Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dog Breed Profile Information

Website design By BotEap.comDescription: The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a height at the withers of 17 to 20 inches and a weight of 30 to 45 pounds, depending on the sex. The bitch is a little smaller than the dog. This dog has a long, unique coat that is in various shades of wheat. Puppies are born with dark fur, and the change to the lighter coat does not occur until the dog is around 2 years old. The tail of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can be left natural or docked. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier will live to be 12 to 15 years of age. This dog is also known as the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Wheaten Terrier, and Wheaten.

Website design By BotEap.comHistory: Descended from the Irish Terrier and the Kerry Blue Terrier, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was a farm dog in Ireland. It is known to have been used there for over 200 years. Interestingly, the docked tail started out as a tax exemption: if the tail was docked, the Wheaten was considered a working dog and not subject to the dog tax. This dog was a versatile farm dog, making a living killing vermin, guarding herd animals, hunting, and guarding the home.

Website design By BotEap.comTemperament: The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a cheerful dog with an optimistic outlook on life. While not as aggressive as other terrier breeds, this dog will bark at a stranger and protect the family from him. El Trigo is very affectionate with his humans and loves to play with them. Children are fine with this dog and he enjoys his company. The Wheaten should be socialized with cats when he is young, but will always exhibit hunting instincts when he is around small animals.

Website design By BotEap.comHealth Issues – Although generally a healthy dog, the Wheaten can suffer from gastrointestinal illnesses and eye problems. The most serious threats to this dog are two protein-wasting diseases, one affecting the kidneys and the other affecting the intestines. Protein is lost from these organs and there is no cure for either condition.

Website design By BotEap.comGrooming: As the Wheaten has a single rather than a double coat, it is easy to groom. This dog will only need brushing and combing two to three times a week. Wheaten does not shed much and is considered hypoallergenic. The Wheaten’s teeth need to be brushed several times a week, and it’s a good idea to get the dog used to this while he’s still a puppy.

Website design By BotEap.comLiving Conditions: Because the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier bonds strongly with its human family, it is best when kept in the home where it can participate in family activities. This dog can live in an apartment since he has a calm character, but if he does, he must be given a good walk every day. They will work part of their energy with the game inside. During warm weather it may be a good idea to skip the hike, as the Wheaten does not take well to heat.