Wheaten Terriers

Would you like to know more about Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers? You've come to the right place. Learn everything you need to know about this happy-go-lucky dog breed.

Soft-Coated Wheaten puppy

History of Breed

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers come to us from Ireland, and are one of several popular breeds that originated on the Emerald Isle, including Irish Wolf Hounds, Kerry Blue Terriers and the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

As with many breeds, the earliest history of Wheaten Terriers is a bit sketchy, but popular lore contends that a dark blue dog once jumped off a Spanish galleon, and subsequently mated with some of the local Irish Terriers. The resulting pups became the foundation stock for the breed, eventually developing the characteristics of the Wheatens we have come to know and love today.

It may interest you to know that Terriers were once considered beneath the nobility of Ireland, and were relegated to the farming class. As such, Wheatens joined their Terrier cousins performing a variety of jobs around the farm, including hunting vermin, working cattle and flushing game in the field.

The breed wasn't officially recognized in its native land until 1937 and finally gained entry into the American Kennel Club in 1973.

Meet Today's Wheaten

Appearance

Wheaten Terriers are a medium sized breed and rather square when viewed from the side.

• Dogs: 18 to 19 inches tall, 35 to 40 pounds
• Bitches: 17 to 18 inches tall, 30 to 35 pounds

The Wheaten's most distinguishing feature is the one it was named for: a soft, slightly wavy single-coat the color of light wheat. You'll usually find a few black guard hairs dispersed amongst the wheat coat and darker fur on the ears. Most Wheaton pups start out life a shade of reddish gold; but the color lightens as the coat matures, usually around two years old.

Personality

If you love the typical plucky character of a Terrier, but could do without the extra aggression they sometimes display toward each other and other dogs, then you'll probably be very pleased with the personality of Wheaten Terriers.

These dogs are prized for their fun-loving nature and they make steady companions in the home. Outside the home, the sky's the limit. Wheatens are up for all sorts of activities. If it involves going to new places and meeting new friends, count them in.

In fact, Wheaton Terriers are notorious for never having met a stranger. Although they will bark to alert you to company, expected or otherwise, they will give everyone the famous "Wheaton Greeting", so they cannot be counted on as guard dogs.

On the other side of the coin, these dogs are good with children, and have the ability to get along with other pets of similar size, as long as they have been properly introduced. Their Terrier ancestry should be kept well in mind if smaller pets such as guinea pigs and birds are kept, since a Wheaton may perceive them more as small game than house companions.

Training Wheaten Terriers

Beauty and wonderful personality aside, Wheaton Terriers can be a bit difficult to train. This mainly seems due to their buoyant nature. It's hard to hold their attention through standard training sessions to teach them what you want them to know. They sometimes also display the trademark Terrier stubbornness, so training is best accomplished using different tactics.

Training should take place in small doses and if you can make it fun for your pet, so much the better. Praise heartily when your Wheaton is able to carry out your commands, but avoid being harsh when he doesn't. These dogs are a bit soft tempered compared to other breeds in their group, and if you're not careful you may wind up with a sulking dog that isn't currently interested in anything you have to offer.

Grooming Care of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

Although Wheatens are single-coated, the coat's thickness varies, depending on where the breeding line is from. Irish and American blood lines tend to carry heavier coats, while English-bred lines tend to be a bit lighter.

This breed's coat is unlike that of other Terrier breeds. In addition to being soft rather than harsh, the hair also keeps growing, so considerable grooming is necessary to keep these dogs in shape. Wheatens require regular brushing to keep mats from forming, and clipping the coat helps keep the job from becoming overwhelming. These dogs do not shed seasonally like other breeds, any loose hairs are usually retained in the coat and can cause mats to form without several good brushings each week.

Since the ears fold over, it's very important to swab them out once a week to prevent bacteria from building up and causing an ear infection. Nails should also be kept relatively short to prevent them from snagging.

Health

The average Wheaton will live up to fourteen years barring any health issues. That said, there are several genetic conditions identified with this breed.

• Renal Dysplasia: A form of kidney disease
• Protein-Losing Nephropathy: A condition whereby protein is lost through the kidneys
• Protein-Losing Enteropathy: A similar disorder whereby protein is lost from the intestinal tract
• Hip Dysplasia: A degenerative joint disease
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy: A disease that causes blindness

Conclusion

Wheaton Terriers make affectionate, amusing companions, but they are not without their challenges. Keep in mind that they need a good deal of coat care to keep them looking as they should and also that training requires dedication on your part.

Honestly, you should only consider bringing a Wheaton into your home if you can give one the attention and care it deserves. Then again, that's good advice for any breed.

External Links

• Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America.

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