The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Dog breed info
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Weight: 30 — 40 lbs
Height: 17”— 19”
AKC Rank 2008 #58
Lifespan: 12—14 yrs
Group: Terrier
Origin: Ireland

• Wheaten Breeders And Rescue Groups
• Health, Illness, Medical For Wheaten’s

A Wheaten, pouncing
on her favorite ball

Dog Breed Info – Wheaten Terrier

Breed Overview

Origin: 1700’s. Original function: Vermin hunting, herding, guardian. Today, Companion dog.

The Soft Coated Wheaten originated as an all-around farm dog and served as such for hundreds of years. This one of the largest terriers in Ireland. It was granted breed status in 1937. The English Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1943 and in 1946 the first Wheaten came to America. The breed did not instantly catch the public’s attention, but it did finally build a firm basis of support. The AKC registered the breed: ’73.

Some are easy, some difficult. Some are stubborn and take their sweet time to learn. They are all trainable. I sug gest getting a CLICKER from a pet store and follow the clicker training ideas in this website which describes the use of the clicker.

Crate Training

Want to crate train your Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier? It’s easy and if you’re interested, take a look and you’ll see what to do. Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems.

Potty Training

Some Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies can be difficult to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Training which will help you to get the job done. Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing.

If you have an older dog, take the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do.

A Wheaten Terrier in a big hurry
to get home for dinner!>

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier makes a playful companion He’s affectionate and gentle. This dog generally is happy to do what his owner wants or is doing. Some can be headstrong at times. The dog is good with older children, 6 and up. Younger kids need to be supervised closely. He may be overly boisterous with small children. They are usually good with older household dogs and cats. Wheaten’s are terriers, so. some like to dig and bark. The Soft-Coated Terrier makes a wonderful family pet, but..

Small dogs like the Wheaten have a natural problem in that they often want to dominate the house and everyone in it. Small dogs must be heavily socialized starting very young and continued on. They need an owner and family that understands dogs and how to exert a firm but kind “pack leader” (alpha dog) dominance role over them. It is very important not to let the dog think he’s “boss!”

The Wheaten, like many other breeds, is prone to separation anxiety. If you do happen to get one that has the problem, visit our page on separation anxiety. It’s no problem to train the anxiety out of the dog.

Friendly Toward Other Dogs

Yes, the Wheaten may pick his dog friends but generally isn’t too bad with other dogs.

Friendly Toward Other Pets

Maybe. If raised with the other pets, all is okay. Small animals like birds and gerbils will be caught by the dog, as he is a natural hunter.

Friendly Toward Strangers

Yes. The Wheaten is very friendly and has no problem meeting people. He likes most everyone.

Playfulness

Very playful little dog. Needs to be active, loves to romp and have fun.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier makes a wonderful family pet.

Yes. Very affectionate. The Wheaten loves family and older children. Will want to join whatever the family is doing.

Yes. The Wheaten does well with well-mannered children, especially older kids, 6 or 7 and up. Younger, small kids could be a problem. Loves to play and run with older kids… a good way to burn some energy. Doesn’t have a lot tolerance for small kids.

Wheaten profile. Note the soft, fluffy coat.

Good with Seniors over 65?

Yes. The Wheaten is good with seniors. If you want a lively little dog, the Wheaten Terrier is it. A couple of walks and some play in the house will fill your day. Grooming will take the rest of the time. The dog is affectionate and devoted to family. If longevity is an issue, find a Wheaten Terrier Rescue group and get an dog 2 oe 3 years old that is house trained and knows some commands. The senior will save a lot of aggravation by getting a slightly older dog.

Living environment

Apartment, farm, city okay as long as he gets his walks and fetch.

Energy level

Yes, Quite energetic.

Moderate. Several good walks a day are needed. Some stimulating play in the yard for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is good too.

Yes, he will alert you to any improper activity.

No, Too friendly.

No. Known to be good for allergy sufferers.

Yes. Spend lots of time grooming. Use a comb and bristle brush on the Wheaten Terrier every other day. Visit a pet store for appropriate comb and brush if you’re in doubt. A fairly stiff bristle brush works best. Top

Book at left is a softcover Owners Guide for the Wheaten Terrier.

In the event you decide to go looking for Wheaten Terrier puppies, be SURE to find reputable breeders that really know what they are doing. Be sure the puppy has been well socialized and started in obedience training.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Breeders with puppies for sale.

Wheaten Terrier Rescue

In the event you are seriously considering the adoption of an older dog and are looking for a Wheaten Terrier Rescue group or groups in your state, here are several links that might help:
Petfinder – Wheaten Terrier Rescue – At the time of this writing, Petfinder has only 78 Wheaten’s available on their site. Good luck. This is a scarce breed!
It may be necessary to go online and search Wheaten Terrier Rescue Groups, clubs, and also kennels. Check the classifieds in local newspapers too.

This is basically a healthy breed. Don’t let the list below scare you! Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. These are dog health and medical issues this breed is prone to that have been listed by various veterinarians at different times over the past decade or so and some pertain to puppies and very young dogs that a breeder would deal with.

The information contained herein has been gathered from numerous books by veterinarians and is intended as general information only. Every dog and situation is different. You must see your vet. Our information is for general interest only and not intended to replace the advice provided by your own veterinarian.

The Wheaten is prone to a variety of skin issues, or problems including allergies which are described below.
Look for Cutaneous asthenia, Malassezia dermatitis, Atopic dermatitis, Seborrhea, Food allergy, Flea allergy dermatitis. This could be one itchy dog!

Retinal dysplasia—Caused by trauma, hereditary or damage from an infection and abnormal development of the retina with folds in the outer layers. The folds are small and may not bother the dog, however, larger obstructions can lead to blindness. Retinal dysplasia is a congenital problem that does not necessarily worsen with age.

Other health problems could occur with your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. If you notice any problems with your dog, take it to the vet immediately. This website is for general information only and is not intended to, in any way, be a medical guide.

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