Do Wheaten Terriers Shed? The Low-Down on Wheaten Coat Care

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are prized for their silky, wheat-colored coats. But while these merry, devoted pups may look like soft, cuddly teddy bears, their luxurious locks actually require a significant amount of care and upkeep.

As a Wheaten owner or prospective owner, it‘s important to understand the unique grooming needs of the breed to keep your pup looking and feeling their best. In this ultimate guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about the wonderful Wheaten coat!

Wheaten 101

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier hails from Ireland, where they were bred to be versatile farm dogs, helping with herding, hunting, and watching over the homestead. Their soft, silky coat protected them from harsh weather and brambles as they worked in the Irish countryside.

While the Wheaten‘s exact origins are a bit of a mystery, the breed as we know it today began to take shape in the early 1900s. The Irish Kennel Club first recognized Wheatens in 1937, with the AKC following suit in 1973.

Coat Characteristics

The Wheaten‘s single coat is soft, silky, and slightly wavy with a beautiful sheen. It‘s fine in texture but grows quite long, giving the breed its trademark shaggy but elegant look. The hair on the head falls forward into a charming fringe over the eyes.

Puppies are born with a dark red or mahogany coat that gradually lightens to wheaten as they mature. The final shade can range from pale beige to a bright golden wheat color. Coat color is often a topic of much discussion and debate among Wheaten enthusiasts!

Do Wheatens Shed?

All dogs shed to some degree as part of their hair growth cycle, but thankfully, Wheatens are considered a low-shedding breed. According to the American Kennel Club, Wheatens have a shedding score of 2 out of 5, meaning they experience minimal shedding compared to other dogs.

However, low-shedding doesn‘t mean no-shedding. Wheatens still lose old hair as new hair grows in, but instead of the fur ending up all over your furniture and clothes, the loose strands tend to get caught in the surrounding coat.

This is where diligent grooming comes in. Regular brushing is essential to remove this dead hair and prevent it from forming mats and tangles. More on that in a bit!

What About Allergies?

Because of their low-shedding coats, Wheatens are often considered a good choice for people with dog allergies. But it‘s important to note that no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

Allergies to dogs are actually caused by proteins found in the animal‘s saliva, dander (dead skin cells), and urine – not the fur itself. So while a low-shedding coat may reduce the spread of allergens in the environment, it doesn‘t eliminate them completely.

The amount of allergen a dog produces varies from one individual animal to the next. So the only way to know if you‘ll react to a particular Wheaten is to spend time with them and see.

If you‘re considering a Wheaten for allergy reasons, be sure to spend ample time with the pup before committing. And remember, regular grooming and household cleaning can go a long way in minimizing allergies too.

Caring for the Coat

Keeping the Wheaten coat in tip-top shape requires a regular routine of brushing, combing, bathing, and trimming. Here‘s what you need to know:

Brushing & Combing

Wheatens need thorough brushing at least 3-4 times per week, but daily is even better. This removes loose hair, distributes natural oils, and prevents tangles and mats from forming.

Use a pin brush or slicker brush to go over the entire coat, carefully working out any knots with your fingers or a comb. Be extra gentle around sensitive areas like the ears and belly.

Best Brushes for Wheatens:

• Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
• Chris Christensen Long Pin Brush (for longer coats)
• JW Pet Gripsoft Bristle Brush (for shorter coats)

To tackle tangles, apply a detangling spray or conditioner and gently work through the knot with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Never yank or pull on mats, as this can be painful for your pup. Severe matting may require a visit to a professional groomer.

Bathing

Aim to bathe your Wheaten every 3-6 weeks, or more frequently if they get dirty. Overbathing can strip the coat of its natural oils and lead to irritation, so don‘t go overboard.

Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo formulated for dogs. Work the shampoo into the coat and skin, taking care not to get suds in the eyes or ears. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.

After towel drying, either let the coat air dry or use a blow dryer on a cool setting. Brush the coat out while it‘s still slightly damp to avoid any new tangles from forming.

Best Shampoos for Wheatens:

• Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo
• Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo
• 4-Legger Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass & Aloe Dog Shampoo

Trimming & Clipping

Most Wheatens get a full haircut every 6-8 weeks to maintain a manageable coat length. Common trim styles include:

• Puppy cut: An all-over short trim, about 1-2 inches long
• Natural/brush cut: Follows the natural lines of the body, with feathering left longer on legs and belly
• Blended cut: A longer version of the puppy cut with a bit more shaping
• Show/full coat: For the show ring, with long hair trimmed to the breed standard

In between full haircuts, you may need to do some tidying up of the hair around the eyes, ears, and paws. Sanitary trims around the rear end are also important for cleanliness.

If you‘re new to grooming, it‘s best to leave haircuts to the professionals. A skilled groomer can ensure your Wheaten‘s coat looks its best while also keeping the experience stress-free and safe for your pup.

Expect to pay anywhere from $50-$100 or more for a full Wheaten grooming session, depending on your location and the specific services provided (wash, cut, nail trim, ear cleaning, etc.).

Coat-Related Health Concerns

While the Wheaten coat itself is generally healthy, the breed is prone to a few health issues that can affect skin and coat condition:

• Allergies: Both food and environmental allergies can cause itchy skin, hair loss, and recurrent ear infections. If you notice excessive scratching, licking, or skin irritation, talk to your vet. A special diet, supplements, or medication may be needed to manage allergies.

• Seborrhea: This skin condition causes scaly, greasy patches and a distinctive odor. It can be managed with medicated shampoos and a special diet.

• Protein-losing nephropathy (PLN): A rare hereditary kidney disorder that can cause poor coat quality and hair loss. Responsible breeders screen for this condition.

Regular check-ups with your vet can help catch any coat-related health concerns early on. And if you notice any sudden changes in your Wheaten‘s coat quality or skin condition, don‘t hesitate to get it checked out.

Nutrition for Coat Health

A balanced, high-quality diet is essential for maintaining a healthy Wheaten coat. Look for a dog food that is rich in protein, with moderate fat and limited carbohydrates. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can also help promote skin and coat health.

Some top food picks for Wheatens:

• Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula
• Hill‘s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe
• Royal Canin Medium Dermacomfort Dry Dog Food

Avoid table scraps and limit treats, as excess weight can lead to skin and coat issues. And always provide plenty of fresh, clean water to keep your Wheaten hydrated and their coat lustrous.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a Wheaten puppy‘s coat considered fully grown?

The Wheaten coat reaches its full adult texture and length anywhere from 18 months to 2 years of age. Prior to this, the coat may go through some awkward stages as the puppy coat sheds out and the adult coat comes in.

How does spaying/neutering affect the coat?

Spaying or neutering your Wheaten can cause changes in coat texture and shedding as hormone levels change. Spayed females may experience a heavier shed after their heat cycle, while neutered males may grow a thicker, softer coat. However, these changes vary from dog to dog.

Do Wheaten mixes shed more or less than purebreds?

It depends on the specific mix! A Wheaten crossed with another low-shedding breed like a Poodle will likely have a minimally-shedding coat, while a Wheaten/Golden Retriever mix may shed more due to the retriever influence. Researching the coat types of both parent breeds can give you a better idea of what to expect.

How do I find a Wheaten breeder who prioritizes coat health?

Look for a reputable breeder who does genetic testing on their breeding stock, follows the Wheaten Club of America‘s Code of Ethics, and is open about any health concerns in their lines. Avoid breeders who have multiple litters available, cannot provide health clearances, or do not let you visit their facility.

Final Thoughts

While the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier may not be a heavy shedder, their silky coat does require a significant commitment in terms of time and effort to keep it looking its best. Daily brushing, regular baths, and frequent trims are all part of life with a Wheaten.

But for devoted owners, the rewards of that soft, shiny, wheat-colored coat are well worth the work. With proper care and nutrition, your Wheaten‘s coat will not only be beautiful but also serve as a barometer of their overall health and well-being.

So if you‘re considering adding a Wheaten to your family, be prepared to invest in some quality grooming tools and set aside time for regular coat care. Your efforts will be repaid in countless snuggles with your soft, sweet-smelling pup – and in the pride of knowing you‘re keeping them healthy and happy, inside and out.