The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Ireland‘s Joyful and Energetic Farm Dog

Are you looking for a medium-sized dog with the spunk and smarts of a terrier, but a softer, silkier coat and a more cheerful, eager-to-please attitude? Then let me introduce you to the soft coated wheaten terrier! Originally bred as an all-around farm dog in Ireland, this merry and devoted breed has become a beloved companion animal known for its happy-go-lucky personality.

With their distinguishing wheat-colored coats, wheaten terriers stand out from other terrier breeds. They have a unique look all their own, with a compact, squarely proportioned body, dark reddish-brown eyes that sparkle with curiosity, and a docked tail held high. A hallmark of the breed is the soft, silky, slightly wavy single coat that ranges in color from pale beige to shimmering gold. The long hair on the head often falls over the eyes in an adorable fringe.

But these dogs aren‘t just a pretty face – they are lively, bold, and inquisitive pups with an abundance of terrier tenacity and enthusiasm for life. Bred to be versatile working dogs on Irish farms, wheatens were prized for their gameness and ability to hunt vermin, herd livestock, and alert their owners to suspicious activity. Even today, these spunky dogs retain a strong prey drive and will happily chase after small furry critters.

History of the Wheaten Terrier

The soft coated wheaten terrier‘s history stretches back for centuries in Ireland, but much about its origins remains a mystery due to lack of record-keeping. We do know the breed was developed as an all-purpose farm dog, owned by the common people rather than the landed gentry who favored hounds and gun dogs.

In fact, wheaten terriers were once nicknamed the "poor man‘s wolfhound" in a nod to their popularity among the lower classes. Unable to own the prized Irish wolfhounds, farmers of modest means relied on plucky and resourceful wheaten terriers to rid their barns and fields of rats, rabbits, and other vermin. With their sturdy build and steady nerves, wheatens also earned their keep as livestock herders and watchdogs.

It wasn‘t until 1937 that the wheaten terrier was officially recognized as a distinct breed by the Irish Kennel Club. Immediately after World War II, the first wheatens were exported to the United States. The breed quickly charmed American dog lovers and was accepted into the American Kennel Club terrier group in 1973.

According to the AKC, the wheaten terrier ranked 53rd out of 195 breeds in popularity in 2020. While still relatively uncommon compared to golden retrievers or labrador retrievers, the breed has enjoyed a slow but steady rise in recognition over the decades. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America, founded in 1962, currently has over 600 members across the country dedicated to preserving and promoting the breed.

Physical Characteristics

The soft coated wheaten terrier is a medium-sized dog, standing 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 30 to 45 pounds, with males typically larger than females. They have a balanced, rectangular body that appears sturdy and muscular, yet graceful and agile.

A defining feature of the breed is the soft, silky, gently waving coat that ranges in color from pale beige to a warm golden hue, like ripening wheat. Wheaten puppies are born with a dark coat that gradually lightens to the breed‘s signature wheaten shade, usually by 2 years of age. The coat is a single layer, with no undercoat, and sheds minimally.

The hair on the head is long and falls over the eyes in a charming fringe, framing the mischievous, inquisitive expression. The beard and eyebrows are also pronounced. Ears are small to medium in size and fold forward, while the high-set tail is customarily docked to about 5 inches long.

Overall, the wheaten terrier has an alert, happy, and self-confident air about them. Their compact but substantial build allows for the athleticism and agility needed for an active lifestyle. As Sue Jeffries, a longtime wheaten breeder from Oregon, puts it: "Wheatens have a perfect balance of softness and sturdiness. They‘re cuddly couch companions but also fearless explorers on hiking trails."

Temperament and Personality

The soft coated wheaten terrier is known for being among the friendliest and most affectionate of the terrier breeds. They are outgoing, curious, and energetic dogs with a sweet and playful nature. Wheatens typically get along well with people, including strangers, and make devoted family pets.

