Dog Breeds - Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection that a breed displays can vary ranging from those who show loyalty solely to their owner to the ones who extend their friendship to all familiar faces. While certain breeds may present a reserved demeanor around anyone but their closest humans others are known to embrace every known individual with equal enthusiasm, as though greeting a lifelong companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The extent to which a breed can adapt to and patiently deal with children's actions shapes its family-friendly reputation. Regardless of a breed's general temperament, it is imperative to maintain vigilant supervision when dogs are around children, whether they're infants or older kids who haven't spent much time with pets.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The predisposition for canine camaraderie can significantly differ from one breed to another. Supervision is always recommended during canine introductions and interactions but some breeds possess an inherent amiability that makes harmonious engagements with other dogs more probable, whether at home or during outdoor activities.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of hair a breed sheds can shape your home maintenance routine significantly. Those with higher shedding levels will require more frequent brushing to manage loose fur could increase the likelihood of allergic reactions and may call for more diligent cleaning efforts like vacuuming and using lint removers on clothing and furniture.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The amount of coat maintenance a breed needs, encompassing bathing, brushing and potential trimming, can be quite variable. Before deciding on a breed think about the time and financial resources you can dedicate to grooming tasks keeping in mind that nail trimming is a universal need for all dogs.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The amount of drool a dog produces can be breed-specific and for individuals who have an inclination towards immaculateness considering a less drool-prone breed could be a wise decision. Breeds that are heavy droolers can inadvertently create quite a bit of mess from wet patches on clothes to drool streaks on furniture and floors.
COAT TYPE +
Wavy, Silky
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
A breed's receptiveness to newcomers can range significantly. While some dogs may approach strangers with caution or reservedness regardless of the setting others exude a cheerful eagerness to greet new people whenever the opportunity arises. This is an essential trait to consider based on your lifestyle and how often you plan to have guests or meet new people with your dog.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The eagerness to engage in play is a trait that some breeds exhibit even after they've left puppyhood behind. While some adult dogs still revel in a spirited round of tug-of-war or a lively session of fetch others would much rather spend their days chilling on the couch beside you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Certain breeds possess a natural instinct to notify you of unfamiliar presences. They tend to respond to perceived dangers from the postal worker to the occasional squirrel in the yard. Once their family welcomes a visitor, these dogs typically become more receptive to the newcomer.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to change plays a significant role in how they manage variations in living environments, noise levels, weather conditions and daily routines. Some breeds navigate these shifts effortlessly keeping calm amidst life's unpredictability.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training your canine companion along with their eagerness to learn varies widely among breeds. Certain dogs seem to live to please their owners and take to new tricks enthusiastically, while others have a more independent streak following their whims as they see fit.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The level of physical exercise and mental engagement necessary for a breed can vary dramatically. High-energy breeds are always on the move, relishing in activities like running, leaping and incessant play. Conversely, low-energy breeds epitomize the "couch potato" lifestyle, contented to lounge and doze off for the day.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The tendency of a breed to vocalize, through barking or howling can vary considerably. Certain breeds are quick to sound off at every stranger or avian visitor, while others reserve their barks for more specific events. Even breeds known for not barking may communicate with a range of alternative vocalizations.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The amount of mental exercise required to maintain a breed's well-being and contentment spans a wide range. Dogs bred for specific tasks often need activities that involve decision-making, problem-solving and focused attention. Lacking appropriate mental challenges, these intelligent canines might embark on self-directed ‘projects’ and not necessarily of the variety that would please their owners.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection that a breed displays can vary ranging from those who show loyalty solely to their owner to the ones who extend their friendship to all familiar faces. While certain breeds may present a reserved demeanor around anyone but their closest humans others are known to embrace every known individual with equal enthusiasm, as though greeting a lifelong companion.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The extent to which a breed can adapt to and patiently deal with children's actions shapes its family-friendly reputation. Regardless of a breed's general temperament, it is imperative to maintain vigilant supervision when dogs are around children, whether they're infants or older kids who haven't spent much time with pets.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The predisposition for canine camaraderie can significantly differ from one breed to another. Supervision is always recommended during canine introductions and interactions but some breeds possess an inherent amiability that makes harmonious engagements with other dogs more probable, whether at home or during outdoor activities.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds can shape your home maintenance routine significantly. Those with higher shedding levels will require more frequent brushing to manage loose fur could increase the likelihood of allergic reactions and may call for more diligent cleaning efforts like vacuuming and using lint removers on clothing and furniture.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The amount of coat maintenance a breed needs, encompassing bathing, brushing and potential trimming, can be quite variable. Before deciding on a breed think about the time and financial resources you can dedicate to grooming tasks keeping in mind that nail trimming is a universal need for all dogs.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The amount of drool a dog produces can be breed-specific and for individuals who have an inclination towards immaculateness considering a less drool-prone breed could be a wise decision. Breeds that are heavy droolers can inadvertently create quite a bit of mess from wet patches on clothes to drool streaks on furniture and floors.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Wavy, Silky

