Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Also known as Wheaten
- Height at the withers
- 43 to 48 cm
- Weight
- 14 to 20 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Ireland
- FCI group
- 3 · Terriers
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
Less suited to
- few red flags: it adapts to many households
Overview
A medium-sized, sturdy and agile terrier, set apart by its soft, silky, gently wavy coat in a warm wheaten color and by its lively expression. Known for its joyful, affectionate nature and its steady, self-assured temperament.
History and origins
An old Irish breed used for more than 200 years as a versatile farm dog for herding livestock, guarding the farm and hunting vermin. Nicknamed “the poor man’s wolfhound,” because peasants, who were not allowed to own the hunting dogs of the nobility, used it for everything. Recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in 1937.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Protein-losing nephropathy (PLN)
- Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE)
- Renal dysplasia
- Addison’s disease
- Hip dysplasia
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, silky coat. Almost no shedding, very high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Very high, 5 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier FAQ
How big does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier get?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier stands 43 to 48 cm at the withers and weighs 14 to 20 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs a great deal of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard.
How much exercise does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are protein-losing nephropathy and protein-losing enteropathy.
