can be better managed if their coats are clipped to about 3 inches, but then they lose the breed's typical outline.

Athletic and energetic, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier enjoys many family activities such as hiking, play sessions, and walks. A securely fenced yard where they can romp and run is ideal. They will do well in an apartment or condominium dwelling provided they are sufficiently exercised and receive an appropriate amount of attention and stimulation.

Exercise, firm but positive training, grooming, and socialization.

This is a high maintenance breed that requires daily combing to prevent mats and tangles. Professional trimming is needed four to six times per year. Bathing or dry shampooing should be done when necessary. It is important to clean and check the eyes and ears on a consistent basis. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is prone to flea allergies, Addison's disease, PLN, and PLE. They do not do well in hot climates.

This dog is pretty easily to train, because it is intelligent and it understandsquicklywhat it should do. The training must be consistent, firm but positive, without being severe. It muste be taught what is allowed and what is not to do, it likes sportive activities like flyball, agility contests. If they will finnish daily the energy, they will be quite in the house.

The dogs from this breed don't moult, but they must be combed from time to time, for not to tangle the coating. The fur will be not cut or wrested.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is increasing in popularity and is known in most areas of the U.S., but still requires some calling around to locate a breeder. The unusual coat needs frequent attention to avoid mats, as well as quarterly scissoring. Puppi