The energetic Wheaten Terrier is spirited and occasionally hyperactive, but less so than other terrier breeds. They are friendly and alert, and are not known resort to aggression.
The soft-coated wheaten terrier is vivacious and gregarious, quick to make friends, and always up for a game of fetch in the park. A wheaten terrier, which was historically bred as a working dog on Irish farms, would typically spend their days hunting small game and vermin, herding, or acting as a responsible watch dog. Due to their ancestry, they are energetic dogs known for their joyful personalities, which manifests itself when they are feeling particularly happy or energizing by bouncing up and down.
Soft-coated wheaten terriers might be best suited for active families who are seasoned dog owners due to their spirited nature and inherent prey drive. A human who practices regular exercise and commits time to consistent training would be a wheaten’s ideal neighbor.
In addition to their fun-loving and spunky personalities, wheaten terriers are well known for their silky, soft, and beautiful coats. However, beauty requires work, and regular grooming is essential. But if you’re willing to give them the care and grooming they need, they’ll reward you with their loving and playful nature!
Soft-coated wheaten terriers have a striking coat that matches their outgoing personalities. They have a distinctive wisp of hair over their eyes that gives them a cartoonish appearance that you’ll adore. Despite having a lot of hair, wheatens don’t shed much, so you won’t need to use the vacuum every day. Wheaten terriers are single-coated and produce less dander than many other breeds, so they can be a good fit for an owner who is prone to allergies, even though there isn’t such a thing as a hypoallergenic dog.
These dogs have a silky smooth coat that cascades over their body in gentle waves, earning them the nickname “soft-coated.” Some wheatens’ coats may lean slightly more toward the curly side, giving them a cuddly, almost stuffed animal-like appearance. The term “wheaten” refers to the wide variety of wheat-like coat colors, which range from light beige to shimmering dark gold. Puppies of soft-coated wheaten terriers typically have straight hair at birth and darker coats that gradually lighten and curl as they age; in fact, their “true” color and texture usually don’t appear until they are two years old. If you look closely after their coats have grown, you may find small tufts of red, white, or even black hair buried in the wheat.
Wheaten terriers require frequent grooming as suggested by their full, long coats. How often depends on the appearance you want for your dog. If you want to maintain their traditional, glossy appearance, they’ll need daily grooming, which includes combing and brushing them one to three times per day. Just be careful not to wait too long between brushes or you run the risk of your dog’s hair becoming matted and tangled. If you prefer a scruffier vibe, you can get by with brushing and combing twice or three times a week.
Typically, female wheatens weigh 30 to 35 pounds and are 17 to 18 inches tall. At 35–40 pounds and 18–19 inches, men are slightly bigger.
According to Joanna Woodnutt, BVM, BVS, “They make great family dogs if they receive enough exercise and training but always have an independent streak.” They are undoubtedly perceptive and social, but, at least in the consulting room, they don’t immediately warm up to strangers.
Wheatens, despite being adorable, need enough socialization and positive reinforcement training to learn how to behave well. Without it, they might be more likely to engage in bad habits like jumping up. The soft-coated wheaten has a bit of an independent streak, like many other terriers, which is another sign of how crucial it is to spend time with her. She is incredibly intelligent, so she needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation. She will not enjoy being by herself and will thrive in your company. Even as she gets older, her playful spirit gives her a puppy-like personality, making her ideal for couch cuddles after leisurely neighborhood walks or entertaining indoor games.
Although wheatens must expend a lot of energy, they don’t necessarily require large living spaces. As long as they exercise daily, apartment living is fine for them. And while a secured yard is ideal, they can still get the necessary exercise from daily, long walks.
They should not be left alone for extended periods of time due to their high level of intelligence, vivacious personality, and inherently affectionate nature. Wheaten terriers require stimulation, and being left alone with pent-up energy could result in them getting into trouble at home, which is understandable. They must have plenty to do when not exercising, according to Woodnutt, or they will grow bored and destructive.
That said, this breed is best suited for those who can arrange for a pet sitter or walker to visit during the day or who won’t be gone from home for longer than four hours at a time. The wheaten terrier is the definition of “man’s best friend,” as she requires a companion in order to survive.
Soft-coated wheaten terriers get along with other animals fairly well, especially if they are introduced when they are puppies. Other smaller animals, such as rodents or birds, should be kept away, though, as their propensity for hunting small animals and high prey drive may not make for a happy ending. In general, well-socialized and trained wheaten terriers enjoy playing with children.
