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Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank49
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Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog profile picture
OriginIreland flagIreland
Other Names
What other names does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier have?
Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten TerrierWheatie
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Size and Weight

Size
Is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier small, medium or large dog?

How big do Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier get?

What is the average size of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier weigh? How much should a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier weight? What is the normal weight of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier? How much does a full-grown Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier weight?
Male: 35-45 pounds (16-20 kg), Female: 30-40 pounds (14-18 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
Male: 40 pounds (18 kg), Female: 35 pounds (16 kg)
Height
How tall is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier? Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier height:
Male: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
Male: 19 inches (48.5 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm)

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in the United States? How much money is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

Where to buy a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier with a good pedigree?

$800-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier? How many Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier? Is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
PlayfulEnergeticIntelligentAffectionateSpiritedFaithful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier a good family dog?
High: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier need? Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier social needs:
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier have high prey drive?
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier bark?
Average: The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in an apartment?
Apartment-friendly dog the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed. It is best if you have a small garden where it can occasionally go out to do its business, but this is not important at all. You can exercise him enough with a walk or two a day, so he's comfortable in an apartment.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier be left alone? How long can you leave a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier alone?
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier? How much bite force does a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier have? How strong is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier do?
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed? Most common health risks of Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier:
AllergiesCancerAddison's DiseaseRenal Dysplasia
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier see the vet?
Average
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs live? How old can a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier be? What is the age limit of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier? How many years can the oldest Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

How long is the lifespan of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier have? What is the activity level of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier need? How much exercise do Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs require per day?

Do Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises?

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed need?
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier? How much food should I feed my Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2 cups of a high-quality daily, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier risk for obesity:
Average: The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier weight regularly.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Curly
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier coats?
Wheaten
Grooming
How to groom the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and how often? How often should I take my Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier to the groomer?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier requires grooming on a daily basis.

Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer is essential. Everyday brushing of the dog's coat is necessary to reduce shedding.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath should be on a weekly schedule.

Taking good care of your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is time-consuming and requires excellent grooming skills. If you don't have the time and skill search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier? Do Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs shed a lot?
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs are low shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier need a bath? How often should you give a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier a bath? Can I bathe my Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed hypoallergenic?
Yes
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier drool?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs get along with other pets? Are Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier temperament with other people:
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier temperament with children:
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed live with a cat?
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs get along with other dogs?
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs good office canines? Do Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier temperament with senior people? Are Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs good for elderly owners?
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier be a boat dog?

Not really

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier have? How many puppies can a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier give birth to?
5-8 puppies

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Recognition

AKC Group
Is Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Group
Is Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubIrish Kennel ClubCanadian Canine RegistryClub Espanol De Terriers

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Hypoallergenic: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Apartment Friendly: Apartment-friendly dog the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed.
  • Shedding Level: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs are low shedders.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Ability: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Mouthiness: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Adaptability: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Grooming: Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Cat Friendly: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier History

The origin of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a bit misty but the breed’s history goes back to over 200 years. With the historical Irish emphasis on oral traditions overwritten one, it is not too surprising that the history of terriers are not that well documented as they were mostly owned by farmers and poorer people. According to researchers, there have been several references found which describe a long-legged terrier with open coat and wheaten color in the areas around Cork and Wicklow in Southern Ireland as well as around Ballymena in Northern Ireland. The intelligent breed’s job was to help the farmers with their hard life, because of this they were often called the “poor man’s dog”, guarding the family, herding sheep, and cattle, and would patrol the boundaries of the small farms to warn off trespassers. Furthermore, the Wheaten Terrier was also used for hunting and was capable of tracking otter and badger, taking them both on land and water. People used to refer to the breed as “the best dog ever for poaching”. This shows that the breed was always a strong, medium-sized dog of great intelligence and versatility.

Moreover, the modern history of the breed is actually closely related to that of Ireland’s two other breeds of long-legged terriers, the Irish and the Kerry Blue Terriers. Native wheaten terriers are believed to be important in the origin of both breeds. Irish terriers were first shown as a distinct class at dog shows in Dublin in the 1870s but the first standard for Irish terriers was not drawn up until 1880. At that time, terriers of the same general size, but with open or soft coats were still often benched with the Irish terriers. Included in these soft coated varieties were dogs with silver, grey, blue and wheaten colors. However, in the early period of the First World War, the Kerry Blue Terrier was separated as a distinct breed and its popularity grew, especially in England. The Wheaten Terrier did not prick the interest of dog fanciers as early as the other two close cousins did. During the World War in the early part of the 20th century, the number of specimens declined and the breed almost went extinct.

However, the turning point of the breed came at a terrier field trial in 1932, where a Wheaten Terrier performed exceptionally well, which caught the interest of a fancier of Kerry Blues, a man called Patrick Blake who was very impressed. He became convinced that the breed should be rescued from extinction so he called upon his friend Dr. G. J. Pierse to start a club for the breed and sponsor it for recognition by the Irish Kennel Club. Eventually, recognition by the Irish Kennel Club was achieved in 1937 and they were first officially presented at an Irish Kennel Club show in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day.

Furthermore, the first Wheatens to arrive in the United States were brought by Lydia Vogel of Massachusetts in 1947, when she imported a litter of six puppies that were first exhibited at Westminster the following year. Although she successfully showed her dogs in AKC shows, there was not enough interest to receive AKC recognition. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the breed began to grow in popularity when the O’Connor family of Brooklyn imported a dog from Maureen Holmes, one of the most influential Irish breeders. The O’Connors had become interested in the breed after falling in love with the ‘shaggy dog look’ shown in the picture of one of the Vogel dogs. The O’Connor family started showing their dog and became interested in achieving AKC recognition, so they tracked down the descendants of the Vogel pair. In 1962 on the 17th of March the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America was formed, even though that at the time there were thought to be less than 30 Wheatens in the country. Overall, as a result of the O’Connors are often credited with the establishment of the breed in the United States. The breed eventually became recognized by the AKC in 1973 when it became the organization's 118th breed.

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Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • John

    Jun 7, 2022, 10:52:20 PM:

    Great dogs but some of this information is not accurate. Prey drive is rated as only average but anyone who has owned a wheaten can tell you that is far from the case

  • Mark

    Sep 9, 2021, 9:51:48 PM:

    They love you with undying affection to their last breath. My Wheaten Terrier was alway eager to learn but he was more easily distracted in than my focused Kerry Blue. Ever patient, loving training pays off with a Wheaten. I loved them both.

  • Mitch

    Jan 25, 2020, 8:44:44 AM:

    outstanding breed