As with most terriers, the wheaten has a bold, feisty, confident personality. They are alert watchdogs, quick to sound the alarm when someone approaches the home. But don‘t expect them to be skilled guard dogs – these social butterflies are far too fond of people to attack. In fact, wheatens tend to greet visitors with enthusiasm, eager to make new friends.

Lively and spirited, with a mischievous twinkle in their eye, wheatens seem to always be ready for a good romp. They retain a puppy-like joy and bounciness well into adulthood. Highly intelligent, this breed also needs a job to do, whether it‘s playing brain-teaser games or competing in dog sports like agility, barn hunt, or flyball.

While delightfully happy-go-lucky most of the time, wheatens can certainly display that typical terrier stubbornness and independence. They like to think for themselves and may choose to ignore commands if something more exciting catches their eye. Wheatens have a strong prey drive and will happily chase after squirrels, birds, and cats if given the chance.

Sarah Evans, a wheaten owner from Colorado, describes her dog Finnegan as "a total goofball with a huge heart. He loves everyone he meets and always wants to be the center of attention. But he definitely has a mind of his own and can be a challenge to train. Positive reinforcement is key with this breed."

Training and Exercise Needs

The clever and inquisitive wheaten terrier is quite trainable for a terrier breed, especially when positive reinforcement methods are used. They respond well to treats, play, and praise as rewards for good behavior. With consistency and patience, most wheatens can master basic obedience skills and good house manners.

Enrolling your wheaten puppy in socialization classes is highly recommended to help them learn to play nicely with other dogs. Terriers can be scrappy with other canines if not properly socialized. Exposing your pup to new people, places, and experiences from an early age will also help boost their natural confidence.

As a high-energy breed with impressive stamina, wheatens require a good deal of daily exercise – at least an hour, and up to 90 minutes for more active individuals. Brisk walks, jogging, fetching, swimming, and playing at the dog park are all great ways to tire out your frisky wheaten.

This intelligent breed also needs plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors like excessive barking or chewing. Puzzle toys, hide-and-seek games, and scent work can all challenge your wheaten‘s bright mind. Many wheatens excel at canine sports that allow them to show off their agility and enthusiasm.

While the soft coated wheaten terrier can adapt to apartment or condo life if given enough exercise and attention, they are happiest with a small yard to call their own. A securely fenced outdoor space is a must, as these prey-driven dogs may take off after small critters if given the chance. Wheatens also have a knack for digging and should be closely supervised outside.

Grooming the Soft Wheaten Coat

One of the most distinctive features of the soft coated wheaten terrier is, of course, its silky, wheat-colored coat. While undeniably beautiful, the wheaten‘s long, wavy hair does require regular grooming to prevent matting and keep the dog looking its best.

Plan to brush your wheaten at least three times per week, using a pin brush or slicker brush to remove tangles and distribute natural oils. Many wheaten owners find that a leave-in conditioning spray helps detangle the coat and keep it soft and shiny. Brands like Cowboy Magic and The Stuff are popular among wheaten fanciers.

Wheatens will also need a bath every 3-4 weeks, depending on how dirty they get while playing outside. Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo meant for dogs to avoid stripping the coat of its natural oils. Be sure to rinse thoroughly, as any leftover shampoo can irritate the skin.

To keep your wheaten looking tidy, you‘ll need to trim the coat every 6-8 weeks. This can be done by a professional groomer or at home with a pair of sharp shears. Focus on trimming the hair around the eyes, ears, beard, and paws. You can also use electric clippers to give the body a neat, uniform length all over.

While the soft coated wheaten terrier is considered a low-shedding breed, no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Wheatens do lose some hair, especially during seasonal coat changes. Regular brushing and bathing can help minimize shedding and keep allergens at bay.

Health Concerns

Like all purebred dogs, the soft coated wheaten terrier is prone to certain genetic health issues. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and von Willebrand‘s disease (a blood clotting disorder).

Two serious health problems that can affect the breed are protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). PLN is a kidney disorder that causes the dog to lose protein through urine, while PLE involves protein loss through the digestive tract. Both conditions can be life-threatening if not caught and treated early.