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

A breed's receptiveness to newcomers can range significantly. While some dogs may approach strangers with caution or reservedness regardless of the setting others exude a cheerful eagerness to greet new people whenever the opportunity arises. This is an essential trait to consider based on your lifestyle and how often you plan to have guests or meet new people with your dog.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The eagerness to engage in play is a trait that some breeds exhibit even after they've left puppyhood behind. While some adult dogs still revel in a spirited round of tug-of-war or a lively session of fetch others would much rather spend their days chilling on the couch beside you.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Certain breeds possess a natural instinct to notify you of unfamiliar presences. They tend to respond to perceived dangers from the postal worker to the occasional squirrel in the yard. Once their family welcomes a visitor, these dogs typically become more receptive to the newcomer.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to change plays a significant role in how they manage variations in living environments, noise levels, weather conditions and daily routines. Some breeds navigate these shifts effortlessly keeping calm amidst life's unpredictability.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training your canine companion along with their eagerness to learn varies widely among breeds. Certain dogs seem to live to please their owners and take to new tricks enthusiastically, while others have a more independent streak following their whims as they see fit.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The level of physical exercise and mental engagement necessary for a breed can vary dramatically. High-energy breeds are always on the move, relishing in activities like running, leaping and incessant play. Conversely, low-energy breeds epitomize the "couch potato" lifestyle, contented to lounge and doze off for the day.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The amount of mental exercise required to maintain a breed's well-being and contentment spans a wide range. Dogs bred for specific tasks often need activities that involve decision-making, problem-solving and focused attention. Lacking appropriate mental challenges, these intelligent canines might embark on self-directed ‘projects’ and not necessarily of the variety that would please their owners.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Wheaten	224

PATTERNS

About The Breed

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier an animated bundle of joy from the Irish farmlands, exudes warmth and loyalty with a hint of the signature terrier independence. Their distinctive wheat-hued coat is low on shedding yet demands regular grooming to prevent tangles. These sociable and upbeat creatures stand out among other terriers with their silky wavy locks ranging from soft beige to the golden luster of mature wheat fields. Wheatens have a robust, squared build, topping off around 19 inches in height and 40 pounds in weight. They boast a charming "peek-a-boo" hairstyle and a smart goatee. This breed presents an image of robust energy matched with a velvety exterior capturing the essence of what's often said: an iron fist wrapped in a velvet glove.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Wheatens typically boast a robust bill of health with conscientious breeders testing for conditions like protein-losing nephropathy, which affects the kidneys and protein-losing enteropathy, encompassing various gastrointestinal issues along with Addison's disease and renal dysplasia. It's important for owners to regularly inspect their Wheaten's ears for any indications of infection and maintain a routine of frequent teeth brushing with canine-specific toothpaste to ensure overall health and hygiene. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Hip Evaluation Complete Blood Count (CBC) Urinalysis UPC/Micro Albumin (MA) Test Serum Chemical Screen Protein Losing Nephropathy - Variant 1 (PLN) - DNA Test Protein Losing Nephropathy - Variant 2 (PLN) - DNA Test Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	Caring for a Wheaten's plush satiny fur necessitates a considerable grooming routine. Each day should commence with a meticulous brush-through employing either a pin or slicker brush to dispel grime and shed fur. This is followed by an in-depth comb-out with a comb that offers both medium and fine-toothed options. Encountered mats should be gently teased apart using the brush, comb and one's fingers scissors are a definite no-go. Similar to all dog breeds, it's crucial to keep their nails trimmed to a comfortable length to avoid discomfort and issues with mobility during activity.

Exercise

	The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier boasts a persistent medium to high zest for life remaining spirited into their golden years. Daily exercise is non-negotiable to keep them content and healthy. Given their strong prey instincts, Wheatens are inclined to sprint after anything from scurrying squirrels to moving vehicles making a well-fenced playing space crucial for safety and leashed walks a must. These terriers form close attachments with their humans, who should be prepared to be active partners in their routine physical activities.

Training

	Early socialization and puppy training classes are beneficial for dogs of all breeds and are especially advised to ensure they mature into sociable well-behaved pets. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is no exception, these dogs are bright and strong-willed, sometimes prioritizing their own objectives over training. This characteristic can pose a challenge during training sessions highlighting the importance of beginning obedience lessons early to preempt the establishment of undesirable behaviors. Due to their spirited nature Wheatens respond best to consistent firm training that avoids harshness. They are sensitive creatures and their training should strike the delicate balance of promoting obedience while retaining their vibrant spirit. The goal is to guide their behavior without dampening their enthusiastic personality.

Nutrition

	A Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier thrives on premium dog food, which can be either commercially produced or home-cooked, provided it has received your veterinarian's endorsement. It's crucial to tailor the food's nutritional profile to the specific life stage of your dog, be it puppy, adult or senior. Vigilance over your Wheaten's caloric intake is key, as this breed may have a tendency to gain excess weight. Using treats effectively as a training tool while guarding against overindulgence is essential to prevent obesity. Additionally, educating yourself about human foods that are safe for canine consumption and those that aren't is a wise measure. Always address any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet with your veterinarian. And of course, ensure your Wheaten always has access to clean fresh water. Overall, a balanced diet and proper portion control are vital to maintaining the health and happiness of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

Historiography

Ireland has bestowed upon the world a wealth of remarkable literature, exceptionally smooth whiskey and a trio of elegant, statuesque terriers: the Wheaten, Kerry Blue and Irish. These canines share an intertwined lineage and were originally nurtured for akin tasks. As multifaceted agrarian sidekicks, Wheatens dutifully performed a variety of country tasks from vermin control to safeguarding poultry and from shepherding to serving as gun dogs. At day's end, they became charming companions beside the homely glow of a fire, a penchant they continue to exhibit today, although they may now curl up beside the warm glow of a television.