Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The teddy bear of the terrier world - a silky-coated Irish farm dog with an exuberant "Wheaten greeting" for everyone.
Personality Traits
History and Origins
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is one of Ireland oldest breeds, developed as an all-purpose farm dog in County Kerry and surrounding areas. For over 200 years, the Wheaten served as a ratter, herder, watchdog and companion on small Irish farms. Every farm needed a versatile dog, and the Wheaten filled every role.
Despite this long history, the breed was not officially recognised until 1937. The Wheaten arrived in Britain in the 1970s and has steadily grown in popularity thanks to its wonderful temperament and non-shedding coat.
Appearance
The Wheaten is a medium-sized, compact dog standing 46-49 cm at the shoulder. The single coat is soft, silky and wavy, flowing rather than standing away from the body. Puppies are born dark and gradually lighten to the distinctive warm wheaten colour by about two years old.
Is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Right for You?
Wheatens are perhaps the friendliest of all terriers - they lack the typical terrier attitude and get on well with most people and dogs. They are excellent family dogs, good with children and adaptable to different living situations. Their non-shedding coat makes them suitable for some allergy sufferers.
They need moderate exercise and regular grooming. They can be stubborn but are generally easier to train than many terriers.
Living with a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The famous "Wheaten greeting" involves the dog jumping up to face level to welcome you - charming in a puppy, less so in a 20 kg adult. Training helps manage this. Wheatens are joyful, people-oriented dogs who thrive on companionship. They do not cope well with long periods alone.
Training Tips
- Start the "no jumping" rule from puppyhood to manage the Wheaten greeting
- Use positive methods - they respond well to food and praise
- Be consistent as they can be stubborn
- Socialise well with other dogs to maintain their natural friendliness
- Train a solid recall before allowing off-lead exercise
Temperament
Happy, exuberant and people-oriented. Wheatens greet everyone like a long-lost friend. They are less aggressive than many terriers and generally good with other dogs. They are playful well into old age and maintain a puppy-like enthusiasm for life.
Exercise Needs
About 60-90 minutes of exercise daily. Wheatens enjoy walks, playing and moderate hiking. They are not as high-energy as some terriers but still need regular activity. They enjoy games and interactive play with their families.
Grooming
The silky coat needs daily brushing to prevent matting, particularly behind the ears and legs. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks keeps the coat in shape. The coat does not shed but grows continuously like human hair, so regular trimming is essential.
Health
Generally healthy but prone to two breed-specific kidney and bowel conditions: protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). Responsible breeders screen for these. Addison disease and renal dysplasia also occur. Average lifespan 12-14 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Wheatens hypoallergenic?
Wheatens have a single, non-shedding coat which produces less dander than many breeds. They are often tolerated by people with mild allergies, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Spend time with the breed before committing.
What is the Wheaten greeting?
Wheatens are famous for enthusiastically jumping up to greet people at face level. This joyful greeting is endearing but needs managing through training, especially as the dog grows. Start teaching "four on the floor" from puppyhood.
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