Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier – The Teddy Bear Lives

If you are not familiar with this breed, you are in for a surprise. When you first meet a Wheaten, you are struck by the beautiful coloration of its coat, hence its name, which is contrasted with dark, piercing eyes, black lips, and a large black nose. These terriers are good-natured, outgoing dogs that will become instant friends, more so than your typical terrier.

Let’s get to know this breed better by first reviewing the numbers. Males grow to be 18-20 inches tall or 46-51 cm. while females measure 17-19 inches or 43-48 cm. Males weigh between 35-45 pounds or 16-20 kg. while females weigh between 30-40 pounds or 14-18 kg. These measurements squarely place the dog in the medium size category.

You can expect the breed to survive for 12-15 years.

The dog’s roots are steeped in traditional Irish. This was not a dog from the upper layer of society. Rather, the Wheaten was bred by and for the average Irishman in need of a shepherd, hunting companion or vermin dispatcher. In fact, the breed was not recognized in the UK until the 1940s, with the AKC doing so in 1973.

The Wheaten pup is generally reddish-brown in color and stays that way for about 3-4 months. The coat begins to transition to the familiar warm wheat color during this time. The transition to full color will occur within 8-12 months. This very soft coat requires regular care, such as frequent combing and brushing. Combing your hair is actually considered the best method. The coat has a tendency to mat if left unattended. This is exacerbated if the fur gets wet. Today, the Wheaten is not considered an outdoor dog for this reason.

Also, the coat should be trimmed regularly. This is important for two reasons. As mentioned above, with the tendency to mat, trimming the coat lessens this result. Second, although the dog does not shed, a great advantage of the breed, clipping removes loose hair. For potential dog owners who may be allergic to dogs, the Wheaten is a great choice, for this reason.

Obedience training is very important. The breed has a tendency to jump and can be very excitable. They are considered by some to be the best greeters in the canine kingdom. They are not afraid to wonder and will pounce on you as they decide to explore something new in their environment. We suggest that the training start very early. They are quite sensitive and tend to reflect the owner’s mood, so optimistic and positive reinforcement is recommended, with firm repetition regarding training.

The breed is emotionally well balanced and very determined to please. They can be very social with other dogs when introduced to them correctly. As protectors, they can be relied on to bark at unusual noises or visitors. That being said, we would not classify the Wheaten as a watchdog. They are too inclined to make friends. However, it is exactly this disposition that makes the breed a wonderful choice for families with children. Their forgiving nature and willingness to romp around the house make them instant favorites with little ones.

Moderate exercise is recommended. You can expect Wheaten to easily fit into your schedule in regards to walks and “play time.”

Separation anxiety can be a problem with Wheaten. It seems like every time you leave, they consider it a final event. It is best not to create unnecessary attention or excitement around going out. Leave quietly and be sure to provide a reward upon your return to reinforce the desired behavior.

Wheats have very sensitive skin and do not respond well to flea or tick bites. Itchy skin and hot spots can be expected. They are also prone to various food allergies, ironically to wheat for example. You should consult with a vet for more details. They are also less tolerant of very hot weather. On the contrary, winter parties in the snow are highly desirable. In general though, Wheatens tend to be a long-lived, healthy breed with regular medical care and a balanced diet.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an excellent choice for families with children; For those who suffer from allergies or someone looking for a loyal friend for life. With moderate exercise, firm but friendly training, and regular brushing, the Wheaten will provide their owner with countless hours of companionship.