A smiling Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

Height

17 - 19"

Weight

30 - 40 lbs

Type

Terrier

Life Expectancy

12 - 14 years

Area of Origin

Ireland

The Soft-Coated Wheaten is a long-legged terrier best known for its hard-working spirit around the farm. Wheatens have high energy and are highly intelligent, traits that make them excellent working companions. They have a single coat, which makes them less allergenic than most breeds, since shedding is infrequent. They love to exercise and are always looking for a workout partner or job to do.

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

Where Are Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers From?

Wheatens were first recorded in 1785 in Kerry County, Ireland, where they were bred to be helpful farm hands. They are close relatives to the Kerry Blue Terrier and Irish Terrier, distinguishing themselves by having long legs and a soft, wheat-colored hair coat. Around the farm, they would guard poultry, herd livestock, manage the pest population, and hunt.

The breed was first recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in 1937 and by the American Kennel Club in 1973. They were first bought to the United States in 1940 by Lydia Vogel of Massachusetts. Seven years later, the first Soft-Coated Wheaten was shown at Westminster.

Caring for a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

What Kind of Diet Does a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Need?

Wheatens tend to have an abundance of energy and should be fed a balanced, age-appropriate diet. As with most breeds, they’re capable of becoming obese, so calorie intake should be monitored closely.

How Much Grooming Does a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Need?

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers have a single coat, which means that they don’t have seasonal sheds and shedding in general is minimal. Despite this, their coats can tangle easily, so brushing multiple times a week is needed to prevent knots and mats.

Trim nails frequently to prevent overgrowth and bathe as needed.

Are Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers Healthy?

Wheaten Terriers are relatively healthy dogs with a 12 – 14 year lifespan. They are, however, predisposed to the following diseases: protein-losing enteropathy, protein-losing nephropathy, hypoadrenocortism, renal dysplasia, cataracts, Von Willebrand disease, persistent right aortic arch, and allergies.

How Much Training Does a Wheaten Terrier Need?

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are highly intelligent and opinionated dogs. Early training can help assure that they become well-mannered and obedient companions.

They can be independent and need a strong bond with their families. Constant positive reinforcement is often needed to overcome their strong-willed nature.

How Much Exercise Do Wheatens Need?

Wheatens have plenty of energy and a strong work ethic. They will need daily exercise to exhaust this energy and keep their minds sharp. They benefit from having a job, going for daily runs, taking agility classes, and participating in lure/nosework training.

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What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier?

How Big Are Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers?

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are a medium-sized dog that is sturdy in appearance. They have a soft and wavy wheat-colored hair coat that lightens as they age.

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Head

Wheaten Terriers have a rectangular-shaped head with a moderate muzzle. Their ears are small to medium size and sit on the top of the head in a v-shape.

Are Wheaten Terriers Strong?

Wheatens have a strong, proportional body and flat back. The chest cavity is slightly-rounded and abdomen tucked upward.

How Do Wheaten Terriers Carry Their Tails?

Wheaten Terriers have a tail that stands upright and slightly curves over the lower back.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Front Legs

The forequarters are straight with solid bone structure. Shoulders are slightly laid back and dewclaws are commonly removed from the forelimbs.

What Color Coat Does a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Have?

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are commonly brown, chocolate, or white. Their coats may lighten to a wheat color as they age.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Back Legs

The hindquarters are well-muscled, with a slight bend in the stifles.

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Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Facts

Frederic William Burton included a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier in his famous painting “The Aran Fisherman’s Drowned Child.”

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are often called the “poor man’s wolfhound,” since they were the working class dog of choice in Ireland and wolfhounds were incredibly expensive.

Wheatens are known as An Brocaire Bui in Ireland, which translates to "the yellow terrier."

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