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General Description
(Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Wheaton Terrier, Wheaten) With its long head and short muzzle tipped with a sizable black nose which sticks out slightly, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a unique looking breed. Beneath its piles of shaggy hair sit two barely visible, large brown or black eyes. At the top of their heads, two ears fold over into a “V” shape. From their ears to their fluffy, upright tail, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is covered in a thick, curly coat which comes in a wide variety of colors. The mounds of hair create the illusion of a broad chest and body, but the breed is supported by long, straight legs which end in large, round feet.
Character
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a friendly dog which loves its family. They are always sweet and loving and develop very close bonds with their family. The breed does great with children and does well with dogs if properly socialized. However, they should not be around cats or other small animals because of their strong hunting instincts. They are very friendly and gentle with strangers. Unlike many intelligent breeds, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier will listen well to its owners. They very rarely bark unless it is to warn of danger.
General Health
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a fairly hardy breed, but it is prone to PLE (Protein-Losing Enteropathy) and PLN (Protein-Losing Nephropathy). Additionally, the breed can develop flea allergies. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has an average life span of about 12 to 15 years.
Wheaten Terriers can have allergies to food and outdoors.
History
First developed in Ireland, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier served a number of valuable functions for its early owners. They were frequently given responsibility for herding, for hunting, and for guarding farms. Despite their popularity among Irish farmers, the breed was a well-kept secret until 1933 when it made its public debut. Just 13 years later, the breed first traveled across the Atlantic to the United States. Forty years after the dog was first recognized by the masses, the AKC officially recognized the breed.
Maintenance
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an easily groomed dog. They should never be brushed but should be combed once a day because their hair can become very tangled if not cared for. These dogs rarely need baths and do not shed much. They need little amounts of exercise and most of that can be gained from just playing around in the house or in a small yard. The breed does need socialization especially with other dogs, so it is not aggressive towards them.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a breed that needs a lot of exercise and grooming. The hair gets matted and tangled badly in a short period of time. It's best to comb daily. They are hypo-allergenic and do not shed. They are great for owners with allergies.
Ideal Environment
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a good dog for most families. They become very attached and close to their owners and love children. If socialized, they even do well with other dogs. However, they should not be in a home with small animals because of their strong prey drive. They do well in an apartment or house and do not need a yard since the breed is not overly active and their needs can be met by playing in the house. They are good for owners who do not want lots of tedious or expensive grooming responsibilities. Although the breed does well in many environments, they do best in areas which never become extremely hot because their thick coats make it easy for them to overheat.
This breed may not be good for owners who do not want lots of tedious or expensive grooming responsibilities. Wheaton coats, unless clipped regularly, require constant attention. Otherwise they develop big, tangled mats that won't comb out.
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Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Q&AAsk a Question
HOw do you get your wheatonto come back when called?HOw do you get your wheatonto come back when called?
Asked by Anonymous - 5 answers
I have a small yorkshire terrier. Would a Wheaten puppy of 8 weeks old be Ok living ...I have a small yorkshire terrier. Would a Wheaten puppy of 8 weeks old be Ok living together in the same household. I would like for the puppy to get along with the very sweet and loving personality of the Yorkshire.Please Advise.
Asked by Anonymous - 1 answers
I have a 3yr old wheaten. He has been around other dogs (adult golden) and now a 6month ...I have a 3yr old wheaten. He has been around other dogs (adult golden) and now a 6month old golden. In the past few months however, he has become aggressive and almost dominant towards them. No matter the size or action, he gets...
Asked by Anonymous - 2 answers
I have always wanted a wheaton terrier-but with 2 young cats, is it reasonable to add a ...I have always wanted a wheaton terrier-but with 2 young cats, is it reasonable to add a wheaton puppy to the family?
Asked by Anonymous - 4 answers
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