Terrier group · Ireland
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Also called Wheaten, Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
Medium dog, high energy, trains well with consistency.
- Happy
- Friendly
- Devoted
- Spirited
- Playful
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 14 to 18 kg30 to 40 lb
- Lives
- 12 to 14 years
- Energy
- High
- Trains
- Moderate
- Barks
- Moderate
Training
Training a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Terrier breeds. Impulse control and a rock-solid leave it. Short, high-value sessions; they bore fast.
Manage the "Wheaten Greetin"
Start here
Famous for exuberant greetings. Teach four-on-the-floor early or they'll jump on everyone.
Sensitive to Harsh Handling
Sensitive breed that shuts down with harsh corrections. Keep training upbeat and encouraging.
Consistency is Key
Can be stubborn but willing to please. Consistent rules from all family members are essential.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, on video with Atlas and Shango.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to go to ground after vermin. Fearless, quick, and not built to back down.
Gets on with
- ChildrenHigh
- Other dogsModerate
- StrangersHigh
- CatsModerate
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 1+ hour daily. Moderate exercise with play sessions. Puppy-like energy well into adulthood.
- Grooming
- High maintenance. Daily brushing required to prevent matting. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Single coat, Soft, Silky, WavyWheaten, Pale Beige to Shimmering Gold
- In a flat
- Can work, with enough exercise outside it.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Protein-Losing Nephropathy
Severe
Kidney disease causing protein loss, screen breeding dogs
Protein-Losing Enteropathy
Severe
Intestinal disease causing protein loss through the gut
Addison's Disease
Moderate
Adrenal gland insufficiency requiring lifelong treatment
Where they come from
History
Developed in Ireland over 200 years ago as a versatile farm dog used for herding, guarding, and hunting. Known as the "poor man's wolfhound." Less aggressive than other terrier breeds due to their herding background.
- Kramer · The Wheaten in the popular TV series "Dharma & Greg" who charmed audiences
