The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Lively and loving best describe the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. With a coat that is not just beautiful but hypoallergenic, it’s a special breed that you’ll want to learn more about. So here’s your all-in-one guide!

History

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is from Ireland and specifically has its roots in County Kerry. It is one of a group of four Irish dog breeds along with the Irish Terrier, Glen of Imaal Terrier, and the Kerry Blue Terrier. In fact, it is actually believed to be one of the breeds used to create the Kerry Blue Terrier, or at least share some ancestry, which despite its bluish-black color looks very similar in appearance.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier gets its name from its silky coat that also happens to be the color of wheat. It is also known as the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, or simply the Wheaten Terrier.  For short they are also often called “Wheatens,” or “Wheaties”. They were used in Ireland as general farm dogs, for herding livestock, small game hunting, for vermin control, and as watchdogs.

Interestingly in the past, only the wealthy landowners were permitted to own hounds so the terriers including this one were favored by the poor. Their tails were actually docked to avoid paying tax, as this showed that they were working animals. Even though they have been around and in use on the farm for several hundred years the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is considered on paper to be one of the youngest of all terrier breeds.

That’s because it wasn’t shown until 1933 and officially acknowledged by the English Kennel Club in 1943.  In the forties and fifties, the first puppies were shipped to the United States where interest slowly grew in these Irish imports. St. Patrick’s Day appropriately marked the founding of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America in 1962.

And in 1973 the wheaten was recognized for the first time by the American Kennel Club giving it the ability to reach even more fans. However, today it is still a breed that many people don’t know about until they are introduced to it from having met or known someone who owns one.

Personality

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier temperament is often described as merry and people-loving. They are a breed that does very well with children although they often tend to get excited when greeting those they love and that means jumping up onto them with two legs.

Wheatens are very well known for this gesture and it’s even sometimes called the “Wheaten welcome.” Because they can accidentally knock over small children when lovingly saying “hello,” adult supervision is a smart idea if you have very young kids. This breed is smart, easy to train, and is typically well-mannered around other dogs.

Uses

Today, the Wheaten primarily functions as a fun-loving family dog. However, they are sometimes still used on the farm for jobs such as herding sheep. Their athleticism allows them to compete in agility competitions and trials. They will bark to alert you when something is out of the ordinary so can make good watchdogs although not guard dogs since they are not inclined to bite.

Because Soft Coated Terrier aggression is almost never an issue (they really are people-loving) this breed can make a great choice if you are looking to adopt an older pet and don’t necessarily know the past of the individual dog. This breed is considered to be hypoallergenic so it can be an option for prospective owners who want a dog but are unfortunately allergic to them.

While no dog is truly one hundred percent hypoallergenic when around a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier allergies and their symptoms are often not a problem at all for many sufferers. Most other breeds have a double coat of fur both of which are continually shedding and that equals a lot of dander and proteins being released in the home which causes allergic reactions.

Wheatens on the other hand have a single coat of hair and do not shed. But, before you run out and purchase one, however, if you are allergic to dogs it would be a good idea to spend some time with a Wheaten and see how your body reacts if at all first.

Physical Description

This is considered a medium-sized breed. And like with most types of dog Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier size is influenced by its sex. The males are slightly larger typically around eighteen to nineteen inches tall and weighing between thirty-five and forty pounds. Females on the other hand usually are between seventeen and eighteen inches tall and between thirty to thirty-five pounds.

The ears are small and folded forward and the tail is typically docked. Regardless of whether it is docked or not, the tail should be at a ninety-degree angle from the body. The Wheaten has a rectangular head and large teeth. Its body is sturdy with muscular back legs.

Apart from some black hairs in their beard and grey on the ears, they should be the color of ripening wheat.  This can range from a very light beige to honey-colored. Interestingly, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies will often change color as they get older. They start out with a dark coat and beard that keeps gets lighter until around the age of two.

The Wheaten has a single coat of hair that should be silky and soft. It can be curly or wavy but not wooly or coarse. There are actually two Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier coat types: the Irish and the American. The Irish is considered to be the original working coat of this breed and is thinner, while the American coat is a little thicker and fluffier.

Health

The average Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier lifespan is from twelve to fourteen years, and these dogs can be expected to keep their playful attitude even into their older years. While they are great for owners who may have dog-related allergies, Wheatens are actually prone to allergies themselves which can cause them to have very itchy skin. These can sometimes be dealt with by changing the diet of your pet.

More serious Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier health issues include Addison’s disease an endocrine system disorder and renal dysplasia which causes abnormal kidney development.

They are also prone to protein-losing nephropathy where proteins and plasma are lost through the kidneys and protein-losing enteropathy in which proteins and plasma are lost through the gastrointestinal tract. Eye problems such as retinal dysplasia and cataracts can also be a concern.

Care

These are intelligent dogs that learn fast but Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier training and socialization should start young to help make sure they get along well with other dogs and pets in the future. Setting boundaries early will also help to deal with their love to jump up on people. Terriers as a rule do have a high prey drive and the Wheaten is no exception since it is part of their hunting heritage.

So you will want to be careful when allowing one around small animals. As medium energy level dogs Wheatens will need an exercise or play session daily. As long as they are provided with that, they will do fine whether in an apartment in the city, a house in suburbia or out in the country.

While you won’t have to deal with any shedding you will have to spend more time grooming them than with other breeds. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier grooming typically involves using both a dog comb and brush multiple times per week to keep your dog tangle-free. (Both coat types do need the same amount of grooming).

For those who want an energetic medium size pet that won’t shed or typically cause allergic reactions, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier makes a wonderful companion. But of course, you will need to put it in the time to keep that coat looking soft and gorgeous.

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