Although Woodnutt hasn’t observed this breed herding kids, he notes that their high prey drive can make them overexcited when playing with little kids, especially if the kid is likely to squeal. Running and squealing can cause chasing as the dog’s prey drive kicks in, so it’s strongly advised that these dogs be raised with children from a young age and that the children are taught how to interact with the dog calmly. The same goes for defining what constitutes a toy and what does not, as shuffling feet or darting hands may otherwise tempt an individual. “.
The only thing to keep in mind about wheaten terriers is that they require a lot of upkeep. They need to be brushed at least once daily and occasionally even three times per day to maintain their silky coat. Even if you prefer for your wheaten to look scruffy, they still require brushing twice or three times per week. A dematting comb, stainless steel Greyhound comb, slicker brush, pin brush, thinning shears, scissors, conditioning shampoo, and leave-in conditioner are typically included in a soft-coated wheaten terrier grooming kit for their coat.
In addition to routine brushing, it’s crucial to also clean her ears, ears, and nails. It’s wise to accustom a wheaten terrier to the routine when she’s a puppy because they require so much grooming. Some dogs might feel uncomfortable sitting still while having their paws brushed or trimmed because they are sensitive to touch. Getting to know her now will make grooming her easier as she gets older.
Remember that the soft-coated wheaten terrier is more than just a pretty face; they have an outgoing personality that calls for lots of affection and exercise. Wheatens require one hour of physical activity each day, though two is preferable. A wheaten’s needs should be met by a 30-minute walk in the morning, a 30-minute walk in the evening, and some indoor playtime.
Early socialization and puppy training classes are important. It’s essential to lay a strong foundation for a high-energy dog when she’s young so she can live her best life as a model K9 citizen.
Although soft-coated wheaten terriers have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years and are a generally healthy breed, they are susceptible to three genetic diseases. The following conditions and their symptoms are described by Hello Ralphie’s veterinarian and VMD, Ericka Carroll:
Carroll says that while there is no cure, there are some medications and diets that can help manage the condition when it is discovered early. Visits to the vet on a regular basis will keep your wheaten happy and healthy. Keep an eye out for any of these signs and contact your veterinarian right away if you spot anything unusual.
Irish people referred to soft-coated wheaten terriers as “poor man’s dogs” when they first appeared. According to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America, traditional hunting dogs like hounds, spaniels, and beagles were reserved for wealthy and prominent owners, which led to the breed’s rise in popularity among Irish commoners and farmers.
Wheaten terriers were used on the farm to hunt small animals, keep out pests, and protect the property from trespassers. (However, given their small stature, guarding the farm might have amounted to more bark than bite. ).
The Irish Kennel Club didn’t officially recognize wheatens as a breed until 1937, on St. Patricks Day. Seven Wheaten Terriers traveled to the United States in 1946. S. where, in 1973, the American Kennel Club awarded them recognition.
Size:
Weight Range:
Male: 35-40 lbs. Female: 30-35 lbs.
Height at Withers:
Male: 19 in.
Female: 18 in.
They are great with children
He is loving with children and adults due to the affectionate Wheaten Terrier temperament, so they make the ideal playmate for your child.
Just keep in mind that, regardless of how well you know your dog, it is never a good idea to leave young children alone with any breed of dog, including the loving Wheaten.
There is always a chance that a misunderstanding could result in an unintentional injury.
Personality:
Soft-coated wheaten terriers are active, intelligent dogs. They prefer to be with their owners and do not make good kennel dogs. Although less feisty than their terrier cousins, wheaten terriers are still active and capable of getting into trouble. Many inexperienced wheaten owners anticipate the day when their dog will mature and find a home, only to discover that their dog never does.
Wheaten terriers require moderate exercise, but they also require a lot of entertainment, or they will find something to do. Although they are very intelligent, Wheatens have a tendency to be stubborn and make bad competitive obedience dogs. Off-leash, they are typically unreliable due to their terrier-like propensity to roam. Like all terriers, they may chew and dig if bored.
FAQ
Are Wheaton terriers high energy?
Even as they age, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier maintains a medium to high level of energy. They need plenty of exercise every day.
Do wheaten terriers bark a lot?
When strangers approach, the majority of Wheatens will bark an alarm, but they are typically quieter than the smaller terriers.
How do you calm a wheaten terrier?
Provide your Wheaten Terrier with good strong chew toys. Chewing is a great way to occupy them. Additionally, chewing releases endorphins, which calms a dog. Many dogs hold stress in the jaw.
Are wheaten terriers prone to anxiety?
Although all dogs are prone to anxiety, particularly around strangers and loud noises, some dog breeds are more likely than others to experience it. Lagotto romagnolos, wheaten terriers, and mixed-breed dogs could all be more prone to feeling anxious.