Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dog Breed
Our Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog breed information profile includes characteristics, traits, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier personality and temperament, lifespan, suitability for children, exercise needs, training, health problems and much more. Enjoy our Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier pictures gallery, and send in your own cute Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy photos!
Meet the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dog Breed
The Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier is a lovely member of the terrier dog breed group and hails from the Emerald Isle, where the breed has been known for some 200 years. This working terrier excels as a family companion and working dog, and makes an excellent family companion.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Facts | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dog Breed Pictures | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier History | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Appearance
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Temperament | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Exercise Needs
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Grooming Needs
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Training | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Issues
Is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dog Breed the Right Choice for You?
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Breed Quick FactsAlternate Names: Common Misspellings: Wheaton Terrier, Wheaten Terrior, Weaton Terrier, Wheatenterrior |
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| Country of Origin | Ireland |
| Size: | |
| Height: | |
| Weight | |
| Color: | |
| Exercise Needs: | Moderate |
| Grooming Demands: | Moderate |
| Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Life Expectancy: | |
| Good With Children: | Yes |
| Ease of Training: | Medium Difficult |
| AKC Breed Group: | Terrier |
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier History
Known in Ireland for more than two centuries, the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier was the poor mans hunting dog, a slayer of vermin, a herding dog and a watchdog. Wheaten Terriers are thought to be one of the ancestors of the Kerry Blue Terrier. The tousled-looking farmers dog attracted little attention until a terrier match in 1932 when a group of fanciers decided to form a club.
Wheaten Terriers were first called Irish Wheaten Terriers, but that was considered too close to the Irish Terrier, so it was changed to the present name. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers were first exhibited in 1937 and placed on the list of native Irish breeds. In the beginning, the breed was shown in its natural shaggy state but when other terrier fanciers derided them as looking like so many haystacks, the owners began to top and tidy them, eventually resulting in the familiar scissored trim now seen in the North American show ring.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Appearance
Color: Pale gold to warm honey is the color of the Wheaten Terrier. Darker shading may be found on the ears and muzzle. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies are born dark in color and lighten to wheaten as they mature.
Coat: The non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat is abundant, soft-textured and wavy.
Height/Weight: The ideal height for a male Wheaten Terrier is 18.5 in (47 cm) and weight should fall in the range of 35-45 lb (16-20.5 kg). Female Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers will stand 17.5 in (44 cm) and register 30-35 lb (13.5-16 kg).
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Temperament and Personality
This is indeed a dog that licked the Blarney Stone. The Wheaten Terrier is a happy, steady dog with an aura of self-confidence, inquisitive and alert.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Exercise Needs
A bit more laid-back than many other terriers, the Wheaten Terrier is still spirited, enjoys activity and is ready and willing to learn. He requires no less than a daily brisk walk to satisfy his exercise needs and more will be appreciated.
Grooming Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers
Thorough brushing is needed on a regular basis to prevent mats. It takes considerable scissoring skills to trim the coat in the accepted show style.
Training Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Concerns
As with all purebred dog breeds, Wheaten Terriers can be prone to certain hereditary disorders. Since the breed is an old one, having been around for more than 200 years, many of these problems have been bred out over time. Its always important to seek out a responsible breeder who is well educated about the breed and breeds very selectively to produce healthy, disease-free puppies.
Although there are no 100% guarantees when it comes to purebred dogs and their health, choosing the right breeder who screens her dogs carefully prior to breeding can go a long way towards acquiring a healthy, long lived family companion.
Health issues that can affect the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are:
Protein Losing Neuropathy (PLN)
Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE)
Addisons Disease
Renal Dysplasia (RD)
For further information on these canine disorders which can affect Wheaten Terriers, the following web site is an excellent resource:
Health Issues in Wheaten Terriers
Is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Right For Me?
If you are looking for a terrier dog that is a little more laid-back than most, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier could be the dog for you. While the Wheaten does possess many endearing characteristics of the terrier dog breed group such as spunk, playfulness and personality, he is not as tenacious and prey-driven as many, making him a good childrens dog and a little easier to train and handle.
All dogs, whether purebred or mixed breed; terriers or toys will benefit from early and consistent obedience training, as well as the love and respect of every member in the family. The Wheaten Terrier is no exception, and in the right family situation can be the perfect dog breed of choice.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dog Breed Pictures Gallery
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