According to a health survey conducted by the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America, about 10% of wheatens will develop PLN or PLE in their lifetime. The average age of onset is 6 years old, but some dogs may show symptoms as early as 2-3 years of age.

Addison‘s disease, an endocrine disorder that affects the adrenal glands, is also seen in wheatens at higher rates than other breeds. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that soft coated wheaten terriers were 11 times more likely to develop Addison‘s compared to other dogs.

While these statistics may sound alarming, it‘s important to remember that the majority of wheatens will not develop these serious health issues. Working with a responsible breeder who tests their dogs for genetic disorders can greatly reduce the risk of getting a puppy with inherited health problems.

Providing your wheaten with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and preventive vet care can also help them live a long, healthy life. The average lifespan for a soft coated wheaten terrier is 12-14 years.

Wheaten Rescue and Adoption

If you‘re considering adding a soft coated wheaten terrier to your family, don‘t forget about adoption! While wheatens are not as common in shelters and rescues as some other breeds, there are still many wonderful dogs looking for forever homes.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America maintains a nationwide rescue program that helps place wheatens in need with loving adopters. These dogs may come from situations like owner surrender, puppy mills, or hoarding cases. Some may have special medical or behavioral needs that require extra patience and care.

Adopting an older wheaten can be a great option for those who don‘t have the time or energy to raise a rambunctious puppy. Adult dogs are often already housetrained and have some basic obedience skills. Plus, their personality and energy level is more apparent, so you can find the right match for your lifestyle.

Of course, there are also many advantages to raising a wheaten puppy from a responsible breeder. You‘ll be able to socialize and train the pup from a young age, and have a better idea of their genetic health background. Just be prepared for the extra work and commitment that comes with puppy parenthood!

Fun Facts About Wheaten Terriers

• The soft coated wheaten terrier is one of four Irish terrier breeds, along with the Kerry blue terrier, Irish terrier, and glen of Imaal terrier.
• Wheatens nearly went extinct after World War I, but dedicated breeders revived the breed in the 1920s and 30s.
• Famous wheaten terrier owners include actress Gwyneth Paltrow, comedian Stephen Colbert, and former Tonight Show host Johnny Carson.
• A wheaten named Sammy was the "mascot" for Eveready batteries in the 1950s, appearing in the company‘s print ads and TV commercials.
• In 2020, a wheaten named Riley went viral on TikTok for his adorable "singing" voice, racking up over 6 million views!

Is a Wheaten the Right Dog for You?

If you‘re looking for a lively, loving companion with a goofy sense of humor and boundless enthusiasm, the soft coated wheaten terrier might be your perfect match. These intelligent and affectionate dogs bond closely with their people and love being part of all family activities.

Wheatens are a good fit for active households with older kids or teens who can keep up with the dog‘s playful energy. They get along well with other dogs when properly socialized, and can coexist peacefully with laid-back cats who won‘t run from their chasing.

However, the wheaten‘s high energy level and grooming needs may be too much for some people. These dogs require at least an hour of exercise per day, plus regular brushing, trimming, and bathing. Potential owners should be prepared to invest significant time into the dog‘s physical and mental well-being.

Novice dog owners may find the wheaten‘s independent streak and prey drive challenging, especially off leash. Enrolling in a positive reinforcement training class is a must to establish good communication and leadership. With the right balance of structure and fun, wheatens can excel in obedience, agility, and other dog sports.

While generally a healthy breed, wheatens are prone to several genetic disorders that can be costly to treat. Pet insurance or a dedicated savings account for vet bills is highly recommended. Choosing a responsible breeder who tests their dogs can help minimize the risk of inherited health issues.

If you have the time, energy, and resources to devote to a soft coated wheaten terrier, you‘ll be rewarded with a lifetime of laughter, love, and goofy grins. These charming and cheerful dogs will keep you on your toes and bring joy to each and every day. Just be warned – once you welcome a wheaten into your life, you may never go back to another